South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead at the age of 24, according to police reports.
Her body was discovered at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on Sunday afternoon by a friend who immediately contacted the authorities. Police were notified at approximately 4:50 p.m. local time.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of death, although no signs of foul play have been identified, and there was no evidence of a break-in.
Born in 2000, Kim rose to fame as a child actress, debuting in 2009. She gained significant recognition for her role in the 2010 action thriller The Man from Nowhere, followed by a starring role in The Neighbor (2012).
Her career was put on hold following a drunk driving incident in May 2022, which led to a fine of 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. The controversy resulted in a reduced role for her in the 2023 Netflix drama Bloodhounds, which turned out to be her final on-screen appearance.
Tributes poured in across social media after news of her passing. One fan wrote, “This is truly heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to Kim Sae-ron’s family, friends, and fans. May she rest in peace.” Another said, “I am still in denial, wishing this was just a bad dream. Rest in peace, Kim Sae-ron.”
In her 2022 apology following the drunk driving incident, Kim expressed deep regret, stating, “There is no excuse for this unfortunate incident, and I am disappointed and ashamed of my mistake. I will reflect and ensure this never happens again. I’m sorry.”
Kim Sae-ron had been seen as one of South Korea’s most promising young talents before her career was marred by controversy. She was 24.
