Did the Late Kim Sae-ron Seek a Shamanic Ritual to Resume Acting? Close Source Denies Rumor
On April 14, a close associate of the late actress Kim Sae-ron’s family denied claims that she underwent a naerimgut (a traditional Korean shamanic ritual for spiritual initiation) to resume her acting career.
Speaking to Hankyung, the associate stated, “It is completely false that Kim Sae-ron received a shamanic ritual. That is absolutely not true.”
They clarified, “Kim Sae-ron became interested in Korean folk beliefs after appearing in a project related to the subject. The shaman in question is merely an acquaintance and nothing more.”
According to the source, Kim Sae-ron’s interest stemmed from her roles in the 2014 film “Man-Shin: Ten Thousand Spirits” and the 2021 drama “The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim,” both of which focused on traditional Korean shamanism.
“Man-Shin” tells the dramatic life story of Kim Keum-hwa, a renowned Korean shaman known worldwide for her ritual performances, with Kim Sae-ron playing the young version of the protagonist. In “The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim,” she received praise for her role as a teenage shaman battling evil spirits.
The controversy was sparked by a YouTuber and former entertainment journalist, referred to as “A”, who claimed Kim Sae-ron underwent a naerimgut last September after hearing it could help her return to acting. The YouTuber alleged that the owner of a pub in Apgujeong, a close acquaintance of Kim’s, had influenced her after their own family underwent a shamanic ritual.
In response, the pub owner named by “A” refuted the allegations on an online forum, stating, “If I had arranged for Kim Sae-ron to undergo a shamanic ritual, I would close my business and disappear quietly.”
Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron’s family filed a defamation complaint against YouTuber “A” on March 17 under the Information and Communications Network Act, followed by an additional complaint on March 27 for violating the Stalking Punishment Act. Despite legal action, the YouTuber continues to release content related to Kim Sae-ron on YouTube.