Actress Kim Sae-ron Found Dead at 25 Amidst Comeback Preparations

Actress Kim Sae-ron, who recently changed her name to Kim Ah-im in hopes of returning to the entertainment industry, was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025, at the age of 25. A friend who had arranged to meet her discovered her body and reported it to the police. Authorities stated that there were no signs of forced entry or foul play, but an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.

A close associate of Kim revealed that she had been preparing for her comeback after changing her name, which was seen as a fresh start. This tragic news has left many in shock, especially as she had previously faced challenges in her career due to a drunk driving incident that halted her activities.

Kim had attempted to return to acting with the play 'Dongchimi' in April 2024, but that plan ultimately fell through. After her last television appearance in the 2021 drama special 'Her', she had been absent from the screen for nearly three years. A representative from the theater company mentioned that Kim had been actively preparing for her return, even participating in group activities with fellow cast members, but negative public sentiment led her to withdraw just before the opening.

Following the cancellation of her theater comeback, Kim took on a part-time job teaching acting lessons as part of her period of reflection. Despite her efforts, she tragically passed away at a young age.

Kim Sae-ron made her acting debut at the age of 9 in the film 'The Traveler', where she won several rookie awards, establishing herself as a talented child actress. She gained further fame co-starring with Won Bin in the film 'The Man from Nowhere'. While Won Bin stepped back from the industry, Kim successfully transitioned into adult roles, becoming one of the most recognized young actresses in her 20s. However, her image suffered significantly after a drunk driving incident in May 2022, where she crashed into multiple objects while under the influence, leading to a substantial fine and a tarnished reputation.