Kim Sae-Ron’s Tragic Passing Shakes Korean Entertainment Industry

On February 16, South Korea’s entertainment industry was shaken by the sudden passing of actress Kim Sae-Ron.

The 24-year-old star, known for her performances in Bloodhounds and The Man From Nowhere, was found dead in her Seoul apartment. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise, a close friend has shared insights into her final days.

A Friend Remembers Kim Sae-Ron’s Final Days

According to OSEN, a close friend of Kim Sae-Ron revealed that she had recently changed her name to Kim Ah Im.

Recalling their last meeting at the end of 2023, the friend stated, “She was preparing to return with the movie Guitar Man, and we talked about how she would start acting again and finally make money… I never imagined this would happen.”

The friend also shared that Kim had plans beyond acting. “She was preparing to open a café and was also planning her return to the entertainment industry. I still can’t believe it. The reason she wanted to open a café was because she had been working at one while filming, but managing both schedules was too difficult, so she eventually quit.”

Investigation into Kim Sae-Ron’s Death

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-Ron’s death. A friend who had planned to meet her at her apartment discovered her body and alerted the police around 5 PM KST.

The Seoul Seongdong Police Station issued a statement: “There were no signs of crime, including break-in, and we are investigating the exact circumstances of her passing.

We kindly ask for consideration of the deceased and the bereaved family and that you refrain from speculating about the specific circumstances and manner of death.”

The Actress’ Career and Achievements

Born in 2000, Kim Sae-Ron started her acting career as a child star. She gained recognition for her role in A Brand New Life (2009), becoming one of the youngest performers invited to the Cannes Film Festival.

Her filmography includes The Neighbor (2012), A Girl at My Door (2014), Snowy Road (2015), The Villagers (2018), and the TV series Mirror of the Witch (2016). Her last on-screen appearance was in Netflix’s Bloodhounds (2023).

Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades for her performances in A Brand New Life, The Man From Nowhere, A Girl at My Door, Snowy Road, and Mirror of the Witch.

Struggles Following a DUI Incident

Kim Sae-Ron’s career faced a setback in 2022 after she was convicted of driving under the influence. She crashed her car into a guardrail and a transformer, causing a power outage affecting 57 businesses for nearly three hours.

The court fined her 20 million won for the offense. Following public backlash, she struggled to secure new roles in the industry.

Plans for a Comeback with Guitar Man

Despite past controversies, Kim Sae-Ron was determined to revive her career. She had completed filming Guitar Man in 2023 and was preparing for its release. Reports also indicate that she was involved in another film, Everyday We Are.

A friend mentioned, “We never imagined it would happen. She said she’d make money acting again after making a comeback with the film Guitar Man.

She was preparing to open a café while also getting ready to return to the entertainment industry. I still can’t believe it. There were no signs at all, and I told her to call me if things got tough.”

Funeral Arrangements and Industry Reactions

Kim Sae-Ron’s funeral will take place at Seoul Asan Medical Center in Pungnap 2-dong, Songpa-gu, on February 19 at 6:20 AM KST. Her father has taken on the role of chief mourner.

Following her passing, her former agency Goldmedalist released a statement: “We express our deepest condolences upon hearing the sad news of Kim Sae-Ron. May she rest in peace.”

Remembering Kim Sae-Ron

Kim Sae-Ron’s tragic death has left a void in the Korean entertainment industry. Fans continue to mourn her loss while reflecting on her contributions to cinema and television.

Her journey—from a promising child star to a talented actress facing personal struggles—has left a lasting impact. As investigations into her death continue, her friends, colleagues, and admirers remember her for her remarkable talent and resilience.