6 best Song Jae-rim shows: Revisiting roles in wake of actor’s death at 39 

On November 12, 2024, the South Korean media outlet Star Today reported that actor and model Song Jae-rim had passed away. According to Seongdong Police Station, Seoul, the actor was found dead at his home in Seongdong-gu by one of his friends. It was also revealed by the MBC Entertainment news that a suicide note on two pages of an A4 sheet paper was discovered at the scene.

The police also spoke to Star Today and added:

"There was no suspicion of murder or other crimes involved."

Song Jae-rim began his acting career with a role in the 2009 film Actresses. Subsequently, the news about Song Jae-rim's untimely demise was widespread among the K-drama Community, and they mourned the death of the actor. Here are some of his most notable roles that fans could revisit in the memory of the actor.

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6 best Song Jae-rim shows: Nail Shop Paris, Surplus Princess, and others

1) Nail Shop Paris

Where to watch: AsianCrush and Tubi

The comedy-romance series Nail Shop Paris revolved around a successful writer, Hong Yeo-joo. She decided to work at a prominent Parisian nail shop to find new themes for her forthcoming story and get rid of her writer's block. As the shop only hired men, Yeo-joo decided to disguise herself as a boy and subsequently faced multiple challenges.

Song Ja-rim played the character of Kay, aka Kang Jong-hyuk, which was one of the leading roles in the series.

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2) Surplus Princess

Where to watch: tvN

The fantasy and romance series Surplus Princess revolved around a mermaid princess, Ha-ni, from the underwater empire who fell in love with Shi Kyung. She transformed into a human being and started residing at In Gyeo House. However, she needed to make Shi-kyung head over her heels for her within 100 days.

Song Ja-rim portrayed the character of a famous chef, Kwon Shi-kyung, in the human realm. He was described as having a cold and arrogant personality. However, he suffered from prosopagnosia.

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3) Thumping Spike

Featuring Thumping Spike cast (Image via Rakuten Viki)

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki

The youth and sports series Thumping Spike revolved around a story presenting sportsmanship and budding romance. It showcases how a volleyball coach and his players developed strong bonds of friendship and teamwork while playing volleyball.

Song Jae-rim took the role of Hwang Jae-woong. He impressed the viewers by flaunting his athletic side to the world.

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4) Our Gap Soon

Featuring Our Gap Soon cast (Image via Rakuten Viki)

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki and Kocowa

The 2016 and 2017 series featured a virtual couple from the MBC's hit variety program We Got Married as the protagonist in the series. The drama Our Gap Soon showcased the events that encouraged optimistic thoughts related to marriage. It showcased the positive side of different kinds of couples who were married, remarried, divorced, cohabitation couples, and other relations.

Song Jae-rim took the role of an unemployed college graduate, Heo Gab-dol, who had invested his previous years into the preparation of civil services. He was financially and emotionally supported by his girlfriend, Shin Gap-soon.

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5) I Wanna Hear Your Song

Featuring I Wanna Hear Your Song cast (Image via Rakuten Viki)

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki and Kocowa

The romantic and thriller series I Wanna Hear Your Song follows the story of a clueless female protagonist, Hong Yi-young, who witnesses a murder. However, she could not remember anything about the unfortunate event. Faced with uncertainty in life, she encountered Jang-yoon, who helped her navigate the challenges and recover the forgotten memories.

Song Jae-rim played the role of an orchestra conductor, Nam Joo-wan, who was a charming character.

6) How to Be Thirty

Featuring How To Be Thirty Cast (Image via Rakuetn Viki)

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki, iQIYI, and Kakao TV

The romance and comedy series How To Be Thirty featured the stories of a group of friends in their early thirties, including Seo Ji-won, Cha Do-hoon, and Lee Seung-yoo. The trio gets involved in a love triangle while navigating the objectives and goals of their career.

Song Jae-rim donned the role of a film director, Cha Do-hoon, who had been assigned the responsibility of Seo Ji-won's web-based series for the screen. The duo gradually became close to each other and developed a cordial bond in the drama How To Be Thirty.

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Song Jae-rim kick-started his career in the entertainment industry as a runway model for Seoul Collections of prominent fashion designers, including Juun. J, Herin Hoome, and Ha Sang-beg. The actor is known for other dramas, including Moon Embracing the Sun, Clean with Passion for Now, Secret Mother, Borg Mom, Queen Woo, and other shows.