Actress Kim Sae Ron passed away one year ago.
February 16, 2026, marks the first anniversary of Kim Sae Ron’s death at the age of 24. She was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025.
Kim Sae Ron began her career as a magazine model in 2001 and started acting with the 2009 film A Brand New Life. She gained attention playing the role of Jung So Mi alongside Won Bin in the 2010 film The Man From Nowhere.
Along with Kim Yoo Jung and Kim So Hyun, she was recognized as a promising child actress destined to lead the entertainment industry. She subsequently appeared in numerous dramas and films.
Her achievements earned her a shining career path including awards like Best New Actress at the 19th Buil Film Awards, Best New Actress at the 8th Korea Film Awards, Best Child Actress at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards, Best New Actress at the 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the Drama Special TV Cinema Award at the 2021 KBS Drama Awards.
However, on May 18, 2022, she halted her activities after causing an accident under the influence of alcohol in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Instead of a breathalyzer test, a blood test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2%, far above the 0.08% legal limit for license cancellation. Kim Sae Ron apologized sincerely, saying, “My wrong judgment and actions caused harm to many merchants, citizens, and those who helped with recovery. I should have acted more carefully and responsibly but did not. I sincerely apologize,” and she entered a period of self-reflection.
During this time, she faced criticism for insincerity and worked part-time giving acting lessons to aspiring young actors and hoped to make a comeback through the play Dongchimi. However, cold public sentiment forced her to extend her break.
Despite the negative public opinion, Kim Sae Ron dreamed of returning, but her passing evoked deep sadness. After her death, her family raised allegations of underage grooming against Kim Soo Hyun. They claimed she had a six-year romantic relationship with Kim Soo Hyun starting when she was 15 in 2015, presenting chats from 2016 and 2018 as evidence that Kim Soo Hyun engaged in actions framing him as a pedophile and groomer.
Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference denying any relationship during her minority and said the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages were not his. His side initiated defamation and damages lawsuits against the family and YouTubers, escalating the legal battle. Meanwhile, the late Kim Sae Ron’s family countersued Kim Soo Hyun for violating the child welfare law and false accusation. Their legal dispute continues, with lawyer Go Sang Rok fervently asserting Kim Soo Hyun’s innocence.
A year after Kim Sae Ron’s passing, ongoing legal struggles keep her name in the spotlight. The grief deepens as she still cannot rest peacefully even after leaving this world.
