South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was discovered deceased in her Seongsu-dong apartment in Seoul on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Authorities report that a close friend found her body around 4:55 PM local time. Preliminary investigations have found no signs of foul play, but the possibility of suicide is being considered.
Kim Sae-ron began her acting career at the tender age of nine, earning international acclaim for her role in “A Brand New Life” (2009), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She further solidified her status with performances in “The Man From Nowhere” (2010), South Korea’s highest-grossing film that year, and “The Neighbor” (2012), for which she received award recognition.
In 2022, Kim faced public scrutiny following a drunk driving incident, leading to a fine of 20 million won in April 2023. This controversy prompted her to step back from the public eye. Her final appearance was in Netflix’s 2023 Korean drama “Bloodhounds,” although many of her scenes were reportedly edited out due to the incident.
Her untimely passing has reignited discussions about the intense pressures faced by celebrities in South Korea. Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief and condolences, highlighting the need for greater mental health support within the entertainment industry.