South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in her Seongsu-dong apartment in Seoul, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to police reports, her body was discovered by a friend around 4:55 PM (07:55 GMT). Investigators noted that there were no signs of foul play, but an official investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.
Kim Sae-ron gained recognition as a child actress and was considered one of South Korea’s most promising talents. She made her international debut with A Brand New Life (2009), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Her career soared with standout performances in The Man from Nowhere (2010)—South Korea’s highest-grossing film that year—and The Neighbour (2012), which earned her critical acclaim.
Her filmography also includes A Girl at My Door (2014) and the historical drama Mirror of the Witch (2016).
Despite her early success, Kim stepped away from the public eye in 2022 after a drunk driving incident. She was fined 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023, and the scandal resulted in her scenes being heavily edited out of the Netflix drama Bloodhounds (2023), her final role.
Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn her loss and honor her legacy. Authorities have assured the public that investigations into her sudden passing remain ongoing.