This 24-Year-Old South Korean Actress Has Been Found Dead In Her Home In Seoul
Police said that they believe Kim made “an extreme choice” and planned to handle the case as a suicide.
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her home in Seoul on Sunday, Feb. 16, with police saying her death will be ruled a suicide.
The 24-year-old was found at her home by a friend who had plans to meet with her.
Police said on Monday, Feb. 17, that they believe Kim made “an extreme choice” and planned to handle the case as a suicide, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Kim began her acting career at nine years old as a child star in the film “A Brand New Life” which got her invited to the Cannes Film Festival.
She was one of South Korea’s most promising actresses, but she was forced to step away from acting after she was caught drunk driving in May 2022.
During the incident, she had crashed into a guardrail and trees lining the street in southern Seoul and was fined US$15,000, according to Yonhap.
After the incident, Kim faced huge backlash from the public and struggled to land roles.
Her final appearance was in the Netflix series, "Bloodhounds," released in June 2023, though much of her role was edited out, Variety reported.
She was later set to return to acting in 2024 with a play called “Dongchimi” but dropped out over health issues following controversy over her drunk driving incident, according to Yonhap.
Tributes poured in on social media platforms from Kim's colleagues and fans after the news of her death.
Actress and singer Yoo A-ra shared a photo she took with Kim, writing, “Sorry and thank you. I will remember your brilliance and pray for you,” The Korean Times reported.
“Kim Sae ron you are always in our hearts,” a fan wrote on X.
Meanwhile, others also pointed out Kim was unfairly condemned for her drunk driving incident compared to other male stars who have also been caught driving under the influence or been convicted of sexual harassment and other crimes.
“Not to compare issues and DUI’s should be treated seriously but Kim Sae Ron’s passing is a sexism issue. Multiple male celebrities have had dui’s one who I will not name killed someone and got back into music. She didn’t deserve to die.” one person wrote on X.
Not to compare issues and DUI’s should be treated seriously but Kim Sae Ron’s passing is a sexism issue. Multiple male celebrities have had dui’s one who I will not name killed someone and got back into music. She didn’t deserve to die.
— re:play (@replayera__) February 16, 2025
Whlie Korean men who force his gf to do Abortion,who raped his friend and sued her in jail,a drug addicted who held drug party,who cheats on his girlfriend makes another woman pregnant. All of them still have chances why she didn’t????? #kimsaeron https://t.co/1CjSZgr15V
— HoneyLemonSoda (@HoneynLemon1995) February 16, 2025
“Too much media bullying and society perspective lead to this. Totally sad, Even the last post about her on Pann is filled with these. Knetz are really ruthless. Rest in Peace Kim Saeron,” a fan wrote.
If you need to speak to someone, you can find international suicide helplines at befrienders.org.
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