The Tragic Death Of Song Yoo Jung

South Korean actress and model Song Yoo Jung died at the age of 26 on Jan. 23, 2021, according to her management company, Sublime Artist Agency. As per Newsweek's Korean translation, the talent agency confirmed her death in a statement via Instagram, writing, "Actress Song Yu Jung departed this life on January 23, 2021. In accordance with the wishes of her family, the funeral was held quietly and the funeral procession takes place on January 25." 

According to People, Jung was best known for her starring roles in the TV shows Make a Wish and School 2017. She made her acting debut in 2013's Golden Rainbow, as per The Mirror, as well as modeled for brands like Estee Lauder, The Body Shop, and Baskin-Robins ice cream. On top of that, Jung appeared in various music videos, according to the New York Times, including pop band Standing Egg's "From Friends to Lovers" and K-pop group iKON's "Goodbye Road." She also had over 50,000 Instagram followers and often shared posts of her travels and images with her friends and dogs.

Sublime Artist Agency's statement did not reveal Jung's cause of death, but sources close to her shared some insight into the young star's difficult life.

Song Yoo Jung's talent agency wrote that the actress and model "was a friend of ours who always gave us joy with her bright smile, and she was a wonderful actress who acted with heated passion," adding that they hope "she may rest in peace in a warm place." 

Following her death, a source close to Jung hinted to South Korea's Osen (via Newsweek) that she did not have the easiest life post-fame. "It's impossible to know exactly what kind of worries she had," the friend said. "It had been quite a while since she debuted in the entertainment industry and she worried that she didn't get to properly shine in the spotlight of it." They added, "She also previously talked about her difficulties in life." However, they did not go into detail about what these difficulties consisted of.

Jung's tragic death did come as a shock to fans everywhere, with many paying tribute to the young star via social media. One person wrote on Twitter, "Song Yoo Jung you will be missed and I hope you rest in peace. I will keep her family and friends in my prayers." Another added, "I feel so empty rn, I didn't expect the sudden death of song yoo jung I mean she's only 26."