The family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has denied claims made by a YouTuber alleging that the actress was possessed by a spirit in an attempt to return to acting following a drunk-driving incident.
On April 14, Kim's family responded to media inquiries regarding recent remarks made by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho.
The online personality alleged that Kim had undergone a spiritual ritual in September 2024, influenced by a shaman associated with a well-known pub in Apgujeong.
"It is false news that a spirit possessed her," the family said in a statement to a local outlet. "She became interested in the field after appearing in a work based on folk beliefs in the past. The shaman is just an acquaintance and nothing more."
Kim Sae Ron, who passed away earlier this year, had previously starred in the film Manshin:
Ten Thousand Spirits and the drama The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim both explore themes rooted in Korean shamanism and folk beliefs.
Her family noted that her interest in such topics stemmed from her work and was not reflective of personal spiritual practices.
Lee claimed that a woman close to Kim, the wife of the Apgujeong pub owner, had received a shinaerim — a spiritual initiation in Korean shamanism — and that this influenced Kim's actions before her death.
In response, the pub owner denied any involvement in spiritual rituals related to Kim.
"If Sae Ron were possessed by a spirit and I had arranged it, I would close the store immediately and quietly disappear," the owner said.
The claims come amid ongoing speculation surrounding Kim's personal life, including her past relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun.
A voice recording released by an associate of the pub owner recently alleged Kim Soo Hyun's involvement in the actress's mental distress.
Kim Soo Hyun's agency has not issued a new statement since the release of the recording.
Meanwhile, singer WOODZ's agency has issued a response to renewed rumors linking him romantically to Kim Sae Ron, stating that the two were not in a relationship.
The situation has sparked debate online, with fans calling for sensitivity and respect toward the late actress and her family during an emotionally fraught time.
