A friend of South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron was stunned by the news of her death, revealing to the media that Kim had plans to open a café and return to acting.
South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron. Photo from Kim’s Instagram |
Citing Edaily, Znews reported that this friend said they met Kim at the end of last year.
“She had changed her name to Kim Ah Im and was trying to make a fresh start,” the friend stated. “So, when I heard of her passing, I was very shocked.”
Kim was discovered deceased at her home in Seoul, South Korea, by a friend on Sunday. While police are investigating the cause of her death, early reports indicate no signs of foul play.
Her death has also stirred public opinion significantly. On Naver, South Korea’s largest internet portal, the news quickly became one of the top two most searched terms. Similarly, on Weibo, the keyword “Kim Sae Ron” surged to the top of the most-searched topic list.
Many fans on forums and social media expressed their shock and extended condolences to her family.
Before her passing at age 25, Kim was recognized as a “child prodigy” within the South Korean acting community, earning numerous awards throughout her career. She holds the distinction of being the youngest nominee for Best Actress at the prestigious Baeksang Awards.
However, following a drunk driving incident in 2022, she reportedly faced depression and financial challenges.