Biography
- Full Name: Song Jae-rim
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1985
- Place of Birth: Samseong-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Date of Death: November 12, 2024 (aged 39)
- Nationality: South Korean
- Family: Parents, younger sister Song Soo-rim (born 1986)
- Education: Attended Chung-Ang University (Information Systems), but dropped out to pursue acting.
- Military Service: Industrial Skills Service, discharged
- Agency: Independent at the time of his passing
Early Life and Career
Song Jae-rim attended Kwangshin High School and later enrolled at Chung-Ang University, where he pursued a major in Information Systems. However, his true passion lay in the arts, leading him to eventually leave university and pursue a career in entertainment. He served in the military through an Industrial Skills program due to health issues.
Song’s career began in modeling, where his striking features and well-proportioned physique made him popular. He quickly gained attention, becoming the first Korean model featured in top Japanese magazines like Men’s Nonno and POPEYE in 2011. His strong visual appeal and modeling success opened the door to acting, which had always been his primary ambition.
Acting Career
Song Jae-rim debuted as an actor in the 2009 film Actresses and took on minor roles in movies, music videos, and commercials. His breakout role came in the 2012 drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, where he portrayed a quiet warrior protecting the king. This role gained him the nickname “Chag-gul-nam” (cold and charismatic guy) and introduced him to a broader audience.
Filmography
| Movies | – Actresses (2009): His debut film role, where he made his first appearance on the big screen. – Lies (2010): He played a supporting role in this drama film. – The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012): He gained significant attention with his role as Kim Je-woon, a warrior protecting the king, in this historical drama that was a massive hit. – Two Weeks (2013): Song Jae-rim played a more intense role as a reticent killer in this action-packed drama. – Master’s Sun (2013): He continued his streak of strong supporting roles, playing a key character in this popular romantic drama. |
| Television Dramas | – The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012): This was his breakout role, and he became widely known as a “charming warrior” thanks to his portrayal of Kim Je-woon. – Nail Shop Paris (2013): A cable drama where he took on a role in a more modern setting, expanding his range. – Illusionary Tower (2013): Another cable drama in which Song portrayed a character involved in a suspenseful narrative. – Two Weeks (2013): He played a key role in this action-packed series. – We Got Married (2014): His appearance on this reality show with actress Kim So-eun helped him gain popularity, showing a more playful and charming side of his personality. – Unkind Women (2015): He played Iruo, a kendo instructor in this drama. – Our Gap-soon (2016): Song Jae-rim starred as the male lead in this SBS weekend drama, playing Heo Gap-dol, the long-time boyfriend of the titular character. – My Sassy Girl (2017): He also appeared in this drama, portraying a role that was a part of the love story. |
| Variety Shows | We Got Married (2014): He gained significant attention through his appearance with Kim So-eun, showing a playful and daring personality. |
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Song was known for his unique roles in both romantic and action-oriented series. He portrayed a range of characters, from skilled martial artists to gentle lovers, making him a versatile actor.
Personal Life and Dating
Though Song maintained a relatively private life, his close on-screen chemistry with co-star Kim So-eun led to widespread fan speculation about their relationship. However, Song rarely spoke about his personal life, focusing instead on his work and passion for acting. He was known for his love of cats, raising two named Leon and Brown Sugar.
In 2020, Sports Kyunghyang reported that actor Song Jae Rim and T-ara’s Jiyeon were seen together at a gas station, sparking dating rumors. The two appeared affectionate, leading to speculation that they were in a relationship. However, both their agencies quickly denied the rumors, insisting Song Jae Rim and Jiyeon are just close friends. The dating rumor between the two stars, who have an 8-year age difference, was dismissed within an hour of the initial report.
Death At the Age of 39
On November 12, 2024, Song Jae-rim was found dead. He was 39 years old. The deceased’s funeral was held at the Yeouido St. Mary’s Funeral Hall.
Song Jae-rim’s Facts
– Song’s zodiac sign is Aquarius.
– He began his career as a runway model for the Seoul collections of Juun. J, Herin Homme and Ha Sang Beg.
– Kim So-eun and he got popular on “We Got Married” thanks to their physical intimacy.
– He shot a pictorial for the brand SBENU with IU
– He acted in BoA‘s “Message” MV and 2NE1‘s “Go Away” MV.
– Police found a two-page handwritten will at the scene of his death.
