Seoul, South Korea – Former child star and actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in her home in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district, police have confirmed. She was 24.

Authorities stated that the actress was discovered by a friend at approximately 16:55 pm local time (07:55 GMT) on Sunday. No signs of foul play were found, and investigations into the cause of death are ongoing. Early reports speculate to suicide.

Kim, who began her career as a child actor, was regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young talents. Born in Seoul in 2000, she gained international recognition with her role in the 2009 film ‘A Brand New Life’, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She later starred in ‘The Man from Nowhere’ (2010), the highest-grossing South Korean film of that year, and ‘The Neighbour’ (2012), which earned her critical acclaim.

Her other notable works include ‘A Girl at My Door’ (2014) and the television drama ‘Mirror of the Witch’ (2016).

Kim largely withdrew from the public eye in 2022 following a drink-driving incident, for which she was fined 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. Her most recent role was in Netflix’s 2023 Korean drama ‘Bloodhounds’, though much of her performance was edited out due to the controversy.

Her death adds to growing concerns over the pressures faced by South Korean celebrities, who often endure intense scrutiny and societal expectations. The entertainment industry in South Korea has seen several high-profile suicides in recent years, sparking calls for better mental health support.