South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, renowned for her early roles in A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, tragically passed away at the age of 24. The actress, who gained international recognition at a young age, was found dead in her home in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, just before 5 p.m. local time. A friend, who had planned to meet with Kim, discovered her body and contacted authorities, according to a report from Yonhap News Agency.
At this time, no signs of foul play have been reported, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Further details have yet to be released.
Kim Sae-ron first rose to fame at the age of 9 with her breakout role in A Brand New Life (2009), where she portrayed an orphan named Jinhee. Her moving performance earned her widespread acclaim, marking the start of a promising career. She later starred in The Man from Nowhere (2010), a hit action-thriller that further solidified her status as one of South Korea’s brightest young stars.
Over the years, Kim continued to showcase her acting talent, appearing in a number of notable projects, including The Neighbor (2012), A Girl at My Door (2014), and the popular 2016 drama Mirror of the Witch. These roles earned her a dedicated fanbase and further established her as a versatile actress capable of taking on diverse and complex characters.
However, Kim’s career faced a significant setback in May 2022 when she was involved in a drunk driving incident in Seoul. Kim crashed her car into a guardrail, trees, and a transformer, causing a temporary power outage in the area. She was later fined approximately $15,000 for the incident in April 2023. This event led to a brief hiatus from her acting career, during which she faced backlash and attempted to return to the public eye with a stage performance in Dongchimi. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the play due to health issues, according to sources.
Kim’s return to the screen came in June 2023 with a role in Netflix’s Bloodhounds, an action series. However, much of her screen time was edited out following the controversy surrounding her earlier accident. Bloodhounds marked her final acting project.
Kim’s untimely passing has shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike. She was remembered not only for her talent but also for her promising potential, which was cut short far too early. As her family, friends, and fans mourn her loss, the actress leaves behind a legacy of captivating performances that showcased her unique abilities and heartfelt dedication to her craft.
