Korean actress Kim Sae-ron made headlines when her death at age 24 shocked many fans.
At a young age, Kim sae-ron lived a vibrant life and began a career in acting at an early age.
She made her acting debut as a child in 2009 in the film A Brand New Life. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in the film The Man from Nowhere and the thriller The Neighbor.
In April 2022, Kim was cast in the SBS drama Trolley, but she departed from the project in May 2022 after being involved in a car crash and facing drunk driving charges.
In December 2022, Kim chose not to renew her contract with Gold Medalist. Her most recent project was the 2023 Netflix drama series Bloodhounds.
Take a look at Kim Sae-ron's life and career:
Kim Sae-ron was born on July 31, 2000 in Seoul. She started her acting career at age nine through the film A Brand New Life.
She attended high school in School of Performing Arts Seoul and in 2018, she was admitted to Chung-Ang University's Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies.
Kim Sae-ron was awarded for her first two acting roles, including Best New Actress at the Korean Film Awards and Buil Film Awards.
In 2015, Kim Sae-ron took on a lead role in a television special titled Snowy Road. The two-part series, centered on the story of comfort women in Korea under Japanese rule during World War II, was later released as a film in theaters. Kim's portrayal of a 15-year-old comfort woman received acclaim from both critics and audiences, earning her the Best Actress award in a Foreign Film at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.
Kim Sae-ron was also an advocate for animal welfare and volunteered at dog shelters.
Kim Sae-ron helped care for dogs which were in a foster home, and groomed them for adoption.
Kim Sae-ron mostly kept a private personal life, and was notably known for her great project choices and exemplary acting skills.
In May 2022, she was involved in a car crash and was arrested for driving under the influence in Gangnam District, Seoul. She released a public apology and used her savings to settle compensation for the accident, which involved damage to several structures.
Kim Sae-ron left her upcoming TV program and her acting agency Gold Medalist in 2022. She worked a part-time job to make ends meet, but allegedly quit.
In 2023, she returned to acting in the Netflix drama Bloodhounds after a hiatus.
Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun were swept up in dating rumors in March 2024 after a photo of them together circulated online, but both stars denied the allegations.
On February 16, 2025--Kim Sae-ron's body was found by a friend in her home in Seoul. News of her passing shocked many and brought them grief, as they were waiting for the young actress's acting comeback.
After an investigation, her death was presumed to be suicide by police officials.
Kim Sae-ron's father spoke up against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho released videos suggesting malicious rumors against the late actress, such as Kim Sae-ron's family misusing her earnings and distributing her ashes at the ossuary. Kim Sae-ron's father deemed these accusations unforgiveable and planned to take legal action against Lee Jin-ho.
In March 2025, YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, stated Kim Sae-ron's family revealed the actress was in a relationship for six years with actor Kim Soo-hyun, from 2015 to 2021, when she was 16 years old and he was 30. Korea Times reported on March 12, "additional materials provided by Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family, including a text message sent by the actress and a previously unseen photo of the two. The message, dated March 19, 2023, was said to reflect financial distress and a strained relationship between the two."
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun denied the dating rumors through a statement from his agency, Gold Medalist. Kim Sae-won was also an artist under the said label in the past. Rumors continued as more stories unfolded, while netizens noticed Kim Sae-won's passing took place on the day of Kim Soo-hyun's birthday. The actor was also not present during her funeral.