Movies

Actress Kim Sae-ron’s Death Sparks Outcry Over Toxic Korean Culture Around Celebrities

BBG News

SEOUL, South Korea — The passing of South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron this week has sparked an emotional response and demands for reform in how South Korea’s celebrities are handled within the public eye and on social platforms, as critics argue these spaces may cultivate a toxic environment of harassment.

24-year-old actress, known for her work as a child actor and praised for performances in various domestic movies like the 2010 crime thriller ‘The Man from Nowhere’, was discovered deceased at her residence in Seoul by a friend on Sunday. The South Korean National Police Agency stated that there are no indications of suspicious circumstances, and no suicide note was found.

Previously shining as one of South Korea’s most prominent actors in film and TV, Kim faced difficulty securing roles following a DUI incident in 2022. Subsequently, she was penalized through a court-imposed fine.

In South Korea, internet comments about celebrities can be extremely critical, particularly when they err, and this is especially true for female celebrities like Kim. She was consistently under fire with unfavorable media coverage, as news outlets took advantage of the prevailing public opinion to sensationalize stories about her.

Critics often voiced their disapproval towards her whenever she was spotted socializing with friends, or when she expressed dissatisfaction about her workload and made controversial remarks online. Even her smile during the filming of an indie movie last year drew criticism.

After Kim’s passing, numerous national newspapers criticized harmful online remarks about the actor on Tuesday. Some referenced the 2019 deaths of K-Pop singers Seol-li and Goo Hara, as well as the 2023 death of Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun, while advocating for a shift in the overly critical and intolerant attitude towards celebrities.

According to the Hankook Ilbo newspaper, the nation’s media outlets were identified as part of the issue, expressing regret that certain publications persist in capitalizing on Kim’s name for web traffic, even following her demise. These outlets have been using sensational headlines that emphasize her past tribulations to attract attention.

On Tuesday, the citizens’ advocacy group, the Watchdog Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media, voiced criticism towards news outlets for placing blame on social media, without giving thought to their own “dramatic and inflammatory journalism.

Kim, who was born in 2000, launched her acting career at the tender age of 9, debuting in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life” where she portrayed a girl’s arduous journey to adapt after being abandoned at an orphanage by her father. She soon gained prominence with the movie “The Man from Nowhere“, a major success in the South Korean film industry that year and earned her a local acting accolade.

She starred in various movies and TV shows before the 2022 drunk driving incident.

Gold Medalist, Kim’s former management agency, did not immediately answer calls for comment.

If you’re facing a mental health emergency or are considering suicide, reach out to 988 via call or text. In urgent situations, dial 911, or visit your nearest hospital or mental health professional. For international assistance, click here for more resources.

OR

In case of a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, connect with 988 by calling or texting. If it’s an emergency, phone 911 or go to your local hospital or mental health center. For global help, find resources through this link.

Read More

2025-02-18 12:06

Previous post Simon Cowell Admits Britain’s Got Talent Isn’t What It Used To Be
Next post Cheryl Fergison’s Shocking BBC Comeback After 13 Years: You Won’t Believe What Happened!