Tragic Revelations: Kim Sae-ron Carried $882,000 Family Debt Amidst Scandal

Heartbreaking new details have emerged surrounding the personal struggles of late actress Kim Sae-ron, revealing she quietly shouldered a staggering ₩1.2 billion KRW (approximately $882,000 USD) in family debt from a young age. These revelations surface as the public grapples with her recent passing and a concurrent dating scandal involving actor Kim Soo-hyun.

Known for her early career as a successful child star, Kim Sae-ron reportedly became the primary financial provider for her family by the age of 20. Court documents from 2023 show her listed as a creditor in her father's personal bankruptcy case, which stemmed from a failed business venture leaving debts to over 20 creditors. This bankruptcy was filed in December 2020, placing significant financial responsibility on the young actress during a crucial period in her life.

In an attempt to improve her financial standing, Kim invested in a small restaurant in 2021. Despite being registered under an acquaintance's name, sources indicate she heavily funded the business and leveraged her celebrity status for promotion. However, the venture collapsed in 2024, resulting in forfeited deposits and additional debt from unpaid rent.

This financial setback coincided with the aftermath of her 2022 DUI incident, which severely damaged her public image and significantly hindered her ability to secure acting roles. During her trial, her lawyer emphasized her role as a sole family provider, highlighting the immense financial and emotional stress she was under. With endorsement deals terminated and mounting legal costs, her income rapidly diminished.

To cope with the overwhelming financial pressure, Kim reportedly resorted to taking out personal loans from friends, fellow celebrities, athletes, and former management agencies. While these loans provided temporary relief, they ultimately proved insufficient in the face of her extensive financial burdens.

Amidst these somber disclosures, a separate controversy has surfaced concerning actor Kim Soo-hyun. Rumors suggest a secret six-year relationship between him and Kim Sae-ron, allegedly beginning before she reached legal adulthood. Kim Soo-hyun has since refuted these claims, stating their relationship lasted only one year and commenced after she turned 18.