The late Kim Sae Ron’s family has stepped forward to address recent claims about her involvement in spiritual rituals, firmly denying rumors that she was possessed by a spirit to revive her acting career. These rumors surfaced amid ongoing discussions about her life and tragic passing, sparking widespread attention.
Family Denies Spirit Possession Claims
On April 14, 2025, Kim Sae Ron’s family spoke to a media outlet to clarify the rumors surrounding her alleged participation in a spiritual ritual. They strongly refuted claims made by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, who suggested that the actress underwent a spirit possession to aid her return to acting after her 2022 drunk driving incident.
It is false news that a spirit possessed her. She became interested in the field after appearing in a work based on folk beliefs in the past. The shaman is just an acquaintance and nothing more.
The family explained that Kim Sae Ron developed a natural curiosity about Korean folk beliefs due to her roles in projects like the 2014 film Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits and the 2021 K-drama The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim. Both works explored themes of shamanism, which piqued her interest but did not lead to any spiritual possession.
The term “shinnaerim,” referring to a Korean shamanistic ritual where a person receives a spirit to become a shaman, was central to the rumors. However, the family emphasized that no such ritual took place and that Kim Sae Ron’s connection to a shaman was purely personal, not spiritual.
Apgujeong Pub Owner Responds to Allegations
The rumors also mentioned the owner of an Apgujeong Pub, who was allegedly involved in arranging a spirit possession for Kim Sae Ron. The pub owner quickly dismissed these claims, expressing frustration over the misinformation.
If Sae Ron were possessed by a spirit and I had arranged it, I would close the store immediately and quietly disappear.
This statement reinforced the family’s position, denying any involvement in or knowledge of such rituals. The pub owner’s response highlighted the seriousness of the accusations and their commitment to setting the record straight.
Origins of the Rumors
The claims originated from Lee Jin Ho, a YouTuber known for covering entertainment news. On a recent broadcast, he alleged that Kim Sae Ron underwent a spirit possession ritual in September 2024 to help her overcome career setbacks following her 2022 drunk driving conviction. The incident, which resulted in a fine of 20 million won (approximately $14,000), led to significant public backlash and a pause in her acting career.
Lee Jin Ho further claimed that the Apgujeong Pub owner had a role in facilitating this ritual, which supposedly influenced Kim Sae Ron. However, with both the family and the pub owner refuting these statements, the narrative has been called into question.
Kim Sae Ron’s Connection to Shamanism in Acting
Kim Sae Ron’s interest in folk beliefs was not a secret, as it stemmed from her professional work. In Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits, she portrayed a teenage version of a shaman, diving into the world of Korean spiritual traditions. Similarly, The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim featured her as a young woman with supernatural abilities tied to shamanistic practices.
These roles required her to research and understand Korean shamanism, which likely sparked her curiosity. The family noted that any interactions with shamans were casual and unrelated to rituals, emphasizing that Kim Sae Ron never pursued becoming a shaman herself.
Broader Context of Kim Sae Ron’s Life
Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, was a celebrated actress known for her roles in The Man from Nowhere (2010), A Girl at My Door (2014), and the Netflix series Bloodhounds. Her career began as a child model in 2001 and transitioned to acting with her debut in A Brand New Life (2009), earning her praise as one of South Korea’s most promising talents.
However, her 2022 drunk driving incident marked a turning point. The accident caused a power outage in Seoul’s Gangnam district, damaging local businesses. Kim Sae Ron issued a public apology and paid compensation, but the backlash was intense, leading her to step back from the industry.
Her death, ruled a suicide, shocked fans and reignited discussions about the pressures faced by South Korean celebrities. The recent rumors about spirit possession have added to the public’s curiosity about her final years, prompting her family to clarify misinformation.
Other Related Developments
Amid these rumors, WOODZ’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, addressed separate claims about the singer’s past dating rumors with Kim Sae Ron. The agency stated that the rumors were unrelated to the current situation and urged the public to refrain from speculation, focusing instead on respecting Kim Sae Ron’s memory.
The family’s response to the spirit possession claims is part of their broader effort to protect Kim Sae Ron’s legacy. They have previously addressed other controversies, including allegations involving her relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun, asking for truthful accounts and apologies where necessary.
Looking Ahead on the Controversy
The denial of the spirit possession rumors marks another chapter in the ongoing conversations about Kim Sae Ron’s life and career. Her family remains focused on correcting false narratives, ensuring that her contributions to South Korean entertainment are remembered accurately.
As the public continues to process her loss, the entertainment industry faces renewed scrutiny over how stars are treated, both during their careers and after personal setbacks. Kim Sae Ron’s story underscores the challenges of navigating fame in a high-pressure environment.
