Major foreign media outlets reported on the passing of actress Kim Sae-ron, who died at the age of 25. Some media pointed out that the atmosphere demanding perfect appearances and behavior pressures Korean entertainers.
U.S. news outlets CNN, The New York Times (NYT), and France's AFP reported on Kim Sae-ron's death, citing Korean media on local time, 16th to 17th.
Foreign media reported that Kim Sae-ron was recognized for her excellent acting at a young age, but she halted her activities following public criticism after a drunk driving incident.
The NYT commented on Kim Sae-ron's death, calling it 'a tragedy faced by the Korean entertainment industry, which is experiencing an economic boom but is under severe pressure,' adding that 'the Korean entertainment industry has been criticized for impacting the mental health of rapidly rising stars.'
It added, 'Experts say that the popularity of celebrities often depends on an impeccable reputation.'
France's AFP reported, 'Kim Sae-ron showcased her versatility by taking on various roles as an actress, but her career abruptly halted after she was fined 20 million won for a drunk driving incident in 2022,' and noted, 'since the incident, she has struggled to take on new roles due to negative public opinion.'
CNN also reported that 'the recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama stars have raised concerns about mental health and pressures within the Korean entertainment industry,' stating that 'K-entertainment is a competitive field with a high level of public scrutiny.'
It added, 'Experts say that the atmosphere expecting perfection in appearance and behavior affects stars.'