The sudden death of actress Kim Sae Ron has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving fans and colleagues devastated.
According to the Seongdong Police in Seoul, Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home in Seongsu-dong on Sunday. She was only 24 years old. A friend scheduled to meet her that day made the heartbreaking discovery. Authorities have stated, “While there are no signs of foul play, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.”
On the day Kim Sae Ron passed away, fellow actress Kim Ok Bin expressed her condolences on social media, sharing a photo of chrysanthemums with the caption, “May her soul rest in peace.”
The news sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with fans sharing sentiments like, “Rest in peace,” “May she find eternal peace,” “Only 24, still so young—it’s heartbreaking,” and “I’ve watched her grow up on screen; this is devastating.”
Kim Sae Ron, born in July 2000, began her career as a baby model before making her film debut. In 2009, at just nine years old, she became the youngest actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival with her role in A Brand New Life. She impressed critics with her maturity and performance. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she starred in the hit action-thriller The Man from Nowhere alongside Won Bin, which propelled her to national fame in South Korea.
Kim Sae Ron’s career flourished as she transitioned from a child actor to a teen star, starring in films like A Girl at My Door (2014), Manhole (2014), Snowy Road (2017), and The Villagers (2018). Her television credits include Snowy Road (2015), Secret Healer (2016), and The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim (2021). As she entered adulthood, Kim continued to secure lead roles, solidifying her reputation as one of Korea’s most successful former child stars. Beyond acting, she hosted music shows and showcased her down-to-earth personality on programs like The Fishermen and the City.
However, Kim Sae Ron’s career faced a major setback in May 2022 when she was involved in a drunk-driving incident. Her blood alcohol level was approximately 0.2%, leading to a license revocation. In response, she issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, expressing deep remorse.
Following the incident, Kim Sae Ron parted ways with her agency, Gold Medalist, when her contract expired, leaving her future in the entertainment industry uncertain. She also withdrew from public life, maintaining a low profile and making no major public appearances or activities since then.
After a three-year hiatus, Kim Sae Ron was reportedly preparing for a return to the industry this year. A close associate revealed to News1, “She finished filming for the movie Guitar Man in early November last year, and we discussed how to restart her career this year. We had spoken about making her comeback through film, with a shared goal to move forward with determination. It’s truly heartbreaking that such news has surfaced now.”
It has also been revealed that Kim Sae Ron legally changed her name to Kim Aim some time ago and was in the process of opening a café. A source close to the actress clarified, “The name change wasn’t recent; she’s been legally registered as Kim Aim for quite a while.”