Unfortunately, the glitz and glamour of the Korean entertainment industry isn’t all it’s made out to be.
Over the past decade, some well-known and beloved stars have sadly passed away.
Here are some familiar faces who left us too soon.
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Parasite Star Lee Sun‑kyun
Lee Sun‑kyun, widely known for his role in Parasite, was found dead on December 27, 2023. He was discovered in his car in a park in central Seoul. Authorities report that there was a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat – a common method used in South Korea for suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Prior to his death, Lee had been under investigation over alleged drug use.
Kim Sae‑ron
Kim Sae‑ron, who broke into acting as a child and featured in films like The Man from Nowhere, was found dead in her Seoul home on 16 February 2025. South Korean police ruled her death a suicide. Her career had been severely affected after a drunk-driving incident in 2022, and she faced harsh public backlash, including negative media coverage and online criticism, which has been widely cited as contributing to her distress.
Song Jae Lim
Song Jae Lim was discovered dead in his apartment in Seoul in November 2024. He was 39. Reports say a note was found at the scene, but there was no evidence of foul play.
Song Young‑kyu
Actor Song Young‑kyu, known for Extreme Job, Narco‑Saints, Big Bet, and other roles, was found dead inside his parked car in a residential complex in Yongin, near Seoul, on the morning of August 4, 2025. Authorities said there were no signs of foul play and no suicide note was found.
Jo Min‑ki
Jo Min‑ki was a prominent actor and professor. In March 2018, amid accusations of sexual misconduct by students, he was found dead in an underground parking lot in Seoul in an apparent suicide. He left behind a six‑page note expressing apologies to his students and family.
Choi Jin‑sil
Choi Jin‑sil, one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses, nicknamed “the Nation’s Actress”, died on October 2, 2008, aged 39. She died by suicide – hanging – in her home in Seoul after enduring distressing rumours and intense public scrutiny.
Ahn Jae‑hwan
Ahn Jae‑hwan, an actor and singer, was found dead in his car in Seoul in September 2008. He had died some days earlier (estimates 10‑15 days before discovery), and his death was ruled suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jang Ja-yeon
Jang Ja-yeon, 29, star of Boys Over Flowers, was found dead in 2009 in an apparent suicide. She left behind a letter claiming she was abused and exploited by powerful figures in the entertainment industry, triggering national outrage and calls for justice.