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Who was Song Jae Rim? Know all about late Queen Woo star's rise to fame from runway model to K-drama actor
In a sudden shock to the South Korean entertainment industry, Song Jae Rim has left his admirers and colleagues mourning. We honor the late actor for his journey from model to popular K-drama actor.
In a devastating turn of events, the South Korean entertainment industry has lost one of its brightest talents. Actor and model Song Jae Rim, whose career spanned a remarkable evolution from the runway to beloved K-drama roles, has left a void that will be deeply felt by his fans, colleagues, and the broader entertainment community.
His unexpected passing has brought an outpouring of grief from those who knew him, both professionally and personally. To honor his memory, let’s take a look back at the journey that made Song Jae Rim a household name and a cherished star.
A model career before the stepping into spotlight as an actor
Born on February 18, 1985, in Daehak Dong, Seoul, Song Jae Rim had an unconventional path to stardom. Growing up with a keen interest in the arts and fashion, he began his career in the modeling world, gracing the catwalks of Seoul’s prestigious collections. He worked with renowned designers such as Juun. J, Herin Homme, and Ha Sang Beg, quickly becoming a fixture in the fashion industry. His striking looks, paired with his natural charisma, earned him a place in multiple magazines and advertisements.
Despite his early success as a model, Song Jae Rim had always been drawn to acting. His academic background was somewhat unexpected for an aspiring actor; he graduated from Chung Ang University with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This logical side of him might have shaped his disciplined work ethic throughout his career. However, it wasn’t the predictable career path of engineering that truly had his heart. Instead, he found himself drawn to a different kind of artistry: acting.
The transition into acting
In 2009, Song Jae Rim made his acting debut, marking the beginning of a career that would eventually span over a decade. His first major role came in 2011 in Moon Embracing the Sun, an immensely successful historical drama. As Kim Jae Won, a loyal bodyguard to the king, Song Jae Rim's subtle yet impactful performance garnered attention, marking him as an actor to watch. His portrayal of a sensitive yet strong character paved the way for future roles that displayed both his emotional understanding and versatility.
The following year, he landed a role in Cool Guys, Hot Ramen in 2010, a lighthearted series where he showed his charming side, winning over fans with his comedic timing and boyish charm. However, it wasn’t until 2013, with his role as a cold-blooded assassin in Two Weeks, that Song Jae Rim truly began to garner the attention of a wider audience. His performance as Mr. Kim was intense and gritty, demonstrating his range as an actor who could seamlessly transition from the traditional handsome lead to more complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Meanwhile, Song Jae Rim also made notable appearances in music videos of K-pop stars like 2NE1, KARA, BOA, After School, and more.
Rise to fame on We Got Married with Kim So Eun
Despite his solid acting portfolio, it was his appearance on the reality variety show We Got Married in 2014 that truly skyrocketed Song Jae Rim’s popularity. Paired with actress Kim So Eun in the show’s fourth season, Song Jae Rim's natural chemistry with his partner captured the hearts of viewers.
The couple’s playful, loving, and occasionally awkward interactions brought a new side to Song Jae Rim’s public persona, making him a household name. Their undeniable chemistry earned them the coveted Best Couple Award at the 2014 MBC Entertainment Awards, further cementing Song Jae Rim’s place in the hearts of K-drama fans.
Song Jae Rim’s plethora of roles and recognition
After We Got Married, Song Jae Rim continued to show his versatility across a wide range of genres. From 2015’s Unkind Ladies to Secret Mother, where he played Ha Jung Wan, his characters continued to evolve, often stepping into roles that allowed him to show exceptional acting skills. In 2016, his role in Our Gap Soon as Heo Gap Dol earned him the Special Acting Award at the SBS Drama Awards, further solidifying his talent and dedication to his craft.
Throughout his career, Song Jae Rim also took on various roles in films such as Yaksha: Ruthless Operations in 2022, where he portrayed Jae Gyu, and The Snob in 2019, where he played Seo Jin Ho. These roles showed his adaptability to both the small and big screen, seamlessly switching between dramas and movies with ease.
One of his most recent roles was in My Military Valentine and the period drama Queen Woo, where he played the character Go Pae Eui. In addition to his K-drama roles, Song Jae Rim also stepped onto the stage, starring in the musical La Rose de Versailles earlier this year, a project that allowed him to explore yet another facet of his artistry. Moreover, the star’s latest works also include upcoming Korean movies, Get Rich and Salmon.
Song Jae Rim wasn’t just a celebrity, he was an actor who poured his heart into every role, continuously challenging himself and pushing boundaries. Whether playing the charismatic hero, the tortured soul, or the cheeky romantic, Song Jae Rim’s performances were always layered with sincerity and a deep understanding of the character.
As a person, he was known for his warm, down-to-earth personality, and his relationships with colleagues and fans were always filled with respect and admiration. His willingness to be vulnerable, whether in variety shows or his social media posts, allowed his fans to feel personally connected to him, further strengthening the bond between the actor and his audience.
The sudden news of Song Jae Rim’s passing has sent shockwaves across the world. As his fans, family, and colleagues cope with this tragic news, Song Jae Rim’s memory will live on through his incredible body of work. From his early days as a runway model to his celebrated acting career and recent theatrical pursuits, Song Jae Rim’s journey was one of passion, perseverance, and undeniable talent. He will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to countless viewers and the mark he left on the industry.
Rest in peace, Song Jae Rim!
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