Kim Sae-ron Biography: Death, Age, Movies, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Parents, Sisters, Career

Kim Sae-ron was a South Korean actress renowned for her compelling performances as a child star, most notably in the films A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man from Nowhere (2010), which earned her international acclaim and several awards.

Transitioning to lead roles in her teenage years, she starred in dramas like The Queen’s Classroom (2013) and Secret Healer (2016), showcasing her versatility.

Profile

• Full Name: Kim Sae-ron
• Stage Name: Kim Sae-ron
• Born: 31, July 2000
• Date of Death: 16, February 2025
• Age: 24 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.67m
• Parents: Mr. Kim, Mrs. Kim
• Siblings: Kim A-ron, Kim Ye-ron
• Spouse: None
• Boyfriend: Kim Soo-hyun (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Kim Sae-ron was born on July 31, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, to Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim.

She grew up with two younger sisters, Kim A-ron and Kim Ye-ron, both of whom are also actresses. She attended Miyang Elementary School in Seoul, graduating from Yang-il Middle School in Ilsan in 2016.

Kim Sae-ron later enrolled at the School of Performing Arts Seoul and was admitted to Chung-Ang University’s Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies in 2018. Her ethnicity was Korean, and her religious beliefs were not publicly disclosed.

Career

Kim Sae-ron began her career at age nine as a child model before transitioning to acting with her debut in A Brand New Life (2009), a film loosely based on director Ounie Lecomte’s life.

Her portrayal of Jin-hee, a girl abandoned at an orphanage, earned her a special screening invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, making her the youngest actress to attend. Her role in The Man from Nowhere (2010), South Korea’s highest-grossing film that year, won her Best New Actress awards at the Korean Film Awards and Buil Film Awards, establishing her as a rising star.

As a teenager, Kim took on more prominent roles, starring in films like A Girl at My Door (2014), which earned her a Best Actress award, and TV dramas such as Can You Hear My Heart (2011), The Queen’s Classroom (2013), and Hi! School: Love On (2014).

Her first adult lead role came in Secret Healer (2016), showcasing her ability to handle complex characters. Despite her success, her career faced a significant setback in 2022 after a drunk driving incident, leading to her departure from the drama Trolley (2023) and partial editing out of Bloodhounds (2023). The incident triggered intense public scrutiny, impacting her ability to secure roles.

Kim attempted a comeback in 2024 with a stage play, Dongchimi, but withdrew due to health concerns amid ongoing public criticism.

Her final projects, the films Guitar Man and Urineun Maeil Maeil (Day by Day), completed filming in 2021 and 2024, respectively, and are set for posthumous release in 2025. Despite challenges, Kim’s talent and early contributions to Korean cinema left a lasting impact, and her advocacy for abandoned animals through the Blue Angels volunteer group highlighted her compassionate side. Her passing sparked widespread discussions about the pressures of South Korea’s entertainment industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @ron_sae

Personal Life

Kim Sae-ron was single at the time of her death and had been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun from 2019 to 2020, when she was an adult, though controversy arose in 2025 over unverified allegations regarding their relationship timeline.

She had no children and maintained close ties with her family, particularly her sisters, A-ron and Ye-ron. Kim passed away on February 16, 2025, in Seoul, with police ruling her death a suicide, prompting widespread grief and reflection on celebrity culture in South Korea.

Filmography

• A Brand New Life (2009)
• The Man from Nowhere (2010)
• I Am a Dad (2011)
• Barbie (2011)
• The Neighbor (2012)
• A Girl at My Door (2014)
• Guitar Man (2025)
• Urineun Maeil Maeil (Day by Day) (2025)

Net Worth

Kim Sae-ron had an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of her passing in February 2025. Her wealth was primarily derived from her acting career, including film and television roles, as well as endorsements prior to 2022.