South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in her home in Seoul, police confirmed on Sunday. The 24-year-old was discovered by a friend in her Seongsu-dong residence at approximately 16:55 (07:55 GMT).
Authorities stated that no signs of foul play were found, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.
Kim, who gained fame as a child actor, was once considered one of South Korea’s most promising young stars. She made her film debut in A Brand New Life (2009), a role that took her to the Cannes Film Festival and established her as a rising talent. She later starred in The Man from Nowhere (2010), South Korea’s highest-grossing film that year, followed by acclaimed performances in The Neighbor (2012) and A Girl at My Door (2014).
Her television career included leading roles in the historical drama Mirror of the Witch (2016) and various other K-dramas. However, her career faced a major setback in 2022 when she was involved in a drunk driving incident in Seoul’s Gangnam District. The crash led to property damage, a fine of 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023, and a significant backlash.
Following the incident, Kim largely withdrew from the public eye, and her role in the 2023 Netflix drama Bloodhounds was heavily edited out due to the controversy.
Her sudden death has shocked fans and the entertainment industry, with many remembering her as a talented actress whose career was overshadowed by personal struggles. Police have yet to disclose further details as the investigation continues.
Profile and Background
Kim Sae-ron was born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea. She was raised in a close-knit family and pursued her education while balancing an early career in acting. She attended School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), a well-known institution that has produced several successful Korean entertainers.
From a young age, Kim displayed a natural talent for acting, and her performances as a child star quickly set her apart from her peers.
Career Highlights
Kim made her acting debut at the age of nine in A Brand New Life (2009), portraying a young girl abandoned at an orphanage. The film’s critical success led to an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, launching her into international recognition.
She followed this with a major role in The Man from Nowhere (2010), where she starred alongside actor Won Bin. The film was a massive box-office success, cementing her status as one of the most promising young actresses in South Korea.
Her filmography includes:
A Brand New Life (2009)
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
The Neighbor (2012)
A Girl at My Door (2014)
Mirror of the Witch (2016)
Bloodhounds (2023)
In addition to her work in films, Kim gained popularity in K-dramas, taking on lead roles in various television series. She was known for her ability to portray both youthful innocence and intense emotional depth, making her a sought-after actress for complex roles.
Earnings and Net Worth
At the height of her career, Kim Sae-ron was one of South Korea’s most in-demand young actresses. She earned significant income from acting, endorsements, and sponsorships.
Her estimated net worth was reported to be between $1 million and $3 million, though her earnings declined following the 2022 drunk driving scandal, which led to the loss of endorsement deals.
Personal Life and Challenges
Despite her early success, Kim’s career faced setbacks due to personal struggles. The 2022 drunk driving incident led to a wave of criticism and significantly impacted her public image. She withdrew from the entertainment industry, and reports suggested she was struggling with financial difficulties due to legal expenses and loss of work opportunities.
In 2023, she made efforts to return to the industry, but her role in Bloodhounds was heavily edited out, reflecting ongoing challenges in regaining public acceptance.
Legacy
Kim Sae-ron’s passing has left the South Korean entertainment industry in mourning. Once considered a bright and promising talent, her career trajectory was marked by both brilliance and adversity.
Fans and fellow actors have expressed their grief, remembering her as an actress who delivered memorable and emotional performances that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The police investigation into her cause of death remains ongoing.
