Twenty-four-year-old Netflix K-drama star Kim Sae-ron is the latest in an increasing number of young South Korean celebrities who have tragically taken their own lives.
Tributes have poured in across social media for the actress, best known for her role in Netflix’s hit series "Bloodhounds".
Kim was found dead in her Seoul home on Sunday. Police have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
She was one of South Korea’s most promising actresses, but her career suffered a setback after a drink-driving incident in 2022.
Kim made her screen debut at just nine years old, rising to fame in the 2009 film "A Brand New Life" and the 2010 thriller "The Man From Nowhere". She later starred in the 2016 drama Secret Healer and the 2018 thriller "The Villagers". Her final performance was in "Bloodhounds", released on Netflix in 2023.
Her death is part of a disturbing trend in South Korea’s entertainment industry, where an alarming number of young K-drama and K-pop stars have taken their own lives in recent years.
A growing crisis in the South Korean entertainment industry
Over the past five years, the industry has been shaken by the loss of several young stars:
- Moonbin (1998–2023) – The Astro singer and actor was found dead at home on April 19, 2023, aged 25.
- Kim Mi-soo (1992–2022) – The Snowdrop actress passed away on January 5, 2022, aged 29.
- Lee Sun-kyun (1975–2023) – The Parasite star was found dead in his car on December 27, 2023, aged 48. A charcoal briquette was discovered in the vehicle, suggesting suicide.
- Park Bo-ram (1994–2024) – The SuperStar K2 singer died from acute alcohol poisoning on April 11, 2024, aged 30.
- Shin Hae-ri (1992–2024) – The model passed away on September 14, 2024, aged 32.
These tragedies have sparked growing concern about the intense pressures of fame in South Korea, where celebrities endure relentless scrutiny, overwhelming expectations, and cyberbullying.
Fans and industry insiders are calling for urgent reforms to support the mental well-being of artists and prevent further losses.
IOL Entertainment