RIP Song Young Kyu
Song Young Kyu IBT

The sudden death of veteran K-drama actor Song Young Kyu early today has left the South Korean entertainment industry reeling and raised pressing questions about the future of his two ongoing television dramas, ENA's The Defects and SBS's The Winning Try.

The 55-year-old actor, known for his versatility and acclaimed performances in projects such as Extreme Job, Hot Stove League and Narco-Saints, was found dead inside a parked car in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

His body was discovered by an acquaintance, who immediately alerted the authorities. Police have since ruled out foul play and confirmed that no suicide note was found at the scene. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, an autopsy is being conducted to determine more details.

Minimal Edits for The Winning Try

At the time of his passing, Song was playing a significant role in The Winning Try, a drama that had already completed filming before his death. According to production insiders, the series will undergo only minimal editing. Most of his scenes are expected to remain as originally filmed, with only slight adjustments made to ensure the story flows smoothly.

This means that when The Winning Try airs, viewers will still be able to see the majority of Song's final performance on screen. The decision has been described as both a practical and emotional choice, allowing the production to honour the late actor's work without erasing his contributions to the drama.

Significant Cuts Planned for The Defects

In contrast, ENA's The Defects is taking a more cautious approach. Following the public backlash to Song's DUI arrest in June, producers had already announced that his appearances would be reduced 'as much as possible.' This decision remains in place, and the editing process will continue to remove or minimise his presence where feasible.

The decision reflects both the impact of the controversy and the need to address audience sentiment. However, the production team is expected to retain essential scenes that are critical to the plot. While this approach may affect the drama's pacing and character arcs, the network has confirmed that it will continue with broadcast plans.

Career and Impact

Song's death comes at a time when he had been experiencing one of the busiest years of his career. In 2025 alone, he appeared in multiple projects, including Love Scout, The Haunted Palace, The Tale of Lady Ok and Oh My Ghost Clients. His ability to take on a variety of roles, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers, made him a familiar and respected presence in Korean entertainment.

Colleagues and industry peers have spoken of his professionalism and dedication to his craft. His unexpected passing has left a significant gap in both the current drama line-up and in the broader industry, where he was valued for his range and reliability.

Balancing Legacy and Production Demands

The handling of Song's final works will likely shape how audiences remember him in the years to come. While The Winning Try will stand as a near-complete showcase of his final acting role, The Defects may be remembered as the project most affected by both the controversy and his untimely passing.

Producers of both series face the delicate task of balancing production needs with respect for Song's legacy. For fans, these dramas will carry an added emotional weight, offering a last opportunity to see the actor on screen and to reflect on a career that ended far too soon.

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