The Korean entertainment industry has been shaken by the death of 24-year-old actress Kim Sae Ron on February 16. Among the many reports that followed her sudden passing, one article from reporter Kwon Nam Young caught the attention of netizens. In the article, Kwon reports that Kim Sae Ron tried her best to redeem herself in the eye of the public following her DUI in 2022.
The report specifically mentions that she personally visited and compensated all 57 stores in the area that suffered damages.
On May 18, 2022, actress Kim Sae Ron crashed her car into a transformer in Seoul’s Gangnam district while driving under the influence. The collision caused a three-hour power outage, disrupting operations at 57 nearby businesses. Her blood alcohol level was 0.2%—more than double South Korea’s legal limit of 0.08%—resulting in a revoked license and a ₩20 million KRW fine .
Following the accident, Kim publicly apologized via a handwritten letter on Instagram, admitting fault and vowing to compensate affected businesses. A belated report confirmed she personally visited all 57 stores to apologize and provide financial restitution.
Kukmin Ilbo now reports that Sae Ron did keep her word. She visited all 57 stores that suffered damage. The report also acknowledges that this was an unusual move fro a celebrity. In fact, one of the owners themselves said they were surprised to see her.
“I was shocked when Kim Sae Ron came to apologize in person,”
— Store Owner
Despite her efforts, the incident severely damaged her career. She withdrew from the drama Trolley and lost her contract with agency GOLDMEDALIST .
Career Struggles and Financial Hardship
Kim’s acting career never recovered post-DUI. She reportedly worked part-time at a café to cover legal penalties and living expenses. A 2023 court trial revealed her financial struggles:
“I’m the breadwinner for my family, but it has been difficult to make ends meet. I’ve quit drinking and sold my vehicle.”
— Kim Sae Ron during her trial
In 2024, she attempted a comeback under the stage name “Kim Ah-im” and filmed Guitar Man, a low-budget film. Friends noted her optimism about reviving her career, but public backlash persisted .
Public Reaction and Cancel Culture Debate
Kim’s death on February 16, 2025, reignited discussions about South Korea’s harsh treatment of celebrities. Police confirmed she died by suicide, with no signs of foul play . Netizens criticized the industry’s “cancel culture,” highlighting gender disparities in second chances:
“Male stars like Lee Jung-Jae and Suga bounced back after scandals, but Kim Sae Ron was bullied to death for a DUI. South Korea’s priorities are wrong.”
Others lamented the industry’s unforgiving nature:
“No one deserves an ending like this. The entertainment world is too harsh on young stars.”
Legacy and Unfinished Comeback
Kim Sae Ron began her career at age nine, earning acclaim for films like The Man from Nowhere (2010) and Bloodhounds (2023). Her death at 24 cut short plans for a café venture and acting return. Director Shin Jae Ho, who worked with her on Guitar Man, recalled her resilience:
“She was bright and down-to-earth. We never imagined this would happen.”
— Director Shin Jae Ho
Her passing underscores ongoing debates about mental health and systemic pressures in entertainment industries worldwide.
Also Read: Actor Won Bin Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Co-Star Kim Sae Ron
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Source: Kukmin Ilbo
