The death of South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron at the age of 24 has ignited a wave of grief and fueled renewed calls for reform in the way celebrities are treated by the public and media in South Korea, particularly online, The Associated Press reports.
Critics argue that the relentless scrutiny and often harsh online environment contribute to a culture of harassment.
Kim, who began her career as a child actor and garnered critical acclaim for roles in films like the 2010 crime noir “The Man from Nowhere,” was found dead at her home in Seoul on Sunday by a friend. The National Police Agency has stated that foul play is not suspected and that Kim left no note.
Once considered one of the brightest stars in South Korea’s vibrant entertainment industry, Kim struggled to find work after a 2022 drunk driving incident, for which she was later fined.
South Korean online culture is known for its unforgiving attitude towards celebrities who make mistakes, especially women. Kim faced persistent negative coverage from news outlets that often capitalized on public sentiment.
She was criticized for socializing with friends, voicing concerns about a lack of work, and even for smiling while filming an independent movie last year.
In the wake of Kim’s death, several major South Korean newspapers published editorials and opinion pieces on Tuesday condemning the toxic online commentary surrounding the actress. Some articles drew parallels to the 2019 deaths of K-Pop singers Sulli and Goo Hara, and the 2023 death of “Squid Game” actor Lee Sun-kyun, urging a shift away from the “harsh, zero-tolerance” culture directed at celebrities.
The Hankook Ilbo newspaper acknowledged the role of media outlets in the problem, pointing out that some continued to exploit Kim’s story for clicks even after her death, using provocative headlines that highlighted her past struggles.
The Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media, a watchdog organization, criticized news organizations for solely blaming social media without acknowledging their own “sensational and provocative reporting.”
Born in 2000, Kim Sae-ron began her acting career at the age of 9 with the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” portraying a young girl’s adjustment to life in an orphanage after being abandoned by her father. Her breakthrough came with “The Man from Nowhere,” which became a major hit in South Korea and earned her a domestic acting award.
Before the 2022 drunk driving incident, she starred in numerous movies and television shows.
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned