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.
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Sources: EDaily, TV Daily,
