Brilliant actress Kim Sae Ron of “Bloodhounds” and “The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim,” has reportedly passed away at 24 years old. But behind the tragic cause of death, let us remember the story of Kim Sae Ron successful life and career before the DUI controversy. So, what really happened to actress Kim Sae Ron, and what’s her cause of death? Dive deeper into the actress’s life with us.
Before DUI Controversy and Tragic Death at 24: The Successful Career of Actress Kim Sae Ron
Before the tragic cause of death and DUI controversy, “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron was one of the most successful young actresses in South Korea. What happened to the early career life of Kim Sae Ron was a path we thought to be filled with flowers and happiness. That was until everything took a dramatic turn.
Stellar Career at Young Age
Born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron began acting at a very young age at 9 years old. She debuted in a 2009 Korean movie, “A Brand New Life,” by the French-Korean filmmaker Ounie Lecomte. Due to the success of this movie, actress Kim Sae Ron attended Cannes Film Festival, becoming the youngest actress to have ever been invited to the prestigious ceremony.
Following her debut, young actress Kim Sae Ron continued her stellar acting career with multiple successes. Despite her very young age, her acting talents and skills were impeccable, leading her to star in multiple big projects, including the Korean highest grossing movie in 2010, “The Man from Nowhere” with Won Bin, and “The Queen’s Classroom” Korean drama.
One of South Korea’s Youngest Top-Tier Actresses
Soon enough, at only 13 years old, Kim Sae Ron already secured multiple achievements, including Best New Actress at the 2010 Korean Film Awards (at 10 y.o.) and Buil Film Awards and Best Child Actress at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards.
She was not even 15 yet, but actress Kim Sae Ron managed to build impressive rapport for her acting career. Her next projects were nothing less but successful with multiple hit dramas, “Hi! School – Love On,” “Glamorous Temptation,” and “Mirror of the Witch.”
That is why at such a young age, Kim Sae Ron managed to become one of South Korea’s top-tier actresses.
DUI Controversy: The Turning Point of “Bloodhounds” Actress Kim Sae Ron Life
Seeing how successful her career was, you won’t believe what happened to actress Kim Sae Ron after: a severe DUI controversy.
Just a while before the “Bloodhounds” release, actress Kim Sae Ron was involved in a DUI controversy incident.
On May 18, 2022, Kim Sae Ron was drunk driving her car before crashing into multiple roadside structures: road rails, trees, and a major electrical transformer box, and fleeing the scene. But what made it worse was the fact that, at the time, her blood alcohol level was around 0.2 percent, making it severely dangerous not just for her but also everyone around her.
Due to the DUI controversy, actress Kim Sae Ron had to withdraw from the final episodes of “Bloodhounds.” She also faced severe backlash from South Korea’s cancel culture, becoming one of the artists banned from KBS appearance. Not to mention, she must also pay unbelievably massive compensation. That’s because her crash into an electrical transformer box caused significant business losses across the entire block.
What Happened to Kim Sae Ron After: A Series of Controversies Leading to Her Cause of Death
Due to the DUI controversy, Kim Sae Ron’s life and career turned upside down. She became one of the most infamous actresses in South Korea, and everyone condemned all her actions.
During her 2 years of self-reflection, Kim Sae Ron made headlines several times. Reports once mentioned that she was working as a manager of a coffee house, but South Korean netizens criticized her for lying. She also worked as a private acting tutor after losing all her income due to the controversy. And because she had to pay massive penalties, Kim Sae Ron was reportedly struggling a lot financially.
Then, Kim Sae Ron received more backlash after she posted photos with Korea’s most expensive actor, Kim Soo Hyun. At the time, Kim Soo Hyun’s popularity skyrocketed due to his impressive acting in “Queen of Tears.” Therefore, by posting the photo, Kim Sae Ron faced criticism for allegedly creating dating rumors to ride on Kim Soo Hyun’s popularity.
The same thing happened when she posted a photo with Kim Jae Wook. Kim Sae Ron faces accusations of being an attention seeker by the Korean public. This then further caused her cancellation in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
Therefore, when she decided to return to acting in “Dongchimi” stage play, the response was not favorable. Despite the official statement that Kim Sae Ron resigned from her role in the play due to health reasons, speculations emerged that she had to leave due to negative responses from the Korean public.
What Happened to “Bloodhounds” Actress Kim Sae Ron Leads to A Tragic Cause of Death
Starting from such a young age, “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron was exposed to extreme ups and downs of life. With such an immediate successful career comes tons of unbelievable pressure and demands as an artist and public figure. And even after what happened during her mistakes, Kim Sae Ron was not given a chance to build her stellar career back.
Even when she was rumored to star in an upcoming movie, “Guitar Man,” Korean netizens responded with harsh comments.
And this is the last update we heard from Kim Sae Ron before her tragic cause of death.
On February 16, actress Kim Sae Ron was found dead at the age of 24. A close acquaintance was the first to report the incident to the police. Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry, and so far, they haven’t found any evidence of foul play.
A spokesperson from Seongdong Police Station told Dispatch, “We received a report at 4:50 PM on February 16.” Police officers and emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene.
Authorities are still investigating and speaking with witnesses, including the person who found Kim Sae Ron. However, they haven’t shared details about a possible suicide note or the exact cause of death. They’re asking for the public’s understanding as they continue their work.
Finally, what happened to Kim Sae Ron and her tragic cause of death has put all her plans and future beginnings on hold—forever.
Her final acting performance in “Guitar Man” upcoming movie is currently under post-production. According to a friend, “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron was working on a fresh start by changing her name to Kim Ah Im. She was also planning to return to the Korean entertainment industry while opening her own cafe business.
“The last time I saw Kim Sae Ron was late last year. She was getting ready for her comeback with the movie ‘Guitar Man,’ and we talked about how she was excited to act again and finally start earning money. I never expected things to turn out this way.
Recently, she changed her name to Kim Ah Im and was planning to open a café while also preparing to return to the entertainment industry. It’s still hard to believe. She wanted to start the café because she had experience working at one while filming, but balancing both became too difficult, so she eventually left.
At the same time, she was making plans to move and working on the café with her friends. There was no indication that anything was wrong. I even told her to reach out to me if she ever needed support…”
Kim Sae Ron’s friend.
As the police continue their investigation into the official cause of her death, let us take a moment to honor and remember the talented actress Kim Sae Ron.
Our team of writers at Kpoppost extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. We will continue to follow updates on this heartbreaking news and share any official statements as they become available.
In the meantime, let us reflect on her incredible work and the lasting impact she has left on the industry. May she rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. Contact crisis intervention and suicide prevention agencies in your country for support. Help is available, you are not alone.
