Kim Sae-ron's death sparks debate on gendered double standards in Korean entertainment industry
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seoul at 24, nearly two years after she retreated from the public eye following a DUI scandal. Authorities found no signs of foul play and are investigating the circumstances of her death.
Kim, who began acting as a child, gained recognition for roles in
A Brand New Life
and
The Man from Nowhere
, but her career stalled after a 2023 conviction for drunk driving. She publicly apologized, paid a $14,000 fine, and withdrew from the industry, yet continued to face relentless public backlash.
Her death has reignited conversations about gendered double standards in the Korean entertainment industry. Social media users have pointed out that while male celebrities male celebrities accused of violent crimes, abuse, or sexual assault make industry comebacks, Kim was shunned despite taking responsibility for her actions.
a child actress who was mistreated by her mom and later by the whole industry taking her life after making multiple attempts to move on with her life and still faced relentless bullying from ppl who turn around and support sexual abusers, South Korea really is hell for women.
— jiji 🍉 🇵🇸 (@jermiahpeaxe)
kim saeron faced hell for her scandal but men do worse but still get movie deals, comeback stages, and public sympathy. the double standards in this industry are disgusting
— gyul (@gyulbibi)
Reports suggest she even attempted to take part-time jobs but was rejected due to public scrutiny.
According to the article, she tried to get a part-time job in a cafe to make ends meet but was rejected, and she tried to return to theatre but had to give it up because of the public outcry. This has been so harsh, it breaks my heart, and I hope she rests in peace.
— Why is Korea's birth rate low? (@k927927)
Others counter that drunk driving has serious consequences, and minimizing her actions sets a dangerous precedent.
i'm not saying she should've been bullied to death but why are we minimizing the consequences of drunk driving
— promiscuous african prostitute in the village (@ki5umi)
Fellow actors and fans are mourning her passing and paying tribute. Many are calling for better mental health support for Korean celebrities, as Kim's tragic fate mirrors previous losses, including Sulli, Moonbin, and Kim Jong-hyun.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Romeo Beckham splits from Kim Turnbull amid Beckham family rift rumors
Romeo Beckham has officially split from model and DJ Kim Turnbull after seven months of dating, sources confirmed. The breakup reportedly occurred just weeks after David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations, which Turnbull had attended alongside the Beckham family. Sources close to the couple claim the split was amicable and due to conflicting work schedules rather than any connection to the ongoing family rift involving Romeo's older brother, Brooklyn Beckham, and his wife, Nicola Peltz. Speculation swirled around Kim's involvement in the feud, with some reports alleging Nicola was uncomfortable with Kim due to a past friendship with Brooklyn. However, insiders insist that Brooklyn and Kim were never romantically involved. Romeo and Kim's parting was described as 'friendly,' with the pair still crossing paths socially. Turnbull, 26, is a rising DJ and model from North London with a strong fashion and music background. She and Romeo, 22, made their relationship Instagram official in November 2024 and were frequently seen together at high-profile events. David and Victoria Beckham were reportedly fond of Kim and saddened by the breakup. The family tensions with Brooklyn and Nicola, who have been absent from several Beckham gatherings, have continued to fuel rumors. However, sources close to the Beckhams have pushed back against narratives blaming Kim, suggesting Nicola may be using her as a scapegoat. Romeo is no longer on speaking terms with Brooklyn, marking a deeper divide within the Beckham family.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
'Squid Game' Season 3: Netflix unveils official trailer for series finale ahead of June release
Netflix has released the official trailer for Squid Game Season 3, confirming the return of Gi-hun and a new chapter of brutal survival games. This season serves as the final instalment of the global Korean phenomenon. The trailer opens with a modified version of 'Red Light, Green Light,' featuring Young-hee in a new role. Gi-hun confronts masked guards, asking, 'Why have you kept me alive?' hinting at his central role in the final sequence of games. The footage teases the return of remaining players from Season 2 and introduces revamped challenges, including a darker take on the infamous Tug of War. New and returning characters such as Seon-nyeo, Hyun-ju, and Jang Geum-ja are shown, promising more depth and emotional weight. The trailer also indicates Gi-hun will finally learn of In-ho's betrayal. With deadly games, psychological tension, and unresolved loyalties, the series is set to conclude with high stakes and emotional resonance. The release follows just six months after Season 2, reducing fan wait time significantly. The final season of Squid Game premieres June 27 on Netflix.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
BLACKPINK's Lisa to star in upcoming documentary
K-pop star Lisa, popularly recognised as a member of BLACKPINK, is exploring a new venture after her music career and acting credit in The White Lotus. As per Variety, it was announced on Thursday that the Money singer will be the subject of a documentary film from Sony Music Vision and director Sue Kim. Kim discussed her document at the Sony event, along with Baz Luhrmann and Frank Marshall, who also shared updates on their features. Kim, who was an executive producer on Apple TV+'s docuseries K-Pop Idols, said that she's been working with Lisa for a year, though no release date has been finalised. A trailer for the film was unveiled during the presentation, showing concert footage of the star performing solo and personal moments with her loved ones. Kim mentioned that after the two met up for the first time, Lisa reached out to her non-celebrity friends, asking them to appear in the documentary. "This has been such an incredible year, and I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to capture these special moments on film and share the experience with my fans," Lisa said in a statement. "Working with Sue Kim has been such a joy. We've been all around the world together and I know this is just the beginning of many more exciting things to come." The director also expressed enthusiasm in her own statement. "Following Lisa on this transformative and thrilling year has been a true honor and a cinematic gift," Kim said. "There have been so many moments on her journey that I think will surprise people and give a glimpse into her world that no one's ever seen before. I'm excited for viewers to watch the film and witness this extraordinary moment in her life." The news of the documentary comes after the release of Lisa's debut solo album, Alter Ego. Following BLACKPINK's hiatus, all four members branched out in pursuit of solo careers. The group is all set to reunite this year for a world tour. The Asia leg of their World Tour: Deadline kicks off in October, beginning with two nights at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. This will be followed by shows in Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore. After a two-month break, the quartet will fly to Hong Kong to close out the tour in January. Deadline will mark BLACKPINK's return to the stage as a unit after the tour for their album Born Pink in 2023. It made history as the highest-grossing tour by a girl group, recording 1.8 million fans worldwide.
