Kim Sae-ron Apologized to All People Affected by Drunk Driving, Tried Her Best amid Criticism
On February 16, actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her residence. After her tragic death, the behind the drunk driving accident on May 18, 2022, is revealed.
On May 18, 2022, when she was involved in a drunk driving accident. She crashed into a transformer and a tree while driving in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, before attempting to flee the scene.
Kim Sae-ron immediately admitted her fault and bowed her head in apology. The day after the accident, on May 19, she posted a handwritten letter of apology on Instagram, stating, “I made a huge mistake while under the influence of alcohol. I should have acted with more caution and responsibility, but I failed to do so.” She continued, “I am working with my company to address the damages caused by the accident and will do my best to communicate and resolve the situation until the very end.”
She kept her words and made efforts to take responsibility for her actions, personally apologizing and compensating all 57 businesses affected by the power outage caused by her drunk driving accident. A store owner told “The Kookmin Ilbo”, “I was shocked when Kim Sae-ron personally came to apologize.”
Following the accident, she halted her entertainment career and faced financial struggles due to penalty fees and compensation payments. During her trial, her lawyer stated, “Kim Sae-ron has been the sole breadwinner for her family… after paying the compensation, she is now struggling financially.”
However, when she posted photos of herself working at a coffee shop, public sentiment remained cold, with accusations of seeking sympathy. The franchise later clarified that she was not officially employed.
At her sentencing, she clarified, “I never claimed I was struggling financially, but I am indeed working part-time, and the advertisement penalty fees are substantial.” She added, “Drunk driving was my fault… but there are so many false reports that I’m scared to even explain myself.”
She was fined 20 million KRW (approximately 15,000 USD) and reportedly continued working at a café under an alias until her identity was exposed, leading to her dismissal.
Despite setbacks, she attempted a comeback in April 2023 but withdrew due to public backlash, later posting, “I’m struggling. Can you all stop now?”
She completed filming “Guitar Man” in November 2023 but never got the chance to properly return.