Actor the late Kim Sae-ron passed away one year ago.
Feb. 16, 2026, marks exactly one year since Kim Sae-ron died at the age of 25. The deceased was found dead at her home in Seongdong District, Seoul, on Feb. 16 last year.
Kim Sae-ron, who debuted as a magazine model in 2001, began her full-fledged acting career through the 2009 film "Traveler." After that, in the 2010 film The Man from Nowhere, she left a strong impression on the public with the role of "Jung So-mi," acting alongside Won Bin. Alongside her peer child actors, she was noted as a next-generation star and showcased a wide range of acting in dramas such as drama "Can You Hear My Heart", "The Queen's Classroom", Mirror of the Witch, "Nobody Knows", "Shaman Ga Doo-shim", Bloodhounds and films such as "Dohee-ya", "The Neighbors", and "People of the Neighborhood."
Her acting was recognized at several award ceremonies. Winning New Actress awards at the Buil Film Awards, the Grand Bell Awards, and the Blue Dragon Film Awards made audiences anticipate her growth from a "reliable child actor" to an "adult actor." Her final work was the high‑teen romance 'We Are Every Day.'
However, she hit a major turning point in her career when she halted activities after a drunk driving accident in May 2022. She acknowledged responsibility and entered a period of self-reflection through an official apology, but faced a cold public reaction during the comeback process. She prepared to return by working part time giving acting lessons and attempted to perform on stage through the play "Dongchimi," but ultimately could not realize that goal.
Kim Sae-ron, who dreamed of a comeback, passed away.
But her name is still being mentioned in courts and articles. After the deceased's death, the bereaved family raised allegations about a past relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun, triggering legal battles. Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference to fully deny the dating allegations from when he was a minor and also denied that the related messages were factual. The two sides have filed counterclaims against each other on charges including defamation, damages, and violation of the Child Welfare Act, continuing a fierce dispute over the truth.
A year has passed, but the controversy is ongoing. The moments when she shone as an actor, the time stained by mistakes, and the dream of returning that she never fulfilled—all those scenes intersect and bring the name Kim Sae-ron back to mind.
The light in her eyes that sparkled on stage has gone, but her acting and life still remain in the memories of many. And above all, voices hoping the deceased's name will remain in memory as a recollection rather than a dispute are growing louder.
[Photos] SNS, OSEN DB, movie stills
[OSEN]