Behind the spotlight and growing fame, there were quiet signs that Kim Sae-ron was fighting personal battles out of public view.
In the weeks leading up to her tragic passing, those close to her began noticing small but troubling changes. Now, as the official cause of death is confirmed, many are left grappling with unanswered questions about the pain she endured in silence.
Image Credit: Yonhap/Newscom/MEGA Agency
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron’s death has officially been ruled a suicide, according to various outlets including The New York Times.
On Monday, February 17, authorities disclosed that they believe the 24-year-old actress took her own life. “All evidence currently points to suicide, and we plan to conclude the investigation on that basis,” a police official stated through Yonhap News Agency.
Kim was discovered unresponsive at her Seoul residence on Sunday, February 16, by a friend who had stopped by to check on her, the Seongdong Police Station confirmed.
“At this point, we’ve found no indication of criminal activity, but further examination is underway to confirm all details,” the spokesperson said.
A Rising Star Silenced
Kim Sae-ron stepped into the acting world in 2009 with A Brand New Life and later made a mark through acclaimed roles in The Man From Nowhere, The Neighbors, A Girl at My Door, Snowy Road, and The Villagers. Most recently, she featured in Netflix’s 2023 drama Bloodhounds.
Her career, however, took a downturn in May 2022 when she was involved in a DUI incident. Reports showed her blood alcohol content was over 0.2 percent—far beyond the legal limit of 0.03 percent in South Korea. She was fined approximately $14,000 as a result.
Following the incident, Kim posted a public apology on Instagram. “I deeply regret the accident and sincerely apologize to those affected,” she said. “I caused harm while driving under the influence and disrupted the lives of local business owners, pedestrians, and emergency workers.”
She went on to say she was cooperating with her agency to handle the financial repercussions and expressed remorse toward her colleagues. “To the actors, staff, and crews I worked with, I offer my deepest apologies. I will take time to reflect and ensure this never happens again.”
Mental Health Crisis in the Spotlight
Kim’s death comes amid growing concern over the emotional toll faced by celebrities in South Korea’s entertainment scene. Her passing follows that of Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun, who also died by suspected suicide just months earlier.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support at any time.
The untimely loss of Kim Sae-ron underscores the immense stress young performers often face behind the scenes. While her work left a lasting impact, her personal struggles emphasize the ongoing need for compassion, awareness, and accessible mental health care. If you or someone you care about is going through a difficult time, don’t hesitate to reach out—support is always within reach.