The South Korean entertainment industry was shaken earlier this year with the tragic passing of Kim Sae Ron. At just 25 years old, the former child actress—best known for her unforgettable performance alongside Won Bin in The Man from Nowhere (2010)—left behind a legacy tainted by scandal, financial struggles, and unanswered questions about her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun.
While her death in February 2025 remains a heartbreaking chapter, recent revelations by her bereaved family have reignited public interest in the debt lawsuit, her plea for help, and the rumored generosity of Won Bin. This story, filled with controversy, has captured the attention of millions, with some wondering: Could things have ended differently for Kim Sae Ron?
Kim Sae Ron’s Career and Net Worth at the Time of Her Passing
Born in 2000, Kim Sae Ron was once considered one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses. She first gained widespread fame at ten years old when she starred alongside Won Bin in The Man from Nowhere, a film that solidified her status as a rising star.
Over the years, Kim Sae Ron built a successful career with roles in dramas like Secret Healer, Leverage, and Nobody Knows. She also made notable film appearances, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
However, by the time of her passing in 2025, her financial situation had taken a turn for the worse. Reports indicate that her net worth had dwindled significantly, largely due to legal battles, unpaid debts, and the lingering consequences of her 2022 drunk-driving accident. At the height of her career, she was estimated to have been worth around $1–2 million, but the financial burden from legal fees and damages led her into significant debt.
The Legal Battle with Kim Soo Hyun: A Plea for More Time
One of the most shocking revelations following her death was her desperate plea to Kim Soo Hyun.
According to Kim Se Ui, a YouTube channel operator who has been in touch with Kim Sae Ron’s family, the late actress had sent multiple messages to Kim Soo Hyun on March 19, 2024—the day she allegedly received a legal notice demanding repayment of 700 million KRW (~$482,047 USD).
In the messages, Kim Sae Ron reportedly pleaded:
“Oppa, it’s Sae Ron. I received a certified letter. I’m being sued. You said you’d give me plenty of time, so I’ve been diligently preparing for my comeback, planning to repay you little by little with each project. It’s not that I refuse to pay, but I simply can’t come up with 700 million KRW all at once. It’s not that I won’t, I just can’t. Do I really have to go to court? Please help me. I’m begging you—just give me more time.”
Despite repeated messages and phone calls, Kim Soo Hyun allegedly ignored her, even going as far as to block her number. Her last resort was calling from her cousin’s phone, but that number was then shared with entertainment reporters, further escalating the situation.
This revelation sparked intense backlash online, with many questioning why Kim Soo Hyun, one of the highest-paid actors in Korea, would aggressively pursue legal action against someone who was already struggling.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Net Worth: Did He Really Need the Money?
At 37 years old in 2025, Kim Soo Hyun remains one of the wealthiest actors in Korea, with an estimated net worth of over $100 million. He commands some of the highest drama salaries, reportedly earning around $500,000 per episode.
Given his financial status, many netizens found it unbelievable that he would be so relentless in demanding repayment from Kim Sae Ron. Some speculated that their relationship was deeper than what was made public, while others simply saw it as a cold, calculated move.
The Surprising Generosity of Won Bin
Amid the controversy, an unexpected name emerged—Won Bin, the 46-year-old legendary actor who starred alongside Kim Sae Ron in The Man from Nowhere.
In the comment section of the Garo Sero Research Institute broadcast, a netizen made a heartwarming claim:
“I heard that Won Bin knew about the suffering Kim Sae Ron was enduring due to the 700 million KRW debt and wanted to pay it off for her. Won Bin is truly incredible. This makes me tear up. But Kim Soo Hyun, despite having a fortune worth hundreds of billions of KRW, couldn’t hold back and pressured her with legal notices, demanding the money back.”
Won Bin, known for his extreme privacy and limited public appearances, has not confirmed or denied these reports. However, many fans believe it aligns with his character, especially given his history of generosity.
The Downfall: From Public Scrutiny to Tragedy
Kim Sae Ron’s financial and emotional struggles weren’t just about unpaid debts. She had been under relentless public scrutiny since her May 2022 drunk-driving accident, in which she crashed into a transformer and street structures near Hakdong Intersection in Gangnam, Seoul.
Although she issued a handwritten apology and personally met with business owners to compensate for the damages, she continued to face harsh criticism online. The backlash severely impacted her career, leading to loss of endorsement deals and canceled projects.
Despite trying to stage a comeback, her past mistakes overshadowed her efforts, leaving her financially and emotionally drained.
Did Kim Sae Ron’s Struggles Lead to Her Tragic End?
The unanswered questions surrounding her death on February 16, 2025, continue to haunt her fans. While no direct cause has been officially disclosed, many speculate that the stress, debt, and public scrutiny played a significant role in pushing her to the edge.
Her case has sparked conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry, with many calling for better support systems for struggling artists.
