Baek Won Gil Found Dead At 40: 'Dream High' Actor Allegedly Drown Trying To Set Up A Fish Tank Near Namdaecheon Stream

The 40-year-old actor and theater director Baek Won Gil was found dead on Thursday in the waters of the Namdaecheon Stream, according to the publication eNEWS.

According to police, Baek enjoyed fishing in the Namdaecheon, considered the cleanest stream in South Korea's Yeongdong region by the Korea Tourism Organization, yet often liked to bring along a fish tank when he did, presumably, to keep the fish he caught alive.

He is believed to have slipped while installing the fish tank, and drown.

"We received a missing person report on Baek Won Gil and during our search at the Namdaecheon Stream at 9:03 a.m., we discovered Baek Won Gil's corpse," read an official Gangwondo Police statement on Thursday, according to the website allkpop.

There are reportedly no plans to conduct an autopsy, as the actor's death was ruled accidental.

Baek had been living alone for the last three months in the Yangyang County, close to the location where he died.

The star's body was laid to rest at a funeral home in the nearby city of Sokcho, but could be moved to Seoul, depending on his family's wishes.

Born on October 6, 1972, Baek was probably best known for his portrayal of Kong Min Chul in the 2011 Korea Broadcasting System television drama "Dream High."

But the actor continued to star in TV dramas for that network and others right up until his death, the most recent being the role of Park Jin Tae in the 2013 series "Sirius."

Baek also appeared in the films "City Of Fathers," "The Yellow Sea" and "The Winter of the Year Was Warm," and directed the plays "Jump" and "Break Out."

On the website allkpop, fans of the actor left messages of condolences.

"I'm in shock," fan Mysterious Eyez wrote on Thursday. "My heart goes out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace."

"He was such a lovable character in 'Dream High,'" Truechu wrote. "Re-watching 'Dream High' will never be the same again."

Fan Zazagurl had a direct message for the actor and director.

"Such a shock," the reader wrote. "You were a great actor in 'Dream High'. You will be missed."   

Xhelentx also addressed Baek directly.

"You were such an amazing actor, so sad to hear that you have to leave the world so suddenly," the fan wrote. "May you rest in peace."

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Baek Won Gil
Dream High
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