Kim Sae-ron was a South Korean actress known for her exceptional talent and remarkable career as a child actress turned leading star. Born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, Kim gained international recognition for her performances in “A Brand New Life” (2009) and “The Man from Nowhere” (2010).
Her transition from child actress to adult roles was filled with notable achievements as well as personal struggles, including a DUI incident in 2022 that led to a temporary hiatus from acting.
In 2025, the entertainment world was shocked by her untimely passing at the age of 24. Despite her shortened career, Kim Sae-ron’s impact on the South Korean film industry remains profound, and she is remembered for her deep emotional portrayals and artistic contributions.
Quick Facts About Kim Sae-ron
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Sae-ron |
| Date of Birth | July 31, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 2009 – 2025 |
| Education | Chung-Ang University (Performing Arts) |
| Height | 167 cm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 49 kg (108 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1-2 Million USD |
Early Life & Education
Kim Sae-ron was born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea.
- From a young age, she showed a keen interest in acting and storytelling.
- Encouraged by her family, she entered the entertainment industry at just 9 years old.
- She attended Chung-Ang University, majoring in Performing Arts, further honing her skills as an actress.
Her early start in the industry allowed her to develop versatile acting skills, making her one of the most talented child stars of her generation.
Acting Career & Notable Roles
Breakthrough as a Child Actress (2009-2012)
Kim Sae-ron made her film debut in the critically acclaimed movie “A Brand New Life” (2009) at just 9 years old.
- The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and her performance was highly praised internationally.
- In 2010, she starred alongside Won Bin in “The Man from Nowhere,” which became the highest-grossing South Korean film of the year.
- Her portrayal of a kidnapped girl in the film won numerous awards, cementing her status as a rising star.
She continued to appear in various successful dramas and films, including:
✅ “Can You Hear My Heart” (2011)
✅ “The Queen’s Classroom” (2013)
✅ “Hi! School: Love On” (2014)
By the age of 14, Kim was recognized as one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses.
Teenage Years & Transition to Lead Roles (2013-2018)
As she grew older, Kim Sae-ron took on more complex and mature roles.
- “A Girl at My Door” (2014): Played a troubled girl opposite Bae Doona. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival.
- “Snowy Road” (2017): Portrayed a teenage girl during World War II, receiving critical acclaim.
Kim also transitioned into leading roles in TV dramas, including:
✅ “Mirror of the Witch” (2016) – Played the lead role in a historical fantasy drama.
✅ “Leverage” (2019) – Starred in an action drama as a genius hacker.
By 2018, she was seen as one of the top young actresses ready to lead mainstream K-dramas.
Career Decline & DUI Controversy (2022-2023)
In May 2022, Kim Sae-ron was involved in a drunk-driving accident in Gangnam, Seoul.
🚨 The Incident:
- She crashed her SUV into a transformer box, causing blackouts in the area.
- She fled the scene but was later caught and tested positive for alcohol consumption.
- She was fined heavily, and her reputation suffered significantly.
Following the DUI incident:
❌ She lost multiple endorsement deals.
❌ She was edited out of upcoming projects.
❌ Her role in Netflix’s “Bloodhounds” was significantly reduced.
Despite issuing a public apology, her career never fully recovered.
Net Worth & Financial Struggles (2023-2025)
Kim Sae-ron’s estimated net worth in 2025 was around $1-2 million USD.
🔹 Before DUI:
- Earned $500K – $1M per project.
- Had multiple endorsements from fashion brands and beauty companies.
🔹 After DUI:
- Lost sponsorships and brand deals.
- Paid legal fines and compensation to affected businesses.
- Sold luxury assets to cover expenses.
By 2024, she struggled financially, and reports surfaced that she was seeking new career opportunities outside of acting.
Personal Life & Final Years
- Hobbies & Interests: Kim loved reading, traveling, and painting.
- Family & Friends: She was close to fellow actors in the industry, including Kim So-hyun and Nam Da-reum.
- Public Image: Despite the controversy, many fans supported her efforts to rebuild her career.
In 2025, she was rumored to be planning a return to acting, but her life was tragically cut short.
Untimely Death & Public Reaction (2025)
On February 16, 2025, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased in her apartment in Seoul.
🚨 Details of Her Death:
- A friend discovered her unresponsive and alerted authorities.
- Preliminary reports ruled out foul play.
- The exact cause remains under investigation.
💔 Public Reaction:
- Fans and celebrities expressed deep sadness.
- Industry insiders criticized the pressures faced by young actors.
Legacy & Remembering Kim Sae-ron
Despite her troubled final years, Kim Sae-ron’s legacy in Korean cinema remains powerful.
⭐ Her performances in films like “A Brand New Life” and “The Man from Nowhere” cemented her status as one of the greatest child actresses in South Korea.
⭐ Her struggles reflect the immense pressure on young stars in the entertainment industry.
⭐ She will be remembered for her artistic contributions and raw acting talent.
Kim Sae-ron’s life and career were marked by early success, immense talent, and unforeseen personal struggles.
Although her journey was cut short, she left behind a remarkable filmography and a lasting impact on the industry.
Her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale about the challenges young stars face in the spotlight.
