Earlier this year, the South Korean entertainment industry was rocked by the tragic loss of Kim Sae Ron. At just 25, the former child star—widely recognized for her memorable role alongside Won Bin in The Man from Nowhere (2010)—left behind a complicated legacy marked by controversy, financial hardships, and lingering speculation about her rumored connection to Kim Soo Hyun.
Her passing in February 2025 remains a devastating moment, but recent disclosures from her grieving family have reignited public interest in her legal battles, pleas for assistance, and reports of Won Bin’s possible generosity. As the story unfolds, many are left wondering: Could Kim Sae Ron’s fate have been different?
Kim Sae Ron’s Career and Net Worth at the Time of Her Passing
Born in 2000, Kim Sae Ron was regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young talents. She rose to prominence at just ten years old, earning widespread recognition for her role alongside Won Bin in The Man from Nowhere. The film not only showcased her exceptional talent but also cemented her reputation as a rising star in the industry.
Over the years, Kim Sae Ron established a thriving career with notable roles in dramas such as Secret Healer, Leverage, and Nobody Knows. She also delivered critically acclaimed performances in several films, further solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.
However, by the time of her passing in 2025, her financial situation had severely deteriorated. Reports suggest that her net worth had dwindled considerably due to mounting legal battles, unpaid debts, and the lasting repercussions of her 2022 drunk-driving incident. While she was once estimated to have a net worth of $1–2 million at the peak of her career, legal expenses and financial liabilities ultimately left her in significant debt.
The Legal Battle with Kim Soo Hyun: A Plea for More Time
One of the most startling revelations that emerged after her passing was Kim Sae Ron’s urgent plea to Kim Soo Hyun.
According to Kim Se Ui, a YouTube channel operator who had been in contact with Kim Sae Ron’s family, the late actress had sent multiple messages to Kim Soo Hyun on March 19, 2024—the same day she allegedly received a legal notice demanding repayment of 700 million KRW (~$482,047 USD).
In these messages, Kim Sae Ron reportedly pleaded:
Kim Sae Ron’s Plea and Kim Soo Hyun’s Alleged Indifference
“Oppa, it’s Sae Ron. I received a certified letter—I’m being sued. You promised to give me enough time, so I’ve been diligently preparing for my comeback, planning to repay you gradually with each new project. It’s not that I refuse to pay; I just don’t have 700 million KRW available all at once. It’s not that I won’t pay—I simply can’t. Do I really have to go to court? Please, I’m begging you. Just give me more time.”
Despite repeatedly reaching out through messages and calls, Kim Soo Hyun reportedly ignored her and eventually blocked her number. As a last resort, she contacted him using her cousin’s phone, only to have that number leaked to entertainment reporters, further fueling the controversy.
The revelation triggered widespread criticism online, with many questioning why Kim Soo Hyun—one of Korea’s highest-paid actors—would take such an aggressive legal stance against someone already struggling financially.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Wealth: Did He Really Need the Money?
As of 2025, at 37 years old, Kim Soo Hyun remains one of the richest actors in Korea, with an estimated net worth exceeding $100 million. He is known to command some of the highest drama salaries, reportedly earning around $500,000 per episode.
Given his immense wealth, many netizens found it difficult to understand why he was so insistent on recovering the debt from Kim Sae Ron. Some speculated there was more to their relationship than what was publicly known, while others viewed his actions as unnecessarily harsh and calculated.
Won Bin’s Unexpected Gesture
Amidst the backlash, an unexpected name surfaced—Won Bin, the 46-year-old actor who starred alongside Kim Sae Ron in The Man from Nowhere.
During a broadcast by the Garo Sero Research Institute, a commenter shared a touching claim:
“I heard that Won Bin, upon learning about Kim Sae Ron’s struggles with her 700 million KRW debt, wanted to pay it off for her. He’s truly an incredible person. This brings tears to my eyes. Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun, despite having a fortune worth hundreds of billions of KRW, couldn’t show restraint and instead pressured her with legal action.”
Won Bin, known for his extreme privacy and rare public appearances, has neither confirmed nor denied the claim. However, given his history of generosity, many fans found the rumor believable.
The Fall from Grace: Public Scrutiny and Personal Struggles
Kim Sae Ron’s troubles extended beyond financial issues. Since her drunk-driving incident in May 2022—where she crashed into a transformer and street structures near Hakdong Intersection in Gangnam, Seoul—she had been under constant public scrutiny.
Although she issued a handwritten apology and personally compensated affected business owners, the backlash never subsided. The controversy led to the loss of endorsement deals and project cancellations, derailing her career.
Despite her efforts to make a comeback, the weight of her past mistakes continued to follow her, leaving her emotionally and financially drained.
Did Kim Sae Ron’s Hardships Lead to Her Tragic End?
The circumstances surrounding Kim Sae Ron’s death on February 16, 2025, remain a painful mystery. While no official cause has been disclosed, many speculate that the immense pressure from debt, legal issues, and relentless public criticism played a role in her tragic fate.
Her passing has reignited conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry, with many calling for stronger support systems to protect struggling artists.
