South Korea

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at 24

Kim Sae-ron, the South Korean actress known for her roles in The Man from Nowhere and A Girl at My Door, was found dead at her Seoul home on 16 February 2025. The cause of death is under investigation. Kim, 24, faced both critical acclaim and personal challenges, including a drunk-driving incident that halted her career.

Published

1 year ago

17 February 2025

Yee Loon

Seongdong-gu, Seoul: South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, known for her early career success and subsequent struggles, was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul on Sunday, 16 February.

She was 24 years old.

Kim’s body was discovered by a close friend who promptly contacted authorities around 4:50 p.m.

The police, who have yet to find any signs of foul play, have launched an investigation into the cause of her death.

At the time of writing, no details have been released on the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Kim Sae-ron rose to fame with acclaimed roles in film

Born in 2000, Kim entered the acting world at the age of 9, making her debut in the 2009 film A Brand New Life, which earned international acclaim, including a Best Asian Film award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Her compelling portrayal of a young girl abandoned at an orphanage marked her as a “child prodigy” in South Korean cinema.

She gained further recognition with her role in the 2010 blockbuster The Man from Nowhere, where she starred opposite veteran actor Won Bin.

The film grossed US$43 million and became one of the highest-grossing films of that year in South Korea.

Kim’s talent continued to shine through, and by the age of 14, she won the Best New Actress award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for her role in A Girl at My Door (2014), a drama about a girl suffering from family violence.

Her portrayal was lauded for its emotional depth, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

Personal struggles

However, despite early success, Kim’s career was overshadowed by personal struggles and public controversies.

In 2018, Kim revealed on a South Korean TV show that she was bullied in school due to her fame, often facing cruel remarks and isolation.

Her career came to a halt in 2022 following a drunk-driving incident, which resulted in a 20 million won (approximately US$13,850) fine.

The incident led to her losing several film and advertising contracts, including a role in Netflix’s Bloodhounds.

Afterward, Kim faced financial hardship and was forced to take on part-time jobs under the alias Kim Ah Im.

Her struggles continued, with local media revealing that a job at a café, which she had posted about on social media, was fabricated.

Kim’s life was also marked by family challenges.

Her mother, who battled depression, once expressed suicidal thoughts on social media, which Kim’s emotional plea helped prevent.

Kim also supported her family, including her two sisters, who had unsuccessful acting careers.

In 2024, Kim caused a stir when she posted a photo with actor Kim Soo Hyun, which led to rumours of a romantic relationship.

Despite the speculation being denied by Soo Hyun’s agency, it added to the controversy surrounding her life. Soon after, Kim withdrew from a play project due to “health reasons” in April 2024.

Despite these setbacks, Kim had not given up on her career and had been working on an independent film Guitar Man in 2024, which has yet to be released.

She had also been planning to open a café in Seoul, according to a close friend.

Kim Sae-ron’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the South Korean entertainment industry, leaving fans and colleagues alike mourning the loss of a talented young actress who had the potential to achieve much more.

Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, please seek help immediately. Reach out to the following helplines for support:

Singapore: