Animal Welfare Volunteers Also Mourn Kim Sae-ron’s Passing “A Friend Who Cared for Abandoned Dogs Since Middle School”

According to the Natural Balance Blue Angel Volunteer Group on February 17, Kim Sae-ron’s love for abandoned animals was extraordinary. She began volunteering at animal shelters as early as 2015, when she was in her second year of middle school.

Having grown up with dogs and cats at home, Kim Sae-ron was determined to help abandoned dogs and cats, leading her to join the volunteer group on her own initiative.
After her first volunteer activity in December 2015, Kim Sae-ron shared on Instagram, “I recently participated in a volunteer program for abandoned dogs and cats. I heard that these incredibly kind and beautiful animals struggle to receive proper care due to a shortage of hands. I hope more people will take an interest in them.”

Her commitment was not a one-time effort—she participated regularly. On-site, she actively engaged in cleaning kennels, bathing animals and carrying pet food, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to the well-being of the animals.
Even in 2023, a year after her DUI incident in 2022, Kim Sae-ron continued visiting animal shelters and volunteering as she always had.
A volunteer who had worked alongside Kim Sae-ron for years in animal welfare shared, “She was an actress who truly cared for and loved animals from a young age. Through her dedication to animal protection, she had a positive influence on many. It’s heartbreaking to hear about such a tragic event.”

Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron rose to stardom after appearing as the little girl next door in the 2010 film “The Man from Nowhere” alongside Won Bin, earning widespread public affection. From achieving the honor of being the youngest Korean actress to attend Cannes to facing controversy over her DUI, she lived a life full of ups and downs.
According to the Seongdong Police Station, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul at 4:54 PM on February 16. Police are currently investigating the exact cause of death.