Kim Sae-ron's death sparks call for reflection on harsh treatment of celebrities

By KTimes

The death of actor Kim Sae-ron, 25, has sparked growing criticism of the excessive online hate she endured. As the public mourns her tragic passing, calls have emerged for societal reflection on the harsh judgment often directed at celebrities.

Na Jong-ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, wrote on Facebook on Monday, "Kim Sae-ron's death feels like one of someone pushed to the edge. A society that buries people without giving them a second chance after a mistake is not a healthy one."

He added, "Our society discards those who stumble and move on as if nothing happened. It feels like a massive, real-life version of 'Squid Game.' How many more lives must be lost before we stop inflicting this suffocating shame on people?"

Singer Migyo also paid tribute on Instagram, writing, "It seems like only when someone dies do the haters stop. I doubt some of them even realize they're leaving malicious comments."

Kim faced public backlash after being caught drunk driving in Seoul's Gangnam District in May 2022. She was fined 20 million won ($15,000) and halted all activities. At the time, online platforms were flooded with negative comments.

Kim issued a handwritten apology on social media, but her financial struggles later surfaced when it was revealed she had been working part-time at a cafe. Her planned return in April last year through a play was canceled after facing renewed public criticism.

The persistent hate led her to post a short video on Instagram, saying, "Can't you all just stop?" She had been preparing to return to the screen with the upcoming film "Guitar Man," scheduled for release this year.

Society's double standard toward celebrities

Kim's death has prompted discussions about the disproportionate scrutiny celebrities face.

On Sunday, her fans posted a statement on the online community DC Inside, saying, "Kim Sae-ron acknowledged her mistakes, apologized and tried to move on with her life. But the constant hostility and public indifference she faced exceeded what anyone could bear."

The statement added, "When we see politicians guilty of far more serious crimes living freely without facing the same scrutiny, we cannot help but question the double standards applied to celebrities."

Colleagues and industry peers expressed their grief online. Actor Kim Ok-vin shared a photo of chrysanthemum with the caption, "Rest in peace."

Actor Kim Min-chae, who played Kim's mother in the movie "The Villagers," wrote, "I was so happy to have you as my daughter," alongside a picture from the set.

Singer Yezi from the disbanded group Fiestar wrote, "I'm so sad. She was a kind and loyal person." Actor Seo Ha-jun also posted a flower photo to convey condolences.

On Monday, actor Won Bin visited Kim’s funeral at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, appearing solemn as he paid his last respects alongside others. Won Bin, who starred with Kim in the 2010 film "The Man from Nowhere," also sent a condolence wreath with his wife, actor Lee Na-young.

Kim Sae-ron debuted when she was 9 in the 2009 film "A Brand New Life" and rose to prominence with her role in the action-thriller "The Man from Nowhere."

Police confirmed that Kim was found dead at her home in Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood on Sunday. Her wake is being held at Asan Medical Center, with the funeral set for Wednesday.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.