The tragic passing of actress Kim Sae Ron on February 16th has been met with an outpouring of grief. However, new information has come to light regarding the actress’s financial struggles, revealing she was deeply in debt before her untimely death.
As of February 18th, it has been revealed that Kim Sae Ron owed 700 million KRW (approximately $487,540 USD) to her former agency, Gold Medalist. This substantial debt stemmed from the fallout of her drunk driving accident in May 2022.
The Drunk Driving Incident and its Consequences
The incident, which occurred in Gangnam, Seoul, involved Kim Sae Ron crashing into a transformer while driving under the influence. This resulted in a widespread power outage, impacting numerous local businesses and leading to significant compensation claims. Beyond the direct damages, Kim Sae Ron also faced penalties for breaching advertising and drama contracts.
Promises Unfulfilled
Sources within the entertainment industry state that Kim Sae Ron had requested more time from Gold Medalist, citing her financial difficulties and promising to repay the debt in full. Unfortunately, she was unable to fulfill this promise before her death.
Kim Sae Ron’s Passing
Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16th at approximately 4:45 PM. She was discovered by a friend who had a scheduled meeting with the actress. Police were notified, but no suicide note was found at the scene. The decision regarding an autopsy has not been disclosed, pending the family’s wishes. Her funeral service is being held at the Seoul Asan Hospital in Songpa-gu, with the funeral scheduled for February 19th. Details regarding her final resting place have yet to be released.
Financial Hardship After Contract Expiration
Following the expiration of her contract with Gold Medalist in December 2022, Kim Sae Ron reportedly reiterated her commitment to repay the 700 million KRW debt. However, with her career in decline and her public image severely tarnished by the drunk driving incident, she faced significant financial hardship. Reports indicate the actress resorted to part-time jobs at cafes and acting schools to manage daily expenses, making it difficult to even consider repaying the substantial debt.
Legal Notice and Unresolved Claim
As debt repayments remained outstanding, Gold Medalist reportedly sent a legal notice to Kim Sae Ron demanding repayment. Given that company funds were involved in the loan, the agency likely considered the outstanding debt a potential breach of fiduciary duty. The agency’s claim for repayment remains unresolved following the actress’s death.
