South Korean actor Song Jae Lim, best known for his breakout role in the K-drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, was found dead in his Seoul home on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old, who initially began as a model, gained popularity with the 2012 period drama and later appeared in various television series and variety shows.
Reports indicate a note was discovered in his apartment, with police stating there is no evidence of foul play.
His passing has reignited concerns over the intense pressures within South Korea’s entertainment industry.
Following the news of his death, fellow South Korean stars paid tribute to Song.
Fellow actor Yoo Sun, who worked alongside Song in the 2016 series Our Gap Soon, posted a photo of them together on Instagram with the caption: “It’s too sad, it hurts so much… May you find peace and rest.”
Another actor, Park Ho San said in an Instagram post: “Since you were always so cheerful, it’s hard to believe [the news].”
According to Yonhap News, the actor’s family has expressed their wish to hold a small, private funeral limited to close family members.
South Korea’s entertainment industry is known for its demanding environment, where celebrities are often held to rigorous standards regarding their appearance and behavior.
Recent deaths of prominent figures, including Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun and K-pop stars Moonbin, Goo Hara, and Sulli, have heightened concerns over the potential impact of these pressures on the mental health of those in the industry.