The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the sudden passing of actress Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead in her Seoul residence at the age of 24. The official cause of death is still under investigation, with police confirming that no signs of foul play were detected.
While fans remember her for starring in iconic K-dramas and films, many also recall the controversy that overshadowed the later years of her career.
Kim Sae-ron’s drunk driving (DUI) incident in 2022 was a turning point in her life, leading to severe public backlash, financial struggles, and emotional distress—factors that may have played a role in her tragic passing.
The Drunk Driving Incident That Changed Everything
On May 18, 2022, Kim Sae-ron was arrested for DUI after crashing her Range Rover into an electrical transformer box near Gangnam, Seoul.
Key Facts About the DUI Incident:
- Location: Gangnam District, Seoul
- Time: Around 8 AM KST
- Blood Alcohol Level: 0.2%, well above the legal limit of 0.03%
- Power Outage: 57 businesses lost power for five hours due to the damaged transformer
- Police Report: Kim refused a breathalyzer test and requested a blood test at the hospital
Security footage from the scene showed her swerving across lanes, hitting street fixtures, and colliding with a transformer, which led to a major power outage affecting cafes, offices, and local businesses.
Aftermath:
- Kim publicly apologized and paid financial compensation to affected businesses.
- She was fined 20 million won ($13,850 USD) and had her driver’s license revoked.
- She lost acting contracts, including a major role in the Netflix series "Bloodhounds."
- Her agency parted ways with her, leaving her without professional representation.
Kim’s Apology Statement (2022):
"I deeply regret my actions. I sincerely apologize to those I have hurt, the businesses affected, and my fans who have supported me."
Career Fallout: Losing Roles & Struggling for a Comeback
Before the DUI incident, Kim Sae-ron was one of the most promising young actresses in Korea, having won multiple Best Actress awards.
Kim Sae-ron’s Career Before the Scandal:
- The Man from Nowhere (2010) – Breakthrough role with Won Bin
- The Queen’s Classroom (2013) – TV stardom
- Hi! School – Love On (2014) – Popular teen drama
- Leverage (2019) – Last major drama role before her DUI
After her drunk driving arrest, she lost multiple contracts, endorsement deals, and acting opportunities.
Roles She Lost:
- Netflix’s "Bloodhounds" (2023) – She was replaced by another actress after filming began.
- Upcoming Movie "Dear My Genius" – She was dropped from the project.
Financial Struggles:
Due to lost work, she struggled financially and reportedly had to work at a café to earn money.
According to an acquaintance:
"She felt like she had no way back into the industry. The pressure was too much for her."
She reportedly planned a comeback under a new name, "Kim Ah-im", and was set to appear in the indie film "Guitar Man."
Timeline of Her Last Days?
On February 16, 2025, Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.
- January 2025: Announced plans to return to acting
- February 2025: Was preparing to open a café with friends
- February 16, 2025: Found deceased at home
Authorities confirmed no foul play but are conducting an autopsy to determine if mental health struggles, past substance abuse, or other health factors contributed to her passing.