The tragic death of South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025, has sparked widespread discussions about the pressures faced by celebrities in the country’s entertainment industry. The 24-year-old actress was found dead at her home in Seoul, with authorities presuming her death to be a suicide. Her passing has reignited conversations about cyberbullying, cancel culture, and the immense scrutiny public figures endure.
Kim Sae Ron’s Ex-Boyfriend’s Controversial Interview
Recently, Kim Sae Ron’s ex-boyfriend, referred to as “K,” gave an exclusive interview to a media outlet, addressing the circumstances surrounding her death. In the interview, “K” denied any involvement of actor Kim Soo Hyun in her passing and instead pointed the blame at her family. According to “K,” Kim Sae Ron sought comfort in him due to alleged physical and verbal abuse from her husband. He claimed that after her husband discovered their communication, he confiscated her phone and monitored her actions. “K” also shared a series of messages exchanged between him and Kim Sae Ron, as well as messages from her husband.
Furthermore, “K” dismissed claims that Kim Soo Hyun was responsible for her death, stating:
“As someone who knew Sae Ron better than anyone else, it’s absurd to me that her aunt suddenly appears, claims to be part of her bereaved family, and is now pushing the narrative that Kim Sae Ron died because of Kim Soo Hyun. If her biological parents aren’t even the ones stepping forward, isn’t it more likely they are the ones she wanted to escape from?”
Netizens Express Disgust and Question Motives
However, Korean netizens have reacted with disgust to “K’s” interview, questioning his motives and suggesting that his statements were made for financial gain. Many took to social media to express their outrage, with comments such as:
“So gross…I wonder how much he was paid to do this.”
“They are trash for treating the deceased like this and not even offering an apology.”
“How much did he get paid?”
“Truly a sad Korean man cartel.”
“Ok Kim Soo Hyun leave the industry.”
“Who cares…what does this have to do with being a pedophile.”
“So disgusting…crazy people.”
“So scary how this is written just like the expected post. They knew they would bring in a third person to interview.”
“So what…f*ck off.”
“What’s up with being connected with the ex-boyfriend while having a husband…”
These reactions highlight the suspicion among netizens that the interview was motivated by money rather than a genuine desire to clarify the circumstances of Kim Sae Ron’s death.
Pressures in the K-Entertainment Industry
Kim Sae Ron’s death has brought to light the harsh realities of the South Korean entertainment industry, where celebrities face immense pressure to maintain a perfect image. The slightest misstep can lead to severe backlash, as seen in Kim Sae Ron’s case following her 2022 drunk driving incident. After the incident, she became a target of relentless criticism, with her scenes being edited out of shows and facing difficulties in finding work.
Similar cases include K-pop artists Sulli and Goo Hara, who died by suicide in 2019 after enduring intense cyberbullying and public scrutiny. Culture critic Kim Hern-sik noted:
“It is not enough that the celebrities be punished by the law. They become targets of relentless criticism.”
He also highlighted how cyberbullying has become a profitable venture for some, with YouTubers and news outlets benefiting from the engagement and traffic generated by such controversies.
Additionally, Kim Sae Ron’s father has blamed a YouTuber for her death, claiming that the controversial videos published by the YouTuber caused her deep emotional distress.
Amidst the controversy, there have been rumors involving actor Kim Soo Hyun. However, his agency, Gold Medalist, has finally addressed it and threatened legal action against those spreading baseless rumors(garo sero).
In summary, the interview given by Kim Sae Ron’s ex-boyfriend has sparked outrage among Korean netizens, who question his motives and express disgust at his statements. The incident has once again highlighted the toxic culture within the South Korean entertainment industry and the need for better support systems for celebrities facing public scrutiny.
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