Major foreign media reported the sad news of Kim Sae-ron, a former Korean child actor who died suddenly. In particular, experts pointed out that there is an atmosphere in which stars expect to be perfect in their appearance and behavior in the Korean entertainment industry.
In addition to Reuters and AFP, CNN, CBS, the New York Times (NYT), the New York Post, USA Today, Fox News, and the movie and entertainment media Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, and People reported the news by citing Korean media such as Yonhap News from the 16th to the 17th.
Kim Sae-ron is a well-known actor who has been invited to the Cannes International Film Festival twice with the movie “Traveller” directed by Lee Chang-dong and “Doheeya” directed by Chung Ju-ri. In recent years, major movies such as “The Man from Nowhere” and the drama “Hunt Dogs” have attracted attention as they became known worldwide through Netflix.
Foreign media reported that Kim Sae-ron was recognized for his outstanding performance at an early age and rose to stardom, but his activities were completely suspended after the drunk driving accident due to strong public criticism. “Kim Sae-ron was one of Korea’s most promising actresses, but his career was hit hard after the drunk driving incident in 2022,” Reuters wrote.
“Kim Sae-ron showed versatility by playing various roles as an actor and won several film awards, but his career was suddenly suspended after being fined 20 million won for a drunk driving accident in 2022,” AFP said. “After the incident, he had difficulty taking on a new role due to negative public opinion.”
“Kim Saeron, who was one of the most acclaimed young actors in the country, has not appeared in any of the productions since he was convicted of drunk driving in 2022 and faced public criticism,” the NYT reported.
The New York Times said, “Her death is the latest tragedy in the booming but high-pressure Korean entertainment industry,” noting that the country’s entertainment industry has “been criticized for taking a toll on the mental health of burgeoning stars.” She added, “Experts say celebrity popularity often depends on impeccable reputations.”
CNN also pointed out, “The recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama stars have highlighted constant concerns about mental health and pressure in the Korean entertainment industry.” CNN cited actor Song Jae-rim, who passed away last year, as well as Astro Moon Bin, f(x) Sulli, and SHINee Jonghyun, who shocked them by changing their reputation.
“Experts say that K-entertainment’s competition is fierce, the environment where public attention is focused, and the atmosphere that they expect to be perfect in their appearance and behavior are affecting stars,” he said.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
