Kim Sae-ron was a South Korean actress. At the age of nine, she transitioned into acting and became popular through the films.
As Kim reached her teenage years, she was cast in more leading roles, notably in the film A Girl at My Door (2014). She also starred in television drama series, including Listen to My Heart (2011), The Queen’s Classroom (2013) and Hi! School: Love On (2014). Her first adult lead role was in the television drama Secret Healer (2016).
Age
Kim Sae-ron was born in Seoul on July 31, 2000. Kim had two younger sisters, Kim A-ron and Kim Ye-ron, who are also actresses.
Career
She attended Miyang Elementary School in Seoul, and graduated from Yang-il Middle School in Ilsan in February 2016. She then began attending School of Performing Arts Seoul. In 2018, Kim was admitted to Chung-Ang University’s Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies.
Despite her success, Kim’s career faced setbacks. In 2022, she was involved in a drunk driving incident that led to legal troubles and public criticism. She later apologized and took a break from acting, slowly working on rebuilding her career.
Controversy
In May 2022, Kim was driving under the influence in Gangnam District, Seoul around 8:00 am; she crashed into several structures including transformers, guard rails and street trees. In the crash, the transformer broke down, and the electricity supply was cut off for about 3 hours at 57 places including nearby shops, causing damage to merchants. The following day, her agency, Gold Medalist released a statement saying that, “Kim Sae-ron is deeply reflecting on her apparent mistake. The damage caused by the crash is being compensated as much as possible. I will do my best to take responsibility until the end.”
Following a series of similar accusations, Kim posted a hand-written apology to her Instagram account on May 19, 2022. She stated:
“First, I am sorry to inform you of the position after arranging the accident and damage situation. Yesterday May 18, 2022 around 8 am in Gangnam, I had an accident that damaged public property. I made a big mistake while drinking.
I caused damage to so many people, including merchants, citizens, and those who restored it. I should have acted more carefully and responsibly, but I couldn’t. I sincerely apologize.
We are working out the damage caused by the accident together with the company. I will do my best to communicate and actively resolve the matter until the end. I am very sorry to my fellow actors and staff as well as the production team for disrupting the production of the work that was being filmed and prepared.
Once again, we deeply apologize and apologize for causing concern. There is no excuse for this unfortunate incident. I am disappointed and very ashamed of the mistakes I have made.”
It was later reported that she had left the television series Trolley. She continued to receive criticism after it was reported online that she had allegedly hosted her 22nd birthday party, two months after the incident, at a bar and asked invitees to bring alcohol. On November 4, 2022, it was reported all the money that Kim had accumulated during her career had been used to cover the costs incurred due to the accident and settlement expenses, and that she had taken a part-time job. Later, Gold Medalist confirmed that Kim had a part-time job because her financial situation was difficult but later quit.
On March 8, 2023, the prosecutor of Seoul Central District Court asked for a fine of ₩20 million. Later, Kim appealed for leniency due to financial difficulties and requested a fine of ₩4 million from Mr. A, who was riding with her.
On April 17, 2024, it was announced that Kim would act in the upcoming play “Dongchimi.” This would be her first return to acting since the incident. On April 18, the organizers of the play announced that Kim was stepping down due to health issues.
How She Died
On February 16, 2025, Kim’s body was found by a friend in her home in Seongdong District, Seoul. A friend who was supposed to meet her discovered her body and contacted the police. The police were called and confirmed her death. An investigation is ongoing, but there were no signs of a break-in.
An official police spokesperson said, “At this stage, we have not found any signs of foul play. However, we are carefully investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing.” (via KKN Live)
Net worth
By 2023, Kim Sae-ron’s estimated net worth was $2 million, primarily earned through acting and brand endorsements.