The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the loss of actress Kim Sae-Ron, who was found deceased in her Seoul residence on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24. A friend discovered her unresponsive and alerted authorities. Police reported no signs of foul play but are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Born in Seoul on July 31, 2000, Kim Sae-Ron began her acting career at nine. She gained international acclaim for her role in A Brand New Life (2009), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, making her the youngest actress invited to the prestigious event. She further solidified her reputation with a compelling performance alongside Won Bin in The Man From Nowhere (2010), South Korea's highest-grossing film that year.
Throughout her teenage years, Kim took on more complex roles, notably in A Girl at My Door (2014), which also screened at Cannes. Her portrayal of a troubled teenager in this film earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
In May 2022, Kim was involved in a drunk driving incident in Seoul's Gangnam district, where she crashed into an electrical transformer, causing a power outage affecting 57 businesses for nearly five hours. Her blood alcohol level was reported at 0.2%, leading to the revocation of her driver's license and a fine of 20 million won (approximately $13,850).
Following the incident, Kim faced significant public backlash and withdrew from several acting projects, including the Netflix series Bloodhounds. Despite initial plans to continue, her role was substantially reduced due to the controversy.
In the aftermath, Kim experienced financial difficulties, reportedly working part-time jobs to support herself. She expressed intentions to return to acting and was slated to appear in a theatrical play in May 2024 but withdrew due to health concerns. Her final screen appearance was in Bloodhounds (2023), albeit with limited scenes.
Kim Sae-ron's untimely passing has left a profound impact on fans and colleagues alike. Her journey from a celebrated child actress to facing personal and professional challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures within the entertainment industry. As investigations continue, the legacy of her early promise and subsequent struggles remains a topic of reflection and discussion.
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