South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron was discovered unconscious at her Seoul residence on February 16, 2025, by a friend who alerted authorities after she missed a scheduled meeting. Police confirmed her death and are investigating the cause, though no signs of foul play were detected . The 24-year-old had faced public scrutiny following a 2022 drunk driving incident but was reportedly preparing to rebuild her life under a new name and career path.
“She changed her name to Kim Ah Im and was preparing for a new start. We talked about giving it our all from now on… This news is truly heartbreaking.” — Acquaintance of Kim Sae Ron to OSEN
Name Change & Plans for a Fresh Start
Close associates revealed that Kim Sae Ron legally changed her name to Kim Ah Im in late 2024, a decision tied to her efforts to distance herself from past controversies. The name was already updated on her official residency records .
Her plans included opening a café with friends, a venture she had been actively preparing for since mid-2024. She was spotted managing a café in July 2024, where she reportedly handled daily operations and customer service .
“She wanted to open a café and regain stability before returning to acting. Her sudden death is devastating.” — Source to TV Daily
Comeback Film Guitar Man & Financial Struggles
Kim had completed filming for the movie Guitar Man in November 2024, where she played a guitarist joining an underground band. The film, currently in post-production, was intended to mark her return to acting after her DUI scandal .
However, financial challenges persisted. After the 2022 incident, she paid ₩20 million ($13,800) in fines and compensation for damages, depleting her savings. She worked part-time at a café to support herself while planning her comeback .
Backlash from 2022 DUI Incident
Kim’s career derailed after she crashed into a transformer in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong in May 2022, causing a power outage. Her blood alcohol level was 0.2%, leading to license revocation and public outrage, especially after she refused an on-site breathalyzer test .
Despite issuing handwritten apologies and compensating affected businesses, she struggled to regain public trust. Her role in Netflix’s Bloodhounds was significantly reduced, and subsequent projects were shelved .
“Kim Sae Ron’s DUI incident overshadowed her talent. Fans hoped for her redemption, but the backlash never fully subsided.” — Kpop Reporter
Legacy and Industry Response
Kim debuted as a child actor in 2009’s A Brand New Life and rose to fame with The Man from Nowhere (2010), earning critical acclaim. Her filmography includes Snowy Road, The Villagers, and dramas like Mirror of the Witch .
Colleagues and fans expressed shock over her death, mourning the loss of a “versatile performer” whose career was cut short. Tributes flooded social media:
“Kim Sae Ron’s performance in The Man from Nowhere was unforgettable. Rest in peace.” — Fan on X (formerly Twitter)
Police continue to investigate her death, with autopsy results pending.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
