South Korean Actress Kim Sae-ron dies at 24

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her Seongsu-dong, Seoul apartment on Sunday at the age of 24. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Authorities confirmed her death after a friend discovered her unresponsive at approximately 4:55 PM local time (07:55 GMT).

Police stated that there were no signs of foul play. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

A promising start in film

Kim, a former child star, was widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses.

She first gained international recognition in 2009 when she starred in A Brand New Life. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing her into the global spotlight at just nine years old.

Her breakthrough continued with The Man from Nowhere (2010), a critically acclaimed thriller that became South Korea’s highest-grossing film of the year. Kim’s performance earned praise for its emotional depth and maturity. She went on to star in several notable films, including The Neighbour (2012), which brought her further award recognition.

A career marked by acclaimed roles

Kim’s career flourished as she took on complex and challenging roles. In 2014, she starred in A Girl at My Door, a drama that tackled social issues and was screened at major film festivals. Two years later, she appeared in the historical fantasy drama Mirror of the Witch, solidifying her status as a rising talent in the industry.

Legal troubles and public fallout

However, her career faced a significant setback in 2022 following a drunk driving incident. Kim was caught driving under the influence in Seoul and later admitted responsibility. The court fined her 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. The controversy led to her withdrawal from public life and damaged her once-bright reputation.

Her last known acting role was in Netflix’s 2023 Korean drama Bloodhounds. However, reports suggest that most of her scenes were removed due to the backlash from her legal troubles.

Fans and colleagues mourn her loss

Despite her absence from the industry, Kim remained a well-known figure in South Korea’s entertainment world. Her sudden death has shocked fans and colleagues, many of whom remember her as a talented actress with immense potential.

As authorities continue their investigation, tributes are pouring in from fans and industry professionals. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of Kim’s work.

Investigation ongoing

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but her passing marks a tragic end to a career that once held great promise. More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Read Also: Filmmaker, David Lynch dies at 78