Netflix star Kim Sae-ron dead at 24 after being forced into exile

A Netflix star has been found dead at the age of just 24, two years after she was forced out of the spotlight over a drunk driving incident.

A popular South Korean actress who was forced into hiding after a drunken-driving crash was found dead in her home Sunday.

Kim Sae-ron, 24, who last starred in the 2023 hit Netflix series Bloodhounds, was discovered around 4:50pm local time at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, by a friend who had plans to meet her, according to the Yonhap News Agency and Korea Herald.

“We have not found any signs of foul play as of yet, but we are investigating the circumstances of the death,” police said.

The star — who made her acting debut at age 9 — rose to fame starting with roles in the 2010 action movie The Man from Nowhere and the 2012 thriller The Neighbour.

But Kim took a step back from acting after drunkenly crashing her car into a roadside electrical transformer box in May 2022, the South China Morning Post reported.

She was fined $20 million won, or $13,850 US — and the crash caused enough public humiliation to drive her out of the limelight, including by stepping down from her role in the drama series “Trolley,” the outlet said.

Kim Sae-ron fronting court for her drunk driving case. Photo by YONHAP / AFP

Kim's last post before her death. Photo: Instagram

She attempted to return to acting last year but later removed herself again over health issues, according to Yonhap.

Kim’s most recent release the action series Bloodhounds.

However, due to her drink driving incident, she appeared to have a reduced role on the show with many of her scenes reportedly cut in response.

The tributes poured in from fans.

“This is truly heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to Kim Sae ron’s family, friends, and fans. May she rest in peace, and may those who loved her find strength during this difficult time,” one wrote.

Another said: “I am still in denial, wishing it was all just a bad dream. Rest in Peace, Kim Sae-ron”.

“The world is just so cruel, people please be kind,” a third commented.

She won numerous awards throughout her career and was honoured as Best New Actress at several Korean arts awards ceremonies, according to her IMDB page.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as Netflix star Kim Sae-ron dead at 24 after being forced into exile