The funeral for the late Korean actor Song Jae-rim, who appeared in the hit drama “Moon Embracing the Sun,” was held on Nov. 14.
Song Jae-rim (송재림), 39, was found dead at his home in Seongdong, Seoul at about 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 12. A friend who had made a lunch appointment visited, discovered Song Jae-rim, and reported it to the police.
No foul play was involved in his death, according to the police.
“So far, no suspicion of murder or other crime has been confirmed,” said a police officer at Seongdong Police Station.
A two-page suicide note was found at the scene.
Korean actor Song Jae-rim (Instagram)
Actress Kim So-eun and Song Jae-rim in "We Got Married" (Kim So-eun's Instagram)
Actress Kim So-eun and Song Jae-rim in "We Got Married" (MBC)
Actress Kim So-eun, Song Jae-rim’s onscreen partner, paid tribute to him. Kim So-eun and Song Jae-rim acted as a couple in the reality TV show “We Got Married” season 4, which ran from 2014 to 2015.
After “We Got Married,” the two also starred as a couple in the drama “Our Gap-soon,” a 61-episode series that ran from 2016 to 2017.
"My heart aches so much that I can't express it in words. I hope the long trip isn't lonely. Goodbye, my friend. See you again,” Kim So-eun posted on Instagram Stories along with their photo.
She added, “I sent him off well. You don't have to worry about me," referring to netizens who were worried about her.
Actor Jung Il-woo, who worked with Song Jae-rim in “Moon Embracing the Sun,” paid tribute to him, posting on Instagram, "You should be happy there. I'm sorry. Let's meet again."
Other colleagues in the entertainment industry paid tribute to Song Jae-rim.
Before his death, Song Jae-rim posted on his Instagram account “a long journey begins.” His last post was on Jan. 23 this year.
It was reported that Song Jae-rim suffered from harassment from a Japanese fan.
The fan stalked Song Jae-rim and posted comments against him such as “You gifted fans' presents to your friends, didn't you?" and "You really think you can hide your vile nature behind your acting?”, SBS Star reported.
He made his debut as an actor in 2009 and gained attention when he played the role of warrior Kim Jae-woon in the 2012 drama “Moon Embracing the Sun,” which starred Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo, and Kim Min-seo.
He also appeared in the dramas “Cool Guys, Hot Ramen," "Two Weeks," "Unkind Ladies," "Goodbye Mr. Black," "Our Gap-soon," "My Military Valentine," and "Queen Woo."
The actor’s wake was held at Yeouido St. Mary's Funeral Hall and he was cremated at the Seoul Metropolitan Crematorium.
Song Jae-rim also performed in the musical “La Rose de Versailles,” which ended on Oct. 13 and became his last work.
Song Jae-rim and Jung Il-woo in "Moon Embracing the Sun" (MBC, Fantagio)
Actors Jung Eun-pyo and Song Jae-rim in "Moon Embracing the Sun" (Instagram)