Kim Sae-ron's death sparks debate on gendered double standards in Korean entertainment industry
Kim, who began acting as a child, gained recognition for roles in
A Brand New Life
and
The Man from Nowhere
, but her career stalled after a 2023 conviction for drunk driving. She publicly apologized, paid a $14,000 fine, and withdrew from the industry, yet continued to face relentless public backlash.
Her death has reignited conversations about gendered double standards in the Korean entertainment industry. Social media users have pointed out that while male celebrities male celebrities accused of violent crimes, abuse, or sexual assault make industry comebacks, Kim was shunned despite taking responsibility for her actions.
a child actress who was mistreated by her mom and later by the whole industry taking her life after making multiple attempts to move on with her life and still faced relentless bullying from ppl who turn around and support sexual abusers, South Korea really is hell for women.
— jiji 🍉 🇵🇸 (@jermiahpeaxe)
kim saeron faced hell for her scandal but men do worse but still get movie deals, comeback stages, and public sympathy. the double standards in this industry are disgusting
— gyul (@gyulbibi)
Reports suggest she even attempted to take part-time jobs but was rejected due to public scrutiny.
According to the article, she tried to get a part-time job in a cafe to make ends meet but was rejected, and she tried to return to theatre but had to give it up because of the public outcry. This has been so harsh, it breaks my heart, and I hope she rests in peace.
— Why is Korea's birth rate low? (@k927927)
Others counter that drunk driving has serious consequences, and minimizing her actions sets a dangerous precedent.
i'm not saying she should've been bullied to death but why are we minimizing the consequences of drunk driving
— promiscuous african prostitute in the village (@ki5umi)
Fellow actors and fans are mourning her passing and paying tribute. Many are calling for better mental health support for Korean celebrities, as Kim's tragic fate mirrors previous losses, including Sulli, Moonbin, and Kim Jong-hyun.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
‘Extreme Job' actor Song Young-kyu found dead amid recent DUI controversy
South Korean actor Song Young-kyu, best known for his role as Sergeant Choi in the 2019 film Extreme Job, was discovered deceased inside a parked vehicle in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province on August 4 at around 8 am, confirmed by police. An acquaintance found him and immediately notified authorities. Officials reported no signs of foul play or a suicide note. Song, who was 55 years old, had recently come under scrutiny after a drunk driving incident on June 19, when he was caught driving roughly 5 km under the influence. His blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit, prompting license revocation and sending the case to prosecution without detention. Following the incident, Song stepped away from several projects. He withdrew from the stage production Shakespeare in Love, and production teams for the dramas The Defects and The Winning Try announced plans to edit his scenes or rework them accordingly. Song began his career in 1994, earning recognition over more than three decades in film, television, and theater. In addition to his role in Extreme Job, he appeared in popular series such as Reply 1988, Narco-Saints, and Big Bet. At the time of this report, authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of his death, including discussions with family members and consideration of an autopsy. Details remain limited.
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Anthony Kim shares Theo Von video to raise mental health awareness
LIV Golf star Anthony Kim recently took to Instagram to raise awareness about mental health by sharing an emotional video from comedian and podcaster Theo Von. The video clip, from Von's podcast This Past Weekend, highlights the comedian's grief after losing a close friend to addiction—something Kim personally relates to. The $5-million net-worth comedian has often used his platform to speak about tough life experiences, and Kim, who has battled both addiction and mental health struggles, found Von's words powerful enough to share with his audience. 'Mental illness is real. Check on ur loved 1s once in a while. Sometimes [you] don't know who is in that dark space,' Kim wrote in the caption on his Instagram Story. Anthony Kim's return to golf through LIV Golf in 2024 came after a 12-year hiatus, caused by physical injuries and personal struggles with substance abuse. He has been open about his journey through sobriety, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of support systems like family and friends. Reflecting on his recent LIV Golf UK performance, Kim admitted frustration over his result but highlighted the positives—such as improvements in his swing—and credited his recovery journey with teaching him what truly matters. 'I've learned thru sobriety it's perseverance and remembering what actually matters in life,' he wrote. Anthony Kim is scheduled to compete next at LIV Golf Chicago from August 8 to 10. His openness continues to resonate with fans and fellow athletes, reinforcing the need for conversations around mental health and addiction in the sports world.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Russian missile attack injures seven in Mykolaiv, Ukraine says
A Russian missile strike on the city of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine injured at least seven people and destroyed or damaged dozens of homes and civilian infrastructure buildings, the regional governor said on Sunday. Two of the injured were hospitalised as a result of the late Saturday attack, Mykolaiv Governor Vitaliy Kim said on the Telegram messaging app. Kim posted photos showing single residential buildings almost destroyed, with building debris spread around. He said 23 private homes, 12 apartment buildings and a post office were damaged. Reuters could not independently verify the report. There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attack. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Moscow launched with a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine's air force said on Telegram that Russia had launched 76 attack drones and seven missiles targeting Ukraine overnight, striking eight locations throughout Ukraine. Ukraine's air defence units destroyed 60 of the drones and one missile, it said. In the early days of the war, the Mykolaiv region stood on the front lines, facing frequent artillery strikes and aerial attacks. Even after Russian forces were pushed back in late 2022, drones and missiles have remained a constant danger to communities. Drone and missile attack on Kyiv kills nine, injures more than 70, Ukrainian officials say In the front-line regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, at least three people were killed and more than 12 injured as a result of Russia's attacks over the 24 hours into Sunday morning, regional governors said. Russia also launched a short-lived missile attack on Kyiv overnight, but there were no reports of injuries or damage.
