South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, a former child star whose career faltered following a drunk-driving incident in 2022, was found dead at her home on Sunday afternoon, police confirmed.
According to the Seongdong Police Station in Seoul, a friend discovered the 24-year-old unresponsive at her residence. Authorities later determined her death was a suicide.
Kim, once regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young actors, had been largely absent from the entertainment industry since her conviction for driving under the influence. The incident led to significant backlash, derailing her once-thriving career.
Her passing adds to a growing list of tragedies in South Korea’s high-pressure entertainment industry, where immense scrutiny and expectations often weigh heavily on public figures. Experts have long pointed out that a celebrity’s reputation in South Korea can be fragile, with a single misstep leading to professional and personal downfall.
From Cannes to Controversy
Kim’s acting career began at just nine years old when she starred in the 2009 film A Brand New Life, a critically acclaimed drama about an abandoned girl in an orphanage. The film earned her a spot at the Cannes Film Festival, setting the stage for a flourishing career in both film and television.
Over the years, she built an impressive résumé, earning multiple acting awards and appearing in numerous high-profile projects. However, in May 2022, her career took a sharp downturn after she was caught driving under the influence.
Kim crashed her car into a guardrail and a transformer, knocking out electricity for several businesses for hours. Reports from Yonhap News Agency revealed her blood alcohol level exceeded 0.2 percent—far above South Korea’s legal limit of 0.03 percent for a DUI offense.
Following the incident, Kim faced severe public backlash. She was fined 20 million won (approximately $14,000) and issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging that her actions were inexcusable.
A Career Cut Short
At the time of the accident, Kim was filming the Netflix series Bloodhounds, which was eventually released in 2023. However, many of her scenes were reportedly removed from the final version, and she did not participate in promotional events. She also withdrew from a separate television drama she had been set to star in.
In the years that followed, Kim largely retreated from the public eye. Reports suggested she had been attempting to make a quiet return to acting through small-budget projects and theater work, but her last credited role remained Bloodhounds, according to IMDb.
Mourning a Lost Talent
News of Kim’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and members of the entertainment industry. Many took to social media to express their condolences, lamenting the pressures young stars face in South Korea’s entertainment world.
Her former agency, Gold Medalist, has not yet released a statement.
Kim’s tragic death highlights the ongoing concerns about mental health in South Korea’s entertainment industry, where stars often endure immense scrutiny and public judgment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In South Korea, call 109 for the Health Ministry’s suicide prevention hotline or visit 129.go.kr/109.
