Remembering Kim Sae Ron: A Talented Actor Gone Too Soon, One Year After Her Passing

It has already been a year since actress Kim Sae Ron passed away.

February 16 marks the first anniversary of Kim Sae Ron’s death. Born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, she began her career as a child actor. From a young age, she appeared in commercials and modeling work, gradually expanding her career into acting.

Kim Sae Ron made her official film debut in 2009 with Traveler. The film was invited to the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, and through it, she experienced walking the red carpet at an international film event. She later gained wider recognition with her role in the 2010 film The Man from Nowhere, portraying a key child character in a commercially successful movie.

Over the years, Kim Sae Ron continued working steadily across both film and television. Her filmography includes 'I Am a Dad,' 'The Neighbor,' 'Manhole,' 'Snowy Road,' 'The Villagers,' 'Believer,' 'Another Child,' and 'Call.' On television, she appeared in diverse genres such as 'The Queen’s Classroom,' 'Hi! School: Love On,' 'Mirror of the Witch,' and 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim.' Transitioning from her child actor image, she expanded into adolescent and adult roles.

During her career, Kim Sae Ron received multiple awards, including Best New Actress and Child Actor accolades at domestic ceremonies. She built a strong filmography with both leading and supporting roles and continued acting in productions released on OTT platforms even after 2020.

On February 16, 2025, Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Concerned acquaintances who had been unable to reach her visited her residence, leading to a police report. Investigators found no signs of forced entry or evidence of foul play, and her death was classified as a natural cause case. She was 24 years old at the time of her passing.

Her funeral was held privately with close family and friends. A memorial was set up at a Seoul funeral hall, and the cremation and burial were conducted in accordance with her family’s wishes.

After her death, reports surfaced regarding the release of some of her completed or upcoming projects. Discussions on whether these works would be publicly released continued according to schedule.

On the first anniversary of her passing, online communities have been sharing posts highlighting her works and career. Broadcasters and film platforms have also reintroduced her past projects to audiences.