Final Photo of Song Jae-rim from ‘The Moon Embracing the Sun’ Before His Passing

Tragic Passing of Actor Song Jae-rim Shocks Asia

On the afternoon of November 12, 2024, the entertainment world was rocked by the heartbreaking news of actor Song Jae-rim’s untimely death at the age of 39. His funeral service is scheduled for 12 PM on November 14 at the Yeouido St. Mary Funeral Hall. Authorities have reported that he was discovered lifeless in his Seongdong-gu apartment in Seoul, with a poignant two-page suicide note found at the scene.

A Challenging Departure

On the same day as the announcement of his passing, Song Jae-rim’s former agency stated to TV Daily that they were unaware of his future plans after his exclusive contract expired earlier in the year.

Career Highlights

Born in 1985, Song Jae-rim transitioned from modeling to acting, making his film debut in Actresses (2009). He gained prominence with his role in the iconic drama Secret Garden the following year, which enchanted audiences across Asia. His portrayal in this series earned significant praise, but it was his breakthrough performance in the historical drama The Moon Embracing the Sun that solidified his fame, achieving an impressive average viewership rating of over 40%.

Song Jae-rim in The Moon Embracing the Sun — Song Jae-rim in *The Moon Embracing the Sun*, a career-defining role.

In The Moon Embracing the Sun, he portrayed Kim Jae-woon, the steadfast guard of the protagonist Lee Hwon. Despite limited screen time compared to lead actors Kim Soo-hyun and Jung Il-woo, his character was beloved for its compelling demeanor and action-packed sequences. Following this success, Song Jae-rim actively sought leading roles, demonstrating his versatility in productions like Nail Shop Paris, Fantasy Tower, and Unkind Ladies. At the time of his death, he had starred in 26 dramas, 11 films, and one web series, with another film anticipated.

Reality TV Engagement

Song’s charisma extended beyond acting; he also captivated audiences with his participation in the reality show We Got Married, where actress Kim So-eun described him as her ideal partner, further enhancing his popularity.

Unexpected Tragedy Amidst a Flourishing Career

Fans were left stunned by the news of his passing, particularly given that Song Jae-rim was actively involved in multiple projects during 2024. He had recently completed performances in the musical The Rose of Versailles and was starring in the dramas Queen Woo and My Military Valentine. Additionally, he was set to begin work on the film Death Business, actively participating in all script readings and appearing to show no signs of distress.

Song Jae-rim at Queen Woo script reading — Song Jae-rim at a *Queen Woo* script reading in August 2023 (second from the right).

Details of His Final Film

Death Business tells the story of a group of young criminals aiming to exploit reward money designated for the vulnerable, only to face unforeseen challenges that lead to their downfall. The film has completed post-production and is set for release by the end of 2024, marking it as Song Jae-rim’s final cinematic endeavor.

Death Business film — *Death Business* becomes the actor’s final film.

Last Thoughts and Social Media Closing

The last post on Song Jae-rim’s social media, which was made 41 weeks ago, adds to the heartache. His final message from March of last year had the comments section disabled and his username changed to “A Long Journey Begins,” deepening the sorrow felt by his fans in light of the tragic news.

Conclusion

Song Jae-rim’s unexpected passing serves as a poignant reminder of the often hidden struggles faced by those in the entertainment industry. His expansive body of work and memorable roles will continue to resonate with audiences far and wide.

Source: K14

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