Reflecting on My Memorable Encounter with Kim Sae-ron 13 Years Ago: Her Radiant Smile and Sparkling Eyes

Remembering Kim Sae-ron: A Glimpse into Her Life and Legacy

Recently, I found myself reflecting on a poignant memory—an encounter with Kim Sae-ron, who is sadly no longer with us. Our first meeting occurred 13 years ago when she was merely a bright-eyed 13-year-old, her smile radiating genuine warmth.

Back then, I penned an article describing her as a “lovely actress”with captivating eyes. I vividly remember a humorous moment when she made a playful face after sipping her drink, exclaiming, “This is way too sweet—it tastes like colored clay!” Despite Kim’s notable performances in films like “A Brand New Life, ” “The Man from Nowhere, ” and “The Neighbor, ” I was surprised by her bubbly personality off the screen, a stark contrast to her often somber characters.

In our conversation, it was Kim who bombarded me with questions, curious about my opinions on her work and even about places we both discussed. A tender moment arose when she tearfully shared, “I really miss my friends.” Her mother explained how much Kim cherished her friendships, recalling moving days spent with friends chasing after their car. What began as a shy interaction transformed into an engaging dialogue, and at the interview’s end, her mother remarked, “Sae-ron really likes you, ” capturing a photo of us together. Kim later uploaded this cherished memory to her Cyworld account, symbolizing the admiration I held for her talent.

Transitional phases can be tricky for many child actors, but Kim Sae-ron was making her mark by tackling diverse and ambitious roles. Unfortunately, her promising career faced significant challenges following a DUI incident in 2022. The ramifications of her actions extended beyond legal issues; she endured immense public backlash, significant financial penalties, and a tarnished reputation that stifled any possibility of a smooth comeback.

In October 2024, my publication broke the news of her anticipated return to acting with the release of “Guitar Man.” On set, Kim appeared joyful and committed, earning praise from colleagues for her dedication and pleasant demeanor. In a testament to her graciousness, she even gifted crew members as a token of her appreciation.

Regrettably, the public response to this news was harsh. Criticism flooded in, including comments questioning her place in the industry and expressing a desire to see her gone from television. Despite the removal of outright hateful messages from news forums, negativity persisted on social media platforms. Ironically, following her tragic passing on February 16, the very individuals who had criticized her began expressing sorrow and regret online.“Poor Sae-ron, she didn’t deserve this, ” they said. Where had this compassion been during her struggles?

As we navigate the aftermath, a complicated dispute has emerged between Kim Sae-ron’s family and Kim Soo-hyun, who initially denied any romantic links to her. The truth remains unconfirmed, but time will reveal what actually transpired.

Today marks one month since Kim Sae-ron’s untimely departure. I choose to honor her memory as a remarkable actress who contributed to the fabric of our cinematic experiences. In her words, she aspired to be “a deep and upright actress—one who perceives the broader world and expresses emotions with authenticity.” I hope this is how she will be remembered, not just as a talented performer but as an individual of immense heart.

Source & Images