On Monday, online forums and social media platforms were inundated with an ocean of heartfelt condolences, mourning the untimely demise of actress Kim Sae-ron, who had passed away at the tender age of 24 the previous day. Her peers in the acting fraternity shared poignant messages and cherished photographs, commemorating the late actress and her illustrious career.
Kim Min-che, who had shared the screen with Kim in the 2018 action-thriller "The Villagers," posted a still from the film where she portrayed the actress's on-screen mother. She penned, "I cherished every moment of portraying your mother in the film. Rest in eternal peace, my dear."
Seo Ye-ji, Seo Ha-jun, and Kim Ok-vin each paid homage by posting an image of a chrysanthemum, symbolizing their respect and tribute to Kim. Yel, a former member of the girl group Fiesta, also expressed her grief on Instagram on Sunday, noting, "This night will seem interminable without your presence."
Singer-turned-actress Yoo A-ra uploaded a snap of herself with Kim, accompanied by the poignant words, "I am deeply sorry for your loss and thankful for the memories. I will forever cherish your brilliance and pray for your peaceful rest."
Amidst the tributes, many also recounted the severe public scrutiny that Kim endured following her DUI incident in 2022. Her fans issued an online statement, highlighting the relentless and inhumane criticism she faced. "Kim Sae-ron acknowledged and deeply regretted her past mistakes, striving to rebuild her life. Yet, the barrage of harsh judgment surpassed all humane bounds," they lamented.
Singer Migyo decried the pernicious online culture that surrounds public figures. "Malicious commenters cease only when faced with mortality," she wrote on her Instagram, adding, "They remain oblivious to the venom they spread." She further lambasted the media for sensationalizing stories to garner attention.
On Sunday, Kim, the star of "The Man From Nowhere," was discovered deceased at her residence. Once a rising star in the acting world, she had garnered international acclaim as the youngest Korean actor to be invited to the Cannes Film Festival for "A Brand New Life" in 2009.
However, her career suffered a significant setback following a DUI incident in May 2022. Though cast in Netflix's Korean original "Bloodhounds," most of her scenes were subsequently excised. She also withdrew from an SBS drama. Last April, she attempted a return to acting through a theatrical play but had to relinquish her role due to ongoing health issues and persistent controversy.
