Actress Kim Sae-ron Passes Away at 25

Actress Kim Sae-ron has passed away, with her funeral taking place on February 19 at 6:20 AM. Surrounded by family and friends, she bids her final farewell, although her burial site has yet to be determined.

Kim made her debut in 2001 as a cover model for the magazine 앙팡 (Anfang). She gained international recognition in 2009 when she participated in the Cannes Film Festival as the youngest actress in Lee Chang-dong's film '여행자' (The Traveler). Her breakout role came in the 2010 film '아저씨' (The Man from Nowhere), where she starred alongside Won Bin, earning her numerous Best New Actress awards at various film festivals, solidifying her status as a 'child prodigy' in acting.

Following her early success, Kim continued to act in films such as '맨홀' (Manhole), '도희야' (Dohee-ya), '만신' (Manshin), and '눈길' (Snow Path), as well as dramas like '내 마음이 들리니' (Can You Hear My Heart), '여왕의 교실' (Queen's Classroom), '아무도 모른다' (Nobody Knows), and '사냥개들' (Hounds). She also showcased her variety show skills on programs like '쇼! 음악중심' (Show! Music Core) and '나만 믿고 따라와, 도시어부' (Trust Me and Follow Me, City Fisherman).

However, in May 2022, Kim faced public backlash due to a drunk driving incident, which led to her license being revoked. Despite the criticism, she remained determined to return to acting. She attempted a comeback in May 2023 with the play '동치미' (Dongchimi), but withdrew due to health issues amid negative public sentiment.

Kim had been supporting herself through part-time jobs, including working at a café, and was set to return to the screen with the film '기타맨' (Guitar Man) in November 2023, with promotional stills already released.

Tragically, on February 16, she was found collapsed at her home, leading to shock and mourning across the entertainment industry. Friends reported her passing, and authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play or a suicide note.

The news of her untimely death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and peers. Her former agency, Gold Medalist, expressed deep condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Kim Sae-ron. We wish her peace in her afterlife." Fellow actress Seo Ye-ji shared a tribute with a photo of chrysanthemums, while Kim Ok-bin also expressed her sorrow with a similar tribute.

Stars including Han So-hee and Kim Bo-ra visited her funeral, with Kim Bo-ra sending a wreath that read, "Let’s meet again." Lee Soo-hyun from AKMU, known to be close to Kim, was seen in tears at the funeral, and Won Bin, who had a special bond with Kim from '아저씨', also attended to pay his respects.

Meanwhile, Kim's final film, '김새론' (Kim Sae-ron), completed filming in November 2023 and is currently in post-production.