A Celebration, Not a Funeral’… The Late Song Jae-rim’s Bucket List and Final Interview

Actor Song Jae-rim passed away at the age of 39, bringing renewed attention to his past interviews. In a 2022 interview related to the movie "Hello," he calmly shared his bucket list and deep thoughts about life. In that interview, Song Jae-rim expressed his wish for his funeral to be like a festival, saying he wanted to "serve champagne to people at his funeral." Through this interview, the deceased left a lasting impression on many fans with his honest thoughts about death and his message about his final moments.

The Movie "Hello" and Song Jae-rim's Final Performance

The movie "Hello" starring Song Jae-rim, depicts the story of a lonely high school student who discovers the warmth of the world through interactions with people they meet at a hospice ward. Song Jae-rim played the role of Yoon Bit, a barista at the hospice ward, conveying a deep message about life and death through a character close to those facing death. This work, which seems to intersect with his own life, appears to have held special meaning for him.

Actor Song Jae-rim (right) and actors Lee Yoon-ji (left) and Kim Hwan-hee (center) in the movie “Hello” released in 2022. Source: YouTube channel ‘MK Studio’ capture

"I think I'll miss my parents the most"... His Last Words

When asked who would come to mind first when facing death, he mentioned his parents, adding, "I'll miss my parents." However, he also expressed his attachment to and concern about life by saying, "I can't go first." Also, when asked about his criteria for choosing roles, he honestly replied, "I'm wondering whether I should act according to the script or act as I want to," revealing his deep struggles with his path and identity as an actor. This also shows his honest and humble personality.

Song Jae-rim's Message to His Fans, “It’s Okay to Take it Easy”

The late actor Song Jae-rim / Source: YouTube channel ‘MK Studio’ screenshot

At the end of the interview, Song Jae-rim said to his fans, "We are all trying our best," adding, "Even the moment we're lying in bed watching YouTube, we're enduring everything with our whole bodies." He also offered a message of comfort to those burdened by all that effort, saying, "It might be okay to take it easy." His attitude of comforting others even in difficult situations left a deep impression on his fans and continues to resonate even today.

An Acting Career Built Through Movies and Plays, Diverse Works

The late actor Song Jae-rim / Source: YouTube channel ‘MK Studio’ screenshot

Song Jae-rim debuted in the 2009 film "Actresses" and gained attention in 2012 for his role as a warrior in the drama The Moon Embracing the Sun. He then appeared in the variety show We Got Married, leaving a friendly image with fans and gaining popularity. Recently, he also appeared in the TVING original drama Queen Woo's Man, continuing his steady acting career.

His Last Social Media Message Before His Passing, “The Beginning of a Long Journey”

Recently, Song Jae-rim posted the short phrase "The beginning of a long journey" on his social media. Fans remember this as his last message and express their condolences. Song Jae-rim's wake was held at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, and the funeral is scheduled for the 14th. According to the police investigation, there are no signs of foul play, and fans who couldn't bear to let him go still remember his warm comfort and honest heart.

Song Jae-rim's heartfelt stories from his lifetime and his diverse acting will forever be remembered in the hearts of his fans. We hope his messages and kind words offer some comfort to his fans.

The True Face of a Sasaeng Fan Revealed After Song Jae-rim's Passing... Fans' Outrage Explodes

Furthermore, the revelation that he was persistently harassed by a Japanese sasaeng fan has fueled the anger of fans and netizens.

On the 12th, Song Jae-rim was found dead at his home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. A friend who was supposed to have lunch with him visited his residence and discovered Song Jae-rim's body, reporting it to the police. The sad news of Song Jae-rim's passing at the young age of 39 has shocked fans and colleagues alike.

Persistent Harassment by a Sasaeng Fan, Actions That Went Too Far

Following the news of Song Jae-rim's death, the controversy has spread as cases of harm inflicted by his sasaeng fan have come to light. The sasaeng fan, a Japanese national, is said to have persistently spread Song Jae-rim's personal information and repeatedly invaded his privacy.

In particular, the sasaeng fan used their SNS account to post photos of Song Jae-rim and his acquaintances without permission, pouring scorn and criticism on them. In the process, they posted malicious messages such as, "Were the gifts from fans offered to ○○?", and "Can you hide your true nature with that acting skill?", causing great suffering to Song Jae-rim and those around him.

Not only that, but they also harassed him by finding his private account, publicly revealing the faces of his acquaintances and posting humiliating posts, etc., escalating their malicious actions. Song Jae-rim's fans strongly criticized the sasaeng fan's actions, stating that "he suffered greatly mentally."

The Sasaeng Fan's Actions and Song Jae-rim's Death, What's the Connection?

While it has not been confirmed whether there is a direct link between Song Jae-rim's death and the sasaeng fan's actions, it is clear that the fan's persistent harassment caused harm. Song Jae-rim's fans agree that "it is heartbreaking that we only found out now that he had been going through a difficult time."

After the news of his death, the sasaeng fan deleted all their SNS accounts and disappeared, but the anger of fans and the public remains.

Police Investigation and Song Jae-rim's Last Journey

The police confirmed that there were no signs of foul play at the scene of Song Jae-rim's death. It is reported that a document that appears to be a suicide note was found, suggesting a high possibility of suicide.

Song Jae-rim's wake was held at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital funeral home, and the funeral is scheduled for noon on the 14th.

Sasaeng Fan Problem, Fundamental Solutions Are Needed

This incident has heightened public concern about the sasaeng fan problem. Excessive obsession with and invasion of the privacy of celebrities causes great harm not only to the celebrities themselves but also to those around them. The sasaeng fan problem, which transcends national borders, is particularly serious due to the difficulty of legal sanctions.

Song Jae-rim's unfortunate death has brought deep sorrow to his fans and served as a reminder to the public of the seriousness of the sasaeng fan problem.

※ If you are experiencing depression or other difficulties, or if you know someone who is, please seek help. You can contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at ☎1393, the Mental Health Hotline at ☎1577-0199, the Hope Line at ☎129, the Life Line at ☎1588-9191, the Youth Hotline at ☎1388, or the youth mobile counseling app ‘Da Deureojul Gae,’ or KakaoTalk, where you can receive 24-hour professional counseling.