South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron, best known for her appearances in dramas such as Listen to My Heart, The Queen’s Classroom, and Hi! School-Love On, was discovered dead at home on February 16, 2025. She was 24 years old.
Reports say emergency personnel were sent after a friend, who was going to meet her, found her unresponsive and called authorities. Police confirmed there were no indications of forced entry, but an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death, The Korea Herald said.
The news has triggered shockwaves within the South Korean entertainment sector, with colleagues, fans, and fellow actors eulogizing her untimely death and posting poignant tributes.
Born on July 31, 2000, Kim Sae Ron started her career as an actress at the age of nine years old, gaining attention for her roles in highly acclaimed films A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man From Nowhere (2010). Growing up, she played major roles in productions such as A Girl at My Door (2014) and Secret Healer (2016), cementing her status as a young and accomplished actress.
But in the past few years, Kim has experienced personal and professional challenges. In May 2022, she was at the center of a high-profile drunk driving accident in Seoul that caused extensive property damage and led to legal action. After the accident, she apologized publicly and retired from show business.
Tackling financial issues, Kim had engaged in part-time work alongside an effort to resuscitate her acting career. She had programmed a return to the limelight with a theatre play in May 2024 but cancelled after health issues arose. Her latest appearance on the screen was for Bloodhounds (2023).
Her early death left supporters devastated, recalling her gift and efforts toward the South Korean movie and TV world.
