Netflix Actress Kim Sae-ron's Cause of Death at 24 Revealed – Details

As fans and several colleagues in the South Korean entertainment industry mourn, police have confirmed the cause of Netflix star Kim Sae-ron's death.

Authorities have confirmed that the 24-year-old actress left no final message before her tragic passing, as reported by Yonhap News Agency (YNA).

A police official said, "We believe she made an extreme choice and plan to handle it as a suicide."

Kim's passing has shaken the South Korean entertainment industry, with many celebrities paying their respects to the late star, according to Chosun Biz.

Following the news, actor Won Bin visited her at the mortuary at Seoul Asan Hospital in Songpa-gu on February 17 to pay his respects. Won Bin and his wife, actress Lee Na-young, had previously sent a wreath in mourning.

Won starred alongside Kim in the 2010 film "The Man from Nowhere," where Won played Tae-sik, a former special agent, and Kim portrayed Somi, a young girl caught in a dangerous situation. Their performances were widely praised, marking Kim's rise as a promising young actress.

Several other celebrities also paid tribute at the mortuary, including actors Han So-hee and Kim Bo-ra, and singers Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Soo-hyun of AKMU. Singer IU, actor Gong Myung, and the band FT Island sent wreaths in her memory.

Kim's funeral is reportedly scheduled for February 19 at 6:20 a.m. and will be held privately at the request of her family.

The former child star, who rose to fame with acclaimed performances in South Korean films and dramas, was found lifeless in her Seoul apartment on February 16.

As reported by The Korea Herald, Kim's friend discovered her body and immediately called the police at around 4:50 p.m. According to YNA, the friend had gone to her home after being unable to reach her for a scheduled meeting.

At that time, investigators examined the cause of death but found no signs of a break-in. Police later stated that they had not found any evidence of foul play.

Following Kim's death, several individuals paid tribute to her on Instagram. Actress Kim Ok-vin expressed her condolences alongside a photo of a white flower, while a fan page described Kim as a "talented actress."

Kim Min-che, who co-starred with the late actress in "Neighborhood People," reflected on their time working together and expressed her sympathy. "I pray for the soul of the deceased. May she rest in peace," her post read.

Fans have also sympathized with comments like "Why does it have to end this way... This is so sad." Some wrote, "Be Happy and Free, You can now Rest in Peace," "What unexpected news, may God comfort the hearts of all her family and friends, may she rest in peace."

Kim, born on July 31, 2000 in Seoul, started acting at nine. She gained recognition for her performances in "A Brand New Life" (2009) and "The Man From Nowhere" (2010), winning Best New Actress at the 8th Korean Film Awards.

That same year, she became the youngest South Korean actress invited to the Cannes Film Festival, where the 2009 film was screened.

She continued to build her career with roles in "The Queen's Classroom" (2013), "The Neighbors" (2012), and "Glamorous Temptation" (2015), showing versatility across different genres. She most recently starred in "Bloodhounds," which streamed on Netflix.

In May 2022, Kim made headlines for a drunk driving incident in Gangnam's Cheongdam-dong area. According to the South China Morning Post, she crashed into an electrical transformer box, causing power outages that disrupted businesses and traffic signals.

Reports stated that she refused a breathalyzer test at the scene and later requested a blood test at a hospital. The accident led to her withdrawal from the SBS drama "Trolley" and sparked public criticism.

Since her passing, one fan believed the public would have forgiven her sooner or later, with one remarking, "Everyone has a life full of faults."

Besides her acting career, Kim loved dogs and often shared her experiences visiting animal shelters on her Instagram.

During a visit to Rainfall Pocheon Quarter, she encouraged adoption and urged her 3.7 million followers to support shelter animals. She appeared happy as she petted several dogs.

In one Instagram post, Kim expressed concern about the rising summer temperatures and their impact on shelter dogs. She hoped they would remain safe despite the heat and find loving families to care for them.

She also shared another heartfelt post for dogs, translated into English, "I hope that precious and lovely children can stay comfortable and clean for a little, and that they can meet a lot of good new families🙏🏻."

Kim's sudden passing has shocked her colleagues and the entertainment industry. Many remember her not only for her on-screen talent but also for her compassion and advocacy. Her legacy as a rising star and animal lover remains in the hearts of those who knew her.

Kim's death is the most recent reported among Asian celebrities this year. Prior to her passing, Taiwanese actress and Meteor Garden star Barbie Hsu died on February 2 from influenza-related pneumonia.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.