Celebrity

Kim Sae-ron’s Death: The Public and Industry are Both at Blame

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The Tragedy of Kim Sae-ron

On the evening of February 16, South Korean media was shaken by reports of Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing at 25. According to Naver, the late actress’ downfall—from being hailed as a “genius actress” who starred alongside Won Bin to the 2022 drunk driving incident—left her completely devastated.

Two years after the incident, Kim Sae-ron attempted a comeback to the entertainment industry. However, a 2024 photo of her intimately posing cheek-to-cheek with Kim Soo-hyun once again led to her being “drowned” in criticism.

kim soo hyun kim sae ron

At that time, fans of Kim Soo-hyun and the public continuously attacked the late actress, accusing the actress of using the former’s name to make a comeback. As criticism mounted, Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives stated they had “no knowledge of Kim Sae-ron’s intentions” regarding the photo. She later deleted the image without making any further comments.

Six months after facing relentless public backlash, Kim Sae-ron passed away on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. On Weibo, the topic “The Life of Kim Sae-ron” garnered millions of searches.

Not the 1st Tragedy

Meanwhile, following the actress’ death, Seongdong District Police in Seoul stated that no suicide note was found. “There are no signs of foul play or forced entry. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death,” the police announced, adding that they suspect an extreme choice.

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According to the Korean National Statistical Office, suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people (aged 10-39). Artists, in particular—who endure immense work pressure, public scrutiny, and the entertainment industry’s demands—are at the highest risk.

Over the years, the South Korean entertainment industry has witnessed numerous tragic extreme choices, including Jonghyun (SHINee, 2017), Sulli (2019), Goo Hara (2019), Moonbin (ASTRO, 2023), and most recently, actor Lee Sun-kyun (Parasite, 2023).

moonbin hara jonghyun
Sulli, Lee Sun-kyun

These heartbreaking cases have left audiences in shock, highlighting the alarming neglect of artists’ mental health, while industry pressures continue to mount.

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Professor Kim Ji-young, a psychology expert at Seoul National University, commented, “The frequent suicides in the entertainment industry are not just individual tragedies but reflect systemic failures. When work stress, public criticism, and management company pressures become overwhelming, many artists find no way out.”

Meanwhile, Professor Lee Do-hyun, a psychologist at Yonsei University, noted that Korean artists undergo rigorous training from a young age and face extreme pressure due to early fame. Management companies control every aspect of their lives, from appearance and weight to grueling work schedules.

Many artists are treated like money-making machines. They must maintain a flawless image, work tirelessly, and have no control over their personal lives. When they fail to meet these unrealistic expectations, they are prone to anxiety and depression,” he told media outlet The Korea Times.

Why Korean Artists are Likely Victims

The phenomenon of artists being canceled and forced out of the industry after scandals has become a “signature of Korean showbiz.” While experts continuously warn about the devastating impact of cyberbullying, online violence persists, leading to tragic outcomes.

Within the past year, Song Jae-rim—known for his role in “Moon Embracing the Sun” —was found dead at home, leaving behind a two-page suicide note that sparked debates about industry issues.

2024-KBS Drama Awards song jae rim

The suicide of actor Lee Sun-kyun in his car also fueled long-lasting discussions. At the time, he was harshly criticized due to a drug investigation. His plea about being a victim of blackmail was ignored—only for the public to express regret after his death.

lee sun kyun thumbnail

Korea Times notes that South Korea has an extremely harsh social media culture, where artists are easily targeted by malicious comments. Scandals, no matter how big or small, can lead to a complete downfall, putting immense psychological pressure on celebrities.

“Online bullying is a serious issue in South Korea. The public is quick to judge artists without considering the consequences. For those already under extreme work stress, online attacks can be the final straw,” said Dr. Choi Min-seok, an expert in digital culture studies.

Meanwhile, Professor Park Sung-ho, a psychiatry specialist, pointed out that many artists work under relentless schedules, sometimes sleeping only a few hours a day. The lack of rest, combined with the pressure to succeed, leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and depression, making them more vulnerable to public scrutiny.

“Artists are at high risk for mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders. However, many entertainment companies still do not prioritize mental health support for their talents,” Professor Park Sung-ho noted.

Given the growing concern, experts suggest improving the work environment and providing better mental health support for artists. “Entertainment companies should have in-house psychologists to support artists during difficult times. Authorities must also enforce stricter measures against malicious comments to protect the dignity and mental well-being of celebrities,” he urged.

Additionally, Professor Park emphasized the need for societal change, “The public must understand that artists are human beings who sometimes make mistakes. We cannot let these tragedies continue. We must take action now—before it’s too late.”

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