Renowned Actress Honors Late Kim Sae-ron with Chrysanthemum Tribute on SNS

Actress Kim Ok-bin has expressed her deep sorrow over the sudden passing of fellow actress Kim Sae-ron.

On the 16th, Kim Ok-bin shared a photo of white chrysanthemums on her Instagram, along with the message, "Rest in peace." While she did not mention a specific name, her post appeared to be a tribute to Kim Sae-ron, whose passing was reported earlier that day.

Actor Kim Min-chae, who starred alongside Kim Sae-ron in the 2018 film The Villagers, also paid tribute via social media. "I was so happy to have met you in The Villagers," she wrote, adding, "I hope you rest in peace." She also shared photos from their time on set, remembering the late actress.

Kim Sae-ron’s former agency, Gold Medalist, released an official statement expressing their condolences. "We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Kim Sae-ron’s passing. May she rest in peace," the company stated.

According to the Seoul Seongdong Police Station, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased in her home in Seongdong-gu that afternoon. She was 25 years old. A friend who had plans to meet her discovered the scene and immediately reported it to the authorities.

Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Reports indicate she was already in cardiac arrest when found. Police stated that "there were no signs of forced entry or foul play, but the exact circumstances of her passing are still under investigation."

Born in 2000, Kim Sae-ron made her debut as a model for a magazine in 2001. She transitioned to acting in 2009 with the film A Brand New Life at the age of nine. In 2010, she gained widespread recognition for her role in the Won Bin-led film The Man from Nowhere. She later appeared in The Neighbors, A Girl at My Door, The Villagers, and the drama Mirror of the Witch, among other works.

However, in May 2022, Kim was involved in a DUI incident, which led to significant controversy. A blood test revealed her blood alcohol content to be around 0.2%, far exceeding the threshold for license revocation. She later issued a handwritten apology on Instagram, expressing remorse.

Following the incident, her contract with Gold Medalist expired, and she had remained inactive in the entertainment industry since.

Meanwhile, according to sources close to the actress, her funeral is expected to be held on the 17th. While reports suggest that the wake will take place at Seoul Asan Medical Center, hospital officials have stated that no official arrangements have been confirmed yet.

Once the funeral home is set up, visitors will be able to pay their respects.