Revisiting Kim Sae-ron’s Post from 11 Years Ago: A Reflection on Second Chances

“No matter what explanation I gave, they wouldn’t have seen or heard it.” 

This was the post Kim Sae-ron shared on her mini-homepage in February 2014, when she was 15 years old in Korean age. She wrote, “Haters will keep banging on their keyboards, pushing and attacking me until they see an end, and they won’t stop until they turn their attention to something else.”

The post was made in response to a photo that was shared online, which falsely accused her of engaging in inappropriate behavior. At just 15 years old, she wrote, “If I’ve lived my life properly, the people who believe in me will continue to do so. Those who don’t know me and are jealous or resentful won’t listen to anything good or true.” 

The words now feel even more poignant in light of her passing, which occurred on February 16, 2025 in her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

Now, 11 years have passed. It’s hard to shake the feeling that the world is moving backward. Re-reading Kim Sae-ron’s post from 11 years ago, we can feel that if she had posted it today, there wouldn’t be much difference. In fact, things might be even more violent now. The behavior of hitting someone with a moral stick and then searching for the next victim seems to have intensified.

The question of second chances remains a critical issue in today’s society. While celebrities who make mistakes often face intense public criticism, it is worth considering whether those who apologize and show genuine remorse should ever be given a chance to redeem themselves. The case of Robert Downey Jr., who overcame his past troubles with drug use to achieve a successful career, serves as a reminder that redemption is possible, even in the public eye.

In the wake of Kim Sae-ron’s passing, many are reflecting on the importance of offering second chances to individuals, particularly those who have shown true regret and growth. 

Kim Sae-ron’s life and career, marked by early success and immense promise, remind us that compassion and forgiveness should guide our judgments, both for celebrities and for all individuals. 

Rest in peace, Kim Sae-ron.