▲ This Yonhap file photo shows South Korean actor Song Jae-rim, posing for photos before an interview at Yonhap News Agency's Seoul headquarters on June 7, 2015. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- Actor Song Jae-rim, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, remained dedicated to his craft up until his final days.

 

Actively working across TV dramas, theater, and musicals. Originally a model, Song debuted in the 2009 film Actresses. His breakthrough came with the 2012 drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, where he played the stoic royal guard Kim Jae-woon, earning the nickname "chagwolnam," meaning "the handsome, cold palace man" for his composed, serious demeanor.

 

▲ This Yonhap file photo shows South Korean actor Song Jae-rim, posing for photos at the press conference for mega-hit Kdrama "The Moon Embracing the Sun" held in Seoul on Dec. 2, 2012. (Yonhap)

 

Song’s talent for action roles became his hallmark. He took on the role of a silent assassin in Two Weeks, a martial arts expert in Inspiring Generation, and a kendo instructor in Unkind Ladies. His action skills were further showcased in films such as The Suspect and Yaksha: Ruthless Operations, where he portrayed special agents.

 

In 2014, Song gained immense popularity by joining the reality show We Got Married, where he displayed his charming yet humorous side alongside actress Kim So-eun. Their on-screen chemistry led them to reunite as lead characters in the SBS drama Our Gap-soon.

 

Song continued to explore diverse roles, appearing in the recent TVING original series Queen Woo and Bloody Romance on Rakuten Viki. His passion for acting extended to the stage, with performances in the play Wife in February and the musical The Rose of Versailles, which concluded last month. He had also completed filming for the movie Collapse: Man Who Lost His Business.

 

In an interview with Yonhap News, Song once reflected, “My acting motto is to keep moving steadily,” expressing his ambition to be a consistent actor rather than one defined by a single breakout role.

 

▲ Actor Song Jae-rim performs a key scene during a rehearsal open to the public for the play "Wife," held at JTN Art Hall in Jongno, Seoul, on Dec. 13, 2023. (Yonhap)

 

Beyond Korea, Song enjoyed popularity throughout Asia, holding fan meetings in Japan and conducting tours across China, Thailand, Taiwan, and more. 

 

After ending his exclusive contract with his former agency last year, Song ventured into solo activities, recently posting “The beginning of a long journey” on his social media, a phrase now seen as poignantly prophetic.

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