“I‘m sorry, I’m sorry...”

As much as it is unbelievable news, the mournful condolences are endless. Fellow celebrities mourning the sudden passing of Song Jae-rim on the 12th unanimously expressed their bewilderment, saying, “I‘m sorry.” It is because they felt remorse and regret for not being able to take care of his pain despite having worked with him in the entertainment industry for a long time.

Actor Kim Min-kyo seemed to be even more shocked and saddened because he had kept in touch with the late Song Jae-rim until recently.

He expressed his condolences through his SNS, saying, “Jae-rim, a month ago you talked to me on the phone in a bright voice saying you were performing, why?”You’re burying another star in your heart, I‘ll remember it forever.“

Messages of remembrance from those who had worked together on the project and formed a relationship followed.

Actor Yoo Sun, who co-starred in the 2014 drama ‘Our Gap-soon’, revealed a photo taken with Song Jae-rim while he was still alive, saying, “It’s so sad, and so painful. Please, find comfort and rest”, and Lee El expressed her sorrow, saying, “I‘m sorry, Jae-rim”. Lee El co-starred with Jae-rim in the 2022 film ‘Yacha’.

Park Ho-san made viewers feel even sadder by revealing a photo of him smiling brightly with Song Jae-rim. He lamented, “I can’t believe you were such a bright person. I‘m so sorry I couldn’t contact you or take care of you.”

Broadcaster Hong Suk-cheon also said, ”I‘m sad that I won’t be able to see that wonderful smile of yours again, and I‘m devastated that I can’t take better care of you and have to send you off without saying goodbye,“ and added, ”I‘m sorry, I’m sorry again.“

Messages of condolence from fans overseas are pouring in as well. When fans were unable to leave messages on Song Jae-rim‘s SNS due to the comment restriction setting, they edited his photos and posted messages saying, ”I hope you’re happy in heaven,“ praying for his soul to rest in peace.

Kim So-eun, who appeared as a virtual couple with Song Jae-rim on the entertainment program ‘We Got Married’ and co-starred with him in the drama ‘Our Gap-soon’, is also posting messages of condolence in languages from all over the world on her SNS.

Song Jae-rim was found dead at his home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 12th.

It was reported that a friend who had planned to have lunch with him that day visited the deceased‘s house and reported it to the police.

The police found a two-page suicide note at the scene, and since there were no signs of murder or other crimes, they presumed that he ended his life.

The bereaved family, who stated that they wanted to send him off quietly, will hold the funeral at 2 p.m. on the 14th.


Reporter Lee Jeong-yeon annjoy@donga.com