South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, renowned for her roles in “A Brand New Life” and “The Man from Nowhere,” was found deceased in her Seoul residence on February 16, 2025.
A friend discovered her body in her Seongsu-dong apartment and promptly notified authorities. Police have initiated an investigation but reported no signs of foul play.
Born on July 31, 2000, Kim Sae-ron began her acting career at the age of nine. She gained international recognition for her performance in “A Brand New Life” (2009), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Her role in “The Man from Nowhere” (2010) further solidified her status as a rising star in the South Korean film industry.
In May 2022, Kim was involved in a drunk driving incident in Seoul’s Gangnam District.
She crashed her vehicle into a transformer, causing a power outage that affected numerous businesses.
Her blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.2%, significantly above the legal limit. This event led to public criticism, a fine of 20 million won, and a suspension of her acting activities.
Despite the controversy, Kim attempted a return to the screen with Netflix’s “Bloodhounds” in 2023.
However, her role was substantially reduced due to the prior incident. At the time of her passing, she had completed filming for “Guitar Man,” a project set to be released posthumously.
The news of Kim’s death has elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues.
Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and reflect on the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea. Discussions have also emerged regarding the intense scrutiny and “cancel culture” prevalent in the industry, which may have contributed to the challenges Kim faced in her personal and professional life.
