Actor Jung Il-woo has said goodbye to his close friend Song Jae-rim, with tears in his eyes. The enduring friendship between the two, which lasted over a decade, continues even in the afterlife.
On November 13, Jung Il-woo posted a message on his Instagram story, saying, “Brother, you have to be happy there. I’m sorry. Let’s meet again.” While he did not explicitly mention Song Jae-rim, the message is understood to be a tribute, as Song’s funeral took place the next day on November 14.
Jung Il-woo and Song Jae-rim first met through the 2011 tvN drama “Flower Boy Ramen Shop.” As the lead actor, Jung became close with Song, who is two years older. Due to their bond, Jung actively recommended Song for a role in the following year’s MBC drama “Moon Embracing the Sun.”
In “Moon Embracing the Sun,” Song Jae-rim played the character Kim Je-woon, winning the nickname “Cha Gun-nam” and garnering much affection from viewers. With his sharp looks and model-like physique, he captivated audiences alongside Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Il-woo, and Im Si-wan.
Sadly, Song Jae-rim is no longer by Jung Il-woo’s side. He was found deceased in his Seoul home on November 12, leaving behind two farewell letters. He was 39 years old. Jung Il-woo has been deeply mournful over the sudden news, saying his final goodbyes to Song with tears.
Song Jae-rim’s private funeral is scheduled for noon on November 14, at the request of his family.
Having debuted as a model and transitioning to acting in 2009, Song Jae-rim gained recognition with his role in “Flower Boy Ramen Shop” and “Moon Embracing the Sun,” among other dramas like “Inspiring Generation,” “Unkind Ladies,” and “Our Gap-soon.” He also appeared in movies such as “Hello” and “Bait.”
Most recently, he participated in various projects, including TVING’s “The Queen’s House,” JTBC’s “Heart-Pounding Romance,” the play “Wife,” and the musical “The Rose of Versailles.” The upcoming film “Crash: A Failed Businessman” (directed by Hyun Hae-ri) is set to be his last work.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or difficulty, please contact the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or consult SNS counseling Madeleine for 24-hour expert support.