What caused Song Young-kyu's death? Drunk driving, a harsh lesson, posthumous work, Netflix

The news of actor Song Young-kyu's death is being brought back into the spotlight with the release of the Netflix series "True Education."

He left a strong impression on the public with his role as Chief Choi in the movie *Extreme Job* and was an actor who was actively working in both dramas and plays until his death. However, shortly before his death, it was revealed that he had been referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of drunk driving, leading to the editing out of his projects and his withdrawal from them; the subsequent sudden tragic news added to the sorrow.

1. What is the cause of Song Young-gyu's death?

Song Young-gyu was found dead inside a vehicle in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do on the morning of August 4, 2025.

송영규 사망 원인은? 음주운전, 참교육, 유작, 넷플릭스

It is reported that an acquaintance discovered him at the time and reported it to the police, who stated that no signs of foul play or other criminal activity were found. While media reports regarding the suicide note varied slightly, the key point is that the specific cause of death has not been officially and definitively disclosed.

2. How did the drunk driving controversy become known?

Song Young-kyu was accused of driving under the influence of alcohol for a distance of approximately 5 km from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, on the night of June 19, 2025, prior to his death. Police responded to a citizen's report, and it was reported that his blood alcohol concentration at the time was 0.08% or higher, the legal limit for license revocation. Subsequently, he was referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act.

As this fact became known belatedly, it also affected the projects he was currently appearing in. The SBS drama *Try: We Are a Miracle* and the ENA drama *I-Shopping* reviewed whether to edit out the footage already filmed, and it was decided that he would withdraw from the play *Shakespeare in Love*.

Drunk driving is clearly a problem that deserves criticism, but as news of the death spread, the public reaction shifted to an atmosphere of mixed criticism and sorrow.

3. Why is Netflix's 'True Education' garnering attention as a posthumous work?

The Netflix series *True Education*, released in June 2026, is garnering attention as Song Young-kyu’s final work, as it is known to be the last project he completed filming before his death. The series deals with the story of the Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau, which emerges to rectify the collapsed state of the education system, and stars Kim Moo-yeol, Lee Sung-min, Jin Ki-joo, and Pyo Ji-hoon.

Song Young-kyu played the role of Ryu Gwang-pil, a member of the National Assembly and a presidential candidate in the drama.

Ryu Gwang-pil appears as a character who uses his power to cover up his son's problems. Song Young-kyu leaves a strong impression despite his brief screen time, delivering a weighty portrayal of the duplicity and pressure of a corrupt politician. In that it allows viewers to re-experience his acting—which could not be fully seen due to editing or his departure following his death—"True Education" is being accepted not merely as a new work, but as the final record of actor Song Young-kyu's performance.

4. Song Young-kyu's Filmography and the Significance of His Final Moments

Song Young-kyu made his debut in 1994 with the children's musical *Muteol Dosa* and has been active on stage, in dramas, and in movies for a long time.

His most widely known work is the movie *Extreme Job*. Playing the role of Chief Choi in *Extreme Job*, he demonstrated a brief but distinct presence, and subsequently established himself as a scene-stealer in various works such as *Stove League* and *Casino*. Although he appeared more frequently in supporting roles than leading ones, he was praised as an actor who solidly anchored the atmosphere of a production.

The drunk driving controversy just before his death left a major stain on his career. At the same time, following the release of *True Education*, viewers are feeling complex emotions as they rewatch his final performance. While the wrongdoing must be clearly remembered, the acting legacy he built over a long period also remains. Therefore, the final issue surrounding Song Young-kyu is not merely the news of his death, but is summarized as an event intertwined with the drunk driving controversy, the suspension of his activities, the release of his posthumous work, and his remaining filmography.

FAQ

Q. What is the cause of Song Young-gyu's death?

A. The person was found dead inside a vehicle, and although there were no signs of foul play, the specific cause was not officially confirmed or disclosed.

Q. When did Song Young-gyu pass away?

A. Found dead on August 4, 2025.

Q. When was Song Young-gyu caught drunk driving?

A. On the night of June 19, 2025, I was caught drunk driving in the Yongin area.

Q. What is Song Young-gyu's last work?

A. The Netflix series *True Education* is known to be the posthumous work that was completed during his lifetime.