On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the 39-year-old was discovered deceased in his apartment.
According to the Korean media outlet Soompi, a two-page letter was reportedly found at the scene.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed at this time. However, there are speculations circulating on social media suggesting the possibility of suicide.
Jae-rim was found by a friend with whom he had arranged to have lunch. The Seoul Seongdong police reported that there were no indications of foul play at the scene, and a note was also located.
"Our preliminary investigation has shown no evidence of criminal conduct," the police informed CNN. "As the family has opted against an autopsy, we will move forward with transferring the deceased to the family's care."
Jae-rim gained prominence with his role in the 2009 film Actresses, as reported by Variety. He subsequently featured in 20 episodes of the 2012 drama Moon Embracing the Sun, and later participated in the 2014 reality series We Got Married.
The publication also noted that his last performance was in a leading role in the action-comedy film Get Rich, directed by Yang Tae-jin, which entered post-production in late September.
In the wake of Jae-rim's passing, fellow South Korean celebrities expressed their condolences on social media.
“This is mad… Jae-lim… you were such a cheerful guy… I can’t believe this. I’m so sorry for not contacting you or caring for you enough,” actor Park Ho-san posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of the pair together in a bar.
“I’m sad that I can't see your wonderful smile again,” the actor Hong Seok-cheon added in his post.
“This situation is devastating where I can't take care of them better and I have to let them go without greeting them ....... Sorry and again sorry.......... Rest in peace.”
Jae-rim's last Instagram post featured mirror-selfie headshots on January, 23, alongside the caption, "😷."