South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at 24 in suspected suicide

The former child star, known for her role in A Brand New Life, was discovered at her home in Seoul, marking another tragedy in South Korea’s high-pressure entertainment industry.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron at the Seoul Central District Court in 2023. (c) Yonhap/EPA, via Shutterstock

By Hayu Andini and Sarah Oktaviany

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, a former child star once celebrated for her acting talent, was found dead in her home on Sunday afternoon, according to police in Seoul. She was 24.

The Seongdong Police Station confirmed that a friend discovered Kim unresponsive at her residence and alerted authorities. On Monday, police ruled her death a suicide.

Kim, who rose to fame as a child actress, had been largely absent from the public eye following a drunk-driving conviction in 2022. The incident, which resulted in public backlash and professional setbacks, marked a turning point in her career. Her death adds to a growing list of young South Korean celebrities who have taken their own lives, raising concerns over the intense pressures of the country’s entertainment industry.

A promising career cut short

Kim Sae-ron made her acting debut in A Brand New Life (2009), playing a young girl abandoned at an orphanage. The role earned her international recognition and an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival at just 9 years old. She continued to build an impressive career, starring in both television dramas and films, accumulating over two dozen acting credits and receiving multiple South Korean acting awards.

Her promising trajectory took a sharp downturn in May 2022 when she was arrested for driving under the influence. She crashed her car into a guardrail and a transformer, causing a power outage that affected numerous businesses for hours. According to Yonhap News Agency, her blood alcohol level exceeded 0.2 percent—far above South Korea’s legal limit of 0.03 percent for a DUI offense.

The fallout was swift. Kim was fined 20 million won (approximately $14,000) and faced heavy criticism on social media. Many called her actions irresponsible, and public sentiment turned against her. In a statement on Instagram, Kim apologized, stating, “There is no excuse for this distasteful incident.”

The repercussions extended to her professional life. At the time of the incident, she was filming the Netflix series Bloodhounds, which was released in 2023. Several of her scenes were edited out of the final cut, and she was notably absent from promotional events alongside her co-stars. She also stepped down from another television drama, further distancing herself from the entertainment industry.

Struggles with public perception and industry pressures

Kim’s situation highlights the immense pressure placed on South Korean celebrities, where reputation and image are closely tied to career success. In the country’s entertainment industry, public figures often face intense scrutiny, with missteps leading to severe consequences.

Over the past few years, South Korea has seen several high-profile suicides among its young stars, many of whom struggled with online harassment, career setbacks, or mental health challenges. Some received hateful messages for speaking out on social issues, while others faced invasive public scrutiny over their personal lives.

Following her DUI incident, Kim mostly stayed out of the spotlight. Reports suggested she was attempting a quiet return to acting through small-budget projects and stage performances. However, her last known credit remained Bloodhounds, according to IMDb.

Fans mourn as industry grapples with another loss

News of Kim’s death has left fans and industry insiders shaken. Tributes poured in on social media, with many expressing sadness over her struggles and the broader issue of mental health in the entertainment world.

Her former agency, Gold Medalist, has yet to issue a statement regarding her passing.

Kim’s death serves as another stark reminder of the challenges South Korean celebrities face, from the relentless pressure to maintain a flawless public image to the impact of harsh online criticism.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. In South Korea, call 109 for the Health Ministry’s suicide prevention hotline or visit 129.go.kr/109 for more resources.