By Jheruleene Anne Ramos
Kim Sae-ron’s sudden death at 24 has once again raised concerns about the immense pressure placed on South Korean celebrities, with intense public scrutiny and high expectations overshadowing the glamour of fame and fortune.
She was found dead at her home on Sunday 16 February by a friend.
Police have so far ruled out foul play or forced entry, leading investigators to presume her death a suicide despite the absence of a note.
“During a regular briefing at the National Office of Investigation on Monday, officials stated that Kim’s death is presumed to be a suicide and will be handled as an unattended case,” reported The Korea Times.
Talented young actress
Once considered one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses, Kim gained fame for her role as So Mi-jeong in the 2010 hit action film The Man From Nowhere, which was also featured at the Cannes Film Festival.
She later transitioned into leading roles in television dramas such as Hi! School Love On (2014) and The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim (2021).
However, her career took a downturn after a 2022 drunk-driving incident in which she crashed into a transformer, cutting power to several businesses in Seoul’s Gangnam district, and was later fined KRW20 million ($15,300) in 2023, as cited by Korea JoongAng Daily.
Following the incident, Kim posted a handwritten apology that said: “I have no excuses for this unfortunate incident, and I feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself for the mistake I made.”
In spite of attempts to revive her career, public sentiment remained largely negative, making it difficult for her to secure acting roles.
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Another tragedy in South Korea’s entertainment industry
Kim’s death is the latest in a series of tragedies highlighting the mental health crisis in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
In December 2023, acclaimed actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in Parasite, was found dead in his car amid a drug-related police investigation.
The industry has also mourned the losses of Shinee’s Kim Jong-hyun (2017), K-pop star Sulli (2019), and former Kara member Goo Hara (2019) – all ruled as suicides.
Psychiatrist Paik Jong-woo noted that “artists tend to experience emotions more vividly” because their careers rely on public approval.
He added that many avoid seeking mental health treatment due to fear of public shame and the demanding nature of their schedules.
Professor Lee Gyu-tag of George Mason University Korea pointed to South Korea’s internet culture as a factor in celebrity suicides.
“I believe that the internet is also having an influence in imposing stricter moral standards on actors and singers in Korea,” he told CNN.
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A nationwide mental-health crisis
South Korea’s mental-health crisis extends beyond celebrities, affecting a significant portion of the population.
In 2023, a total of 13,770 suicides were recorded, a 6.7% increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, The Korea Times reported.
Separate data from the National Medical Centre revealed that suicide attempts among teenagers and young adults rose sharply, increasing by 160.5% and 190.8%, respectively.
Experts cite social isolation, economic hardship, and lingering psychological effects from COVID-19 as major contributing factors.
In response, the South Korean government has pledged to expand access to psychiatric care and counseling, with plans to offer mental health services to 80,000 people in 2024 and all citizens by 2026.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has previously emphasised the importance of awareness and social support, stating: “Suicide can be prevented if there is an increased awareness and social support.”
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Ren Azrack Escosio 
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