The sudden death of Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, shocked the world. A promising star with unparalleled talent, she was beloved by many – yet her tragic passing has left us with more questions than answers. Her mother’s failed suicide attempt, her close friend Moon Bin’s tragic death by suicide, and now her own passing on the birthday of Kim Soo Hyun – the actor involved in a scandal with her – raise unsettling questions about the pressures she faced in her brief, tumultuous life.

I. The Rise of a Rare Talent

Kim Sae Ron began her acting career at the tender age of 9, taking on emotionally complex and demanding roles. She first garnered widespread attention with A Brand New Life, showcasing a depth far beyond her years. Her breakthrough role came with The Man From Nowhere, where she starred alongside veteran actor Won Bin in a film that became a massive box-office success, attracting over 6.2 million viewers. She also shone in The Neighbor Girl, a performance that earned her the Best New Actress award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Her success was further cemented with her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, where she received praise from prominent directors. Kim Sae Ron was widely regarded as a “genius” on screen, and her career seemed destined for greater heights. At the same time, she was honored with multiple accolades, including Young Rookie Actor and Best Child Actor at various film festivals.

II. A Childhood Shaped by Hardship and Bullying

Kim Sae Ron’s childhood was marked by immense hardship and struggle. As a young girl, she faced situations that no child should ever have to endure. She was raised in a single-parent household, with her mother once being a top student at Seoul University. However, chasing love and becoming pregnant caused her to abandon her graduation and ultimately, she struggled to find a suitable job. After her divorce, Kim Sae Ron’s mother fell into depression, unable to support her three daughters while facing overwhelming life challenges. In a moment of despair, she tried to take her own life, along with her daughters, by leading them upstairs to commit suicide together.

Though praised as a “child prodigy” in acting, the truth behind Kim Sae Ron’s early career was far from glamorous. She worked in the film industry not for fame or passion, but out of necessity – to support her struggling family. Despite being sick with a fever of 40°C in freezing temperatures of -27°C, she was still expected to work on set. While dealing with her own health issues, she had to take care of her mother, who suffered from depression, and look after her two younger siblings.

Kim Sae Ron also suffered bullying, both physically and emotionally. Her early fame made her a target for cruel jokes and harassment from her classmates. In a candid appearance on the JTBC program Knowing Bros, she shared her painful experiences of being ostracized at school. Her peers would throw her shoes away, forcing her to walk barefoot on the freezing cold ground to get home. Vicious messages cursing her were written on the school walls and playground. Kim Sae Ron revealed how deeply she was hurt by the constant mocking and humiliation from her classmates. One of the most painful moments was when she threw herself a birthday party, only to have no friends show up, a rejection that left an emotional scar on her.

III. The Fateful Fall: The Drunk Driving Scandal

In 2022, a tragic turn of events would shatter Kim Sae Ron’s promising career and public image. While driving under the influence, she caused a car accident, crashing into a transformer box. Despite her attempt to flee the scene, she was quickly apprehended by the authorities. This scandal marked a dramatic downfall for a star once celebrated for her exceptional talent and promising future.

The backlash was swift and unforgiving. After the drunk driving incident in 2022, Kim Sae Ron faced severe consequences. Her management agency, Gold Medalist – founded by Kim Soo Hyun and his cousin Lee Sarang – quickly severed ties with her. In addition, her endorsement deals vanished, marking the end of her lucrative career.

IV. “Faking Poverty” or Genuine Crisis?

In the wake of the scandal, Kim Sae Ron’s life took another unexpected turn. She was spotted working at a café, sparking a flurry of reactions from the public. Images of her in this humble setting, working like an ordinary person, circulated widely. This shift from a glamorous life to a more modest existence triggered a flood of public commentary – some people expressed sympathy, while others were quick to criticize her for allegedly “faking” a humble life.

V. The Kim Soo Hyun Scandal: A Misunderstanding or the Final Play?

In 2024, another storm hit Kim Sae Ron’s already fragile career when she posted a photo with Kim Soo Hyun, a prominent actor 12 years her senior. The image, shared on her social media account, quickly gained attention and sparked speculation. Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had previously worked together under the same agency, and this photo seemed to hint at a deeper connection – whether romantic or otherwise.

The photo, which was posted on Kim Sae Ron’s account and later deleted, ignited public curiosity. Kim Soo Hyun’s agency quickly issued a statement denying any special relationship between the two, but the rumors lingered. For many, the question became: was Kim Sae Ron, already grappling with scandals, attempting to revitalize her career by associating with a more established star like Kim Soo Hyun?

Kim Sae Ron passed away on February 16, 2025, which also marked Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday. The timing of her death, so close to his personal milestone, added another layer of poignancy to an already complex situation. Some have questioned whether this connection, even if unintentional, says something about her state of mind and the pressures she was under – possibly hinting at a deeper link between her troubled past and the timing of her tragic passing.

VI. Just before her death

After her passing, a close source revealed some of Kim Sae Ron’s unfinished plans: ‘I met Kim Sae Ron late last year. She had recently changed her name to Kim Ah Im and was trying to start fresh. She was preparing to open a café with some acquaintances and was planning to make a comeback in the entertainment industry.

However, Kim Sae Ron’s struggles were evident in the months leading up to her tragic death. In April 2024, following a controversial incident involving actor Kim Soo Hyun, she withdrew from the play Dongchimi, citing a decline in her mental health. Reports indicated that she was experiencing severe depression while preparing for the play, highlighting the immense toll public controversies and the pressures of the entertainment industry had on her well-being.

Before her passing, Kim Sae Ron’s social media activity raised concerns. On January 26th, she posted a photo with the late Moonbin (of Astro), accompanied by the message “Happy Birthday.” This date marked Moonbin’s birthday, and the two had previously been in the same management company, Fantagio, and worked together on the 2015 drama To Be Continued. Moonbin’s tragic death by suicide in April 2023 had a profound impact on Kim Sae Ron, and her grief was evident in her final post.

Many have pointed to South Korea’s toxic society and cancel culture as contributing factors to Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing. While driving under the influence is undeniably problematic, the intense backlash and the subsequent cancellation of her career reflect deeper societal issues. What do you believe were the primary factors leading to her death? Which theory resonates most with you?