Actress Kim Sae-ron has passed away at the young age of 25. She entered the entertainment industry at the tender age of 9 and was a prominent child star who actively worked for 16 years across both films and dramas.
Debuted at 9 → Child Star Imprinted in the Public's Mind through 'The Man from Nowhere'
Kim Sae-ron began her entertainment career as a child model in 2001, and in 2009, she landed a leading role in the film "The Traveler," directed by Lee Chang-dong, after overcoming a competition ratio of 1,000 to 1. She delicately expressed the psychology of a child placed in an orphanage, and as the film was invited to the Cannes Film Festival, she became the youngest Korean actress to walk the Cannes red carpet.
The work that firmly imprinted her in the public's mind was the 2010 film "The Man from Nowhere," in which she starred alongside Won Bin. She played the role of Somi, a girl kidnapped by a criminal organization, and received high praise for her excellent portrayal of a child raised in an unstable home. Despite being rated for adults only, the film attracted over 6 million viewers, and Kim Sae-ron became remembered as 'Somi from The Man from Nowhere.'
A 16-Year Acting Career Spanning Dramas and Films
Afterward, Kim Sae-ron expanded her acting spectrum by appearing in dramas such as "Can You Hear My Heart" (2011), "What’s Mom?" (2012), and "Queen’s Classroom" (2013). In the film "The Neighbors" (2012), she showcased her chilling thriller acting, and in "Dohui-ya" (2014), she played the role of an abused girl, earning recognition for her solid acting skills. Notably, "Dohui-ya" was invited to the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section, establishing her as an actress to be noticed on the global stage.
Even after becoming an adult, she continued her acting career in various works, including "The Witch: Part 2" (2022), but she halted her activities after causing a drunk driving accident in Gangnam, Seoul, in May 2022. After a period of self-reflection, she announced her return last November with news of her participation in the film "Guitar Man," but that work ultimately became her last.
A Heartbreaking Farewell... Shock in the Entertainment Industry
The sudden news of Kim Sae-ron's passing has plunged the entertainment industry and her fans into deep sorrow. In particular, the actors who appeared with her in "The Man from Nowhere," as well as those who acted alongside her and the staff who have watched her for a long time, are expressing their condolences.
Kim Sae-ron, who left behind a short but intense acting career, will remain in the memories of the public through her works.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
