“Regrets always come too late” – this is probably the right saying when it comes to what happened to actress Kim Sae Ron. Now that her cause of death is officially confirmed, more details and facts of Kim Sae Ron life story started belatedly come up to surface, revealing her devastating battle in the real-life “Squid Game.” If you’re wondering what made Kim Sae Ron end up making such an extreme decision, join us as we dive deeper into everything that has happened to her.
Police Confirmed Kim Sae Ron Cause of Death as Suicide
The cause of death of “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron has finally out. Police has now officially confirmed that Kim Sae Ron passed away due to suicide.
On February 17, multiple Korean media outlets—Korea Times, Yonhap News, and Chosun Biz—reported that police had decided to rule Kim Sae Ron’s cause of death as suicide.
Previously, “Bloodhounds” actress Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home on February 16. Seoul’s Seongdong Police Station received a report approximately at 5 PM after Kim Sae Ron’s friend visited her home and discovered her body.
According to the reports, they neither found signs of forced entry nor anything that hinted at a foul play. Police also stated that Kim Sae Ron did not leave any note behind. Then, during a briefing at the National Office of Investigation, Seoul police officials eventually released a statement that they had presumed Kim Sae Ron’s death cause as suicide and handled it as an unattended death case.
“We believe she made an extreme choice and plan to handle it as a suicide.”
Seoul Police Official.
More Facts Belatedly Revealed on Kim Sae Ron Story: A Real-Life “Squid Game”
Following the confirmation of Kim Sae Ron cause of death, more facts were belatedly revealed about her life-story. Apparently, according to a prominent Korean professor, what happened to Kim Sae Ron was nothing less like a real-life giant “Squid Game.”
As an actress who experienced immense success at a very young age, Kim Sae Ron experienced both the glamorous life and the tragic shortcoming of the show business life. Following the DUI drunk driving controversy, the Korean public severely condemned her, even when she was trying to make a comeback after her 2-year reflection period.
Kim Sae Ron Personally Apologized to 57 Stores Suffering from Her DUI
It was not only Kim Sae Ron cause of death revealed that Korean media began publishing more of her story. According to several reports, Kim Sae Ron had taken complete responsibility of her DUI mistake. She personally visited all the 57 stores and businesses that had suffered the damage, which reportedly unusual for celebrities.
“I was completely surprised when Kim Sae Ron came and apologize in person.”
A Store Owner.
Massive Penalties Leading to Immense Financial Struggles
Despite the personal apology, it doesn’t mean that Kim Sae Ron did not suffer consequences for her actions.
In fact, after leaving her agency, GOLDMEDALIST, Kim Sae Ron must shoulder all penalties and compensation payment herself. This is a financial burden so severe especially after all her suspended activities and official ban from KBS. Not to mention the fact that even at such a young age, Kim Sae Ron was reportedly the primary breadwinner in her family.
As she struggled to make ends meet, she took part-time jobs at a cafe and giving private acting lessons. And even this way, it was not enough to cover all the enormous compensation as well as career penalties
Unending Public Criticism and Severe Depression
Along with the financial crisis, Kim Sae Ron the public’s criticism against her was never-ending. The endless backlash and judgments left no room for her to return. This then resulted in a severe depression.
“Sae Ron was struggling with severe depression, and the people around her were really worried. Even so, she was determined to make a comeback and got treatment on her own.
But with so much negativity from the public, emotional wounds don’t just heal quickly. It was heartbreaking because she couldn’t openly talk about how much she was hurting.”
Kim Sae Ron’s acquaintance.
A Real-Life “Squid Game”
What Kim Sae Ron experienced is what Yale University psychiatry professor Na Jong Ho called as real-life “Squid Game.”
“Drunk driving is a serious mistake, but completely canceling someone without giving them a chance to recover isn’t healthy for society. When we throw people away for their mistakes and move on as if nothing happened, it feels like we’re all living in one big ‘Squid Game.’”
Professor Na Jong Ho.
Former Reporter / YouTuber Lee Jin Ho Under Scrutiny for Violating Kim Sae Ron’s Privacy
As more details about Kim Sae Ron’s struggles come to light, her grieving family has revealed that she suffered deep emotional distress due to a series of exposé videos posted by a particular YouTuber. At her funeral, her father directly called out the individual, highlighting how the relentless scrutiny had weighed heavily on her.
According to reports, the YouTuber (later identified as former reporter Lee Jin Ho) posted a video in January, harshly criticizing Kim Sae Ron after she uploaded several wedding-themed photos on social media.
The video, titled “Kim Sae Ron’s Self-Deletion Again… Gone Into Hiding After Marriage Rumors? Tried Contacting Her Directly,” accused her of avoiding the public eye and questioned the sincerity of her self-reflection.
This was not the first time Lee Jin-ho had targeted her. Previously, he also released a video revealing that Kim Sae Ron had been working at a café due to financial struggles. His video fueled further public scrutiny, encouraging more malicious content from other YouTubers and online users, ultimately worsening the attacks against her.
Following the news of her passing, Lee Jin Ho quickly deleted or set all related videos to private. However, the damage had already been done. Reports now suggest that Kim Sae Ron’s family is gathering evidence in case they decide to take legal action against him.
Their actions could spark a larger conversation about online harassment, privacy violations, and the devastating impact of unchecked cyberbullying.
Kim Sae Ron Story: A Reflection of Real-Life “Squid Game” Cancel Culture
At the end of the day, Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing is a grim reminder of the unforgiving nature of public scrutiny and cancel culture. While mistakes should come with consequences, the relentless condemnation she faced left her with no space to breathe, let alone recover.
And just as Professor Na Jong Ho had said, how many more lives must be lost before society realizes the damage of merciless judgment? Now is the time to pause and reflect.
Instead of pushing people to the edge, perhaps we should create a culture that allows room for growth, redemption, and second chances—before regrets come too late once again.
“The death of one person is the result of a complex interaction of socioeconomic, psychological, and biological factors. However, with Kim Sae Ron’s passing, I strongly feel that she was pushed to the edge, and I can’t help but feel upset.
Her death feels like she was pushed to the edge. The last thing I read about her was that she had to work part-time because of money problems. I also remember seeing how the café she worked at was flooded with hateful comments.
How many more lives will be lost before we stop shaming people so harshly, without any chance to breathe or rebuild? It’s time for society to reflect and have an honest conversation.”
Professor Na Jong Ho.
Once again, Kpoppost’s team of writers extend our deepest condolences on the passing of actress Kim Sae Ron. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, loved ones, and fans during this difficult time. May she rest in peace, and may those mourning her loss find comfort and strength in the days ahead.
If you or someone you know is at risk of self-harm or suicide, take immediate action. Reach out to specialized crisis intervention and suicide prevention agencies. Help is available in the US and globally. Remember, seeking help is courageous, not a sign of weakness. Act now, reach out, and let’s be there for one another. Together we can save lives.
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