A 24-year-old South Korean actress who was once a child star, Kim Sae-ron, was found dead in her home on Sunday afternoon. The Seongdong Police Station in Seoul confirmed that her death was a suicide. Ms. Kim’s promising career suffered after she was convicted of drunk driving in 2022 and faced public criticism.
She rose to fame at the age of nine with roles in films like “A Brand New Life” and television shows. Her acting career spanned over a decade, earning her numerous awards and credits. However, after a DUI incident in 2022, she stepped down from several projects and largely retreated from the public eye.
The entertainment industry’s pressure on young stars’ mental health has been a recurring theme. Several young actors have died by suicide in recent years, including those who faced criticism for speaking out or sharing their personal lives online.
Ms. Kim had attempted to revive her career with small-budget projects and stage plays, but it appears that the toll of fame took its life. Her death is the latest tragedy to hit South Korea’s high-pressure entertainment industry, which has faced scrutiny over its treatment of stars’ mental health.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/world/asia/south-korea-actress-dead.html