South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. She was discovered by a friend who had planned to meet her that day. The police were notified shortly after and arrived on the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing. "We are investigating the exact circumstances of the death," stated a police official, although the cause has not been confirmed yet.
The cause of Kim's death remains under investigation. Authorities initially believe she may have committed suicide. However, no signs of forced entry or foul play were found at the scene, mentioned a police official. Despite the absence of obvious criminal activity, inquiries continue as investigators work to uncover more information.
Kim gained fame as a child actress at the age of nine through the film The Man from Nowhere (2010), where she starred alongside Won Bin. In her career, one of her most acclaimed roles was in the Netflix series Bloodhounds in 2023, filmed before her DUI scandal occurred. Republic World states that this was her last appearance on screen.
In a career marked by both success and controversy, Kim faced backlash in 2022 due to an incident of drunk driving. She was involved in a traffic accident near Hakdong Intersection in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, causing damage that led to a power outage affecting local businesses for hours. Her blood alcohol concentration was recorded at over 0.2%, which led to the revocation of her driver's license.
The repercussions from the DUI incident were severe. Kim was fined 20 million won and withdrew from the entertainment scene. Republic World noted how she was subsequently removed from the SBS drama Trolley and the Netflix series Hunting Dogs. The impact extended beyond her professional life, as KpopChart highlights that she faced scrutiny and backlash, both domestically and internationally.
MyDaily reported that despite her efforts to make a comeback, her plans seemed to be mired in adversity. She completed filming for Guitar Man, which was supposed to be her return project, but she passed away before its release. Kim had shown enthusiasm for continuing her career and even looked for a management company last year, but the tragic event ended those ambitions.
Kim was going through difficult times, as a close associate mentioned to Star News, feeling unsure about how to address the controversies she faced in the public eye. Amidst these challenges, she distanced herself from the limelight, largely abstaining from social media presence.
Her passing draws attention to broader mental health issues, illustrating the pressures many in the entertainment industry face. MyDaily emphasizes the role of suicide prevention and mental health support services, urging those in need to seek help.
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a young actress who, despite scandals, was admired for her talent and potential. As condolences pour in from fans and colleagues alike, the police urge the public to respect the bereaved family's privacy and avoid speculating about the circumstances of her death. Kim Sae-ron's legacy in the world of cinema, marked by memorable performances and accolades such as Best New Actress at the Buil Film Awards 2010, will be remembered even as her life was cut tragically short at just 25.
