Song Young-kyu played the role of Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo)'s brother in the K-Drama, Hwarang. The actor was found dead at 55 in a car, a week after DUI scandal.

Last Updated: 11.30 AM, Aug 04, 2025
Song Young-kyu, best known for his role as Chief Choi in Extreme Job (also seen in Hwarang), was pronounced dead at 55. His mortal remains were discovered inside a car in a residential complex in Yongin of Gyeonggi province at around 8 a.m. KST, according to a report on Soompi. An acquaintance noticed him motionless and reported the authorities, who confirmed the demise on August 4.
Song Young-kyu, who played the role of Hwi Kyung-kong in Hwarang, was found dead a week after his DUI scandal. His mortal remains were discovered inside a car. The police are currently investigating the matter, but have not found any note or foul play at the scene. Young-kyu's family is being investigated for the same.
On June 19, the actor was caught driving under the influence for five kilometers in Yongin. He was driving to his home. The actor was then referred to the prosecution. The news became public after a month, thereby affecting his work. He was forced to step down from his play Shakespeare In Love, and his roles were edited from the K-Dramas, The Defects and The Winning Try. The scandal hit the peak just a week back, with the actor facing backlash from the local citizens.

Song Young-kyu played a brief role in Hwarang. He was seen as Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo)'s elder brother and the original Crown Prince, Lord Kim Hwi-kyung in the series. Despite his brief appearance, Hwi-kyung played a powerful character, and that did not go unnoticed.
RIP, Song Young-kyu.
Q. How did Song Young-kyu die?
A. Korean actor Song Young-kyu was found dead inside his car in Yongin of Gyeonggi province. He was discovered by an acquaintance.
Q. How old was Song Young-kyu when found dead?
A. Song Young-kyu died at the age of 55. He was found dead in his car in Gyeonggi's Yongin.
Q. What was Song Young-kyu's role in Hwarang?
A. K-Drama actor Song Young-kyu played the role of Hwi Kyung-kong in Hwarang. He was seen as Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo)'s brother.