Kim Sae-ron, the acclaimed South Korean actress known for her roles in The Man from Nowhere (2010) and The Neighbor (2012), has passed away at the age of 24.
She was found deceased at her residence in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul, on Sunday.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Kim Sae-ron began her career as a child model in 2001 before making her acting debut in A Brand New Life (2009) at just nine years old. The film’s invitation to the 62nd Cannes Film Festival made her the youngest Korean actress to walk its prestigious red carpet.
Her breakthrough role came in 2010’s The Man from Nowhere, where she starred alongside Won Bin, playing a kidnapped girl whose rescue forms the heart of the film’s story. The movie attracted over six million viewers despite its R rating, propelling her to stardom.
She went on to appear in critically acclaimed films such as The Neighbor (2012) and A Girl at My Door (2014), as well as television dramas like Secret Healer (2016).
Her most recent screen appearance was in the 2023 Netflix series Bloodhounds, though most of her scenes were cut due to a past controversy.
Struggles and Controversy
Kim’s career took a downturn following a drunk driving incident on May 18, 2022, when she crashed her vehicle in Gangnam District, causing damage to lampposts and guardrails.
She issued a public apology, writing, “Due to my poor judgment, I caused harm to many people, including business owners and citizens. I should have been more responsible. I am truly sorry.”
In April 2023, she was fined 20 million won ($13,800) for the incident. The controversy led to her stepping down from the SBS drama Trolley and being banned from KBS broadcasts.
Despite these setbacks, Kim attempted a comeback in 2024, initially planning to appear in the play Dongchimi but withdrawing due to health concerns. She later completed filming Guitar Man, a yet-to-be-released film about a gifted guitarist joining an underground band.
She had also changed her name to Kim Ah-im and was reportedly preparing to open a café while planning her return to acting.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Kim Sae-ron’s passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Numerous celebrities, including Kim Ok-vin, Seo Yea-ji, and Seo Ha-jun, shared condolence messages, posting images of chrysanthemums—a traditional symbol of mourning in Korea.
Kim Min-che, who played her on-screen mother in Ordinary People (2018), shared a scene from the film on social media, writing, “I was so happy to meet you as my daughter in the movie.”
Her former agency, Goldmedalist, also released a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Kim Sae-ron’s passing. May she rest in peace.”
Investigation and Funeral Arrangements
Kim’s body was discovered by a friend who became concerned when she failed to attend a scheduled meeting. Authorities found no signs of foul play but are still investigating the circumstances of her death.
Her funeral is being held at Asan Medical Center in Songpa District, with the procession set to take place on Wednesday.
SOURCE: koreajoongangdaily
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