IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Kim Sae-ron’s career beyond the controversy

Before Kim Sae-ron’s name was thrust into the spotlight over her tragic death and the controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun, she was a child star poised for stardom given her natural talent for acting.

Her short-lived yet noteworthy filmography speaks of her commitment and versatility to the craft yet  the controversies attached to her name seemed to have overshadowed her artistry.

In this feature, we are focusing on the career of Sae-ron that made her well-loved by her peers and supporters as she has given so much to the world with her talent. This also serves to remind us that the controversies before and even after her death did not define her, or undermine her talent.

Jung So-mi in ‘The Man from Nowhere’ (2010)

Sae-ron began her career as a child star at the age of 9. Her breakout role came with the film “The Man from Nowhere,” where she portrayed the daughter of a drug addict, opposite Won Bin, a former special agent. Sae-ron played Jung So-mi, a young girl who forms a bond with the protagonist who embarks on a mission to rescue her after she was kidnapped by a criminal syndicate. 

Her emotionally striking performance earned her instant recognition as an actress to watch out for at the time. Her role in the film earned her a nomination in Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actress.

Jin-hee in ‘A Brand New Life’ (2009)

After her breakthrough role in “The Man From Nowhere,” her filmography as a child actress quickly expanded, her role in the 2009 “A Brand New Life,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival was reappraised by the audience.

In this French-South Korean co-production, Sae-ron portrayed a young girl named Jin-hee who is abandoned by her parents and taken to an orphanage in South Korea. The film explores her emotional journey as she tries to adapt to her new life and the eventual impact of a visit from a French family.

Sun Do-hee in ‘A Girl at My Door’ (2014)

As Sae-ron reached her teenage years she continued to build a promising career, starring in various films and dramas that allowed her to showcase her range. She was cast in more leading roles, notably in the film “A Girl at My Door.”

In the film, the late actress portrayed Sun Do-hee, a troubled young girl dealing with abuse. Her portrayal of a complex character earned her rave reviews and gave her a spot in one of South Korea’s rising stars.

Lee Seul-bi in ‘Hi! School – Love On’ (2014)

Beyond her film career, Sae-ron also ventured into television, demonstrating her versatility from light romcom roles to darker portrayals. In “Hi! School – Love On,” she played an angel who accidentally falls to Earth and lives as a high school student. The now-mortal angel finds herself caught between a love triangle.

Kang Young-ae in ‘Snowy Road’ (2015)

Sae-ron also dabbled in politically and socially relevant roles. In this historical drama, she played Young Ae, one of the two girls who are forced into wartime servitude during the time of the Japanese occupation in Korea. The drama explores the lives of Korean “comfort women” who were treated as pawns in a patriarchal society. The film was theatrically released on March 1, 2017, also known as the Independence Movement Day in South Korea, which commemorates the 1919 March 1st Movement.

Princess Seo-ri / Yeon-hee in ‘The Secret Healer’ (Mirror of the Witch) (2016)

Sae-ron has also showcased her artistry in period dramas. In this series, she portrayed Princess Seo-ri / Yeon-hee, a cursed princess who is born with magical powers that can heal and harm. Her life is marked by tragedy as she becomes a victim of the palace’s political struggles. 

Sae-ron’s performance was dealt with sensitivity and maturity, making her a standout in the historical drama genre.

Jeong Eum in ‘Leverage’ (2019)

In this crime drama, Sae-ron portrayed a skilled hacker who is a member of a team of criminals working together to expose the corruption of powerful elites. Her role demonstrated her ability to embody a tech-savvy, witty, and strong character while also delivering some heartfelt moments.

Ga Doo Shim in ‘The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim’

Aside from film and television roles, Sae-ron also dabbled in digital series. The former child star shines in this supernatural drama by portraying a character who is both strong and vulnerable. She played Ga Doo Shim, a high school student who is gifted with the ability to see spirits, a talent she does not want. She finds herself becoming a “shaman” against her will, as she navigates the difficulties of high school life and the pressures of her supernatural abilities.

‘Guitar Man’ (posthumous release)

Despite her death, Sae-ron still impressed and touched lives in this music-themed film that is yet to be released. The story follows an underground band named Volcano, which recruits a genius guitarist, portrayed by the late actress. Filming concluded in early November 2024, and the movie is currently undergoing post-production. It is slated to premiere later this year.

Han Yeo-wool in ‘Everyday We Are’ (posthumous release)

“Everyday We Are” is a romance drama adapted from the webtoon Woorineun Maeilmaeil by Gae Da Rae. The narrative centers on Han Yeo-wool (Sae-ron), a high school student passionate about basketball. 

The film also features Lee Chae-min as Oh Ho-su, Yeo-wool’s childhood friend, and Ryoo Ui-hyun as Kwon Ho-jae, a top player on the boys’ basketball team. 

Filming was completed in the latter half of 2021, with plans for a release in the first half of 2022. However, due to post-production challenges, including Sae-ron’s drunk driving incident in May 2022, the film’s release was postponed. It is now scheduled to be released in South Korean cinemas in September 2025.