South Korean: Actress Kim Sae-ron, Star of ‘Bloodhounds,’ Dies at 24

Updated at 19:15 EAT Monday 17 February 2025

HICGI – South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, renowned for her role in Netflix’s 2023 series “Bloodhounds,” was found dead in her Seoul apartment on February 16, 2025. She was 24 years old. Authorities have indicated that her death is being treated as a suicide, with no signs of foul play detected.

Kim began her acting career at the age of nine, gaining international acclaim for her performance in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” which led to an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival. She further solidified her status with roles in “The Man from Nowhere” (2010) and “The Neighbor” (2012). Her portrayal in the television drama “Snowy Road” earned her the Best Actress in a Foreign Film award at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

In May 2022, Kim faced legal issues following a DUI incident in Seoul, resulting in a significant career setback and public scrutiny. Despite attempts to return to acting, including a role in the Netflix series “Bloodhounds,” her on-screen presence was reduced due to the lingering controversy.

The actress’s untimely death has reignited discussions about the intense pressures faced by public figures in South Korea. The online community Women Celebrities Gallery emphasized the need for societal reflection, stating, “Criticism without evidence, mockery, and malicious comments can completely ruin a person’s life.”

Fans and colleagues have expressed profound sorrow over Kim’s passing, highlighting her talent and the challenges she endured in the public eye. Her death adds to a series of tragic losses in the South Korean entertainment industry, underscoring the critical importance of mental health awareness and support for those in the spotlight.