Fans scored Korean society’s harsh criticism and treatment of actress Kim Sae-ron after she was involved in a drunk driving incident in May 2022 that affected her career. 

Korean fans issued a statement on the DC Inside online community forum following Kim Sae-ron’s death on Feb. 16. Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seoul. She was 24. 

“We cannot help but feel deep sorrow and regret as we hear the sad news that our beloved actress Kim Sae-ron has left us. As fans who have loved and supported actress Kim Sae-ron, we wish to pray for her soul to rest in peace and accompany her on her final journey,” the fans said in a statement. 

Kim Sae-ron was fined P20 million (about $13,874) in 2023 for the drunk driving case. 

About the incident, the fans said, “She acknowledged her mistakes, reflected on them, and tried to stand up again. However, the criticism and public disdain she had to endure in the process were beyond human limits. She endured the harsh criticism and cold treatment from the public that were excessively harsh compared to the mistakes she had committed.”

They said a double standard is applied to celebrities like Kim Sae-ron compared to politicians who have done more serious crimes. 

“On the other hand, when faced with the situation where politicians who have committed much more serious crimes are living their lives without taking responsibility, one cannot help but have deep doubts about the double standard that is applied only to celebrities,” they said. 

Meanwhile, Peter Jongho Na, assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, criticized Korean society for the treatment of Kim Sae-ron following her drunk driving case, describing it as a giant “squid game.” 

“Drunk driving is a very serious crime. If the punishment is weak, then there must be a problem with the legal system,” he posted on Facebook. 

He added, “However, a society that buries people without giving them a chance to recover just because they did something wrong is not a healthy society. Our society, which abandons people who make mistakes or fall behind and moves on as if nothing happened, is like a giant squid game.” 

“I don’t often talk about individuals. The death of a person is the result of a combination of socioeconomic, psychological, and biological factors. However, I can’t help but think that actress Kim Sae-ron’s death was a death driven to the edge of a cliff,” he said. 

He said, “The last time I saw news about her was an article about her having a hard time making ends meet, and she was working part-time. I remember seeing all kinds of malicious comments not only in the article, but also in the cafe where she worked. How many lives have to be lost before they stop inflicting destructive shame without giving anyone a chance to breathe? This is a time when we need social dialogue and reflection. I hope the deceased rests in peace. My heart aches so much.” 

Stars mourned her death. Kim Sae-ron's funeral will be held on Feb. 19. 

Here is the full statement of Kim Sae-ron’s fans: 

“We cannot help but feel deep sorrow and regret as we hear the sad news that our beloved actress Kim Sae-ron has left us. As fans who have loved and supported actress Kim Sae-ron, we wish to pray for her soul to rest in peace and accompany her on her final journey.

“Actress Kim Sae-ron has shown extraordinary passion and talent for acting since she was young, and she has been a shining presence on the screen. She has shown deep acting in numerous works and has moved the audience. However, the path she has walked has never been smooth.

“She acknowledged her mistakes, reflected on them, and tried to stand up again. However, the criticism and public disdain she had to endure in the process were beyond human limits. She endured the harsh criticism and cold treatment from the public that were excessively harsh compared to the mistakes she had committed.

“On the other hand, when faced with the situation where politicians who have committed much more serious crimes are living their lives without taking responsibility, one cannot help but have deep doubts about the double standard that is applied only to celebrities.

“We will remember actress Kim Sae-ron. We will not forget her acting, her warm heart, and all the moments she left us. I hope she is at peace where she is no longer in pain.

“In addition, we are saddened by the sudden news of actress Kim Sae-ron's passing, and we believe that social reflection is necessary to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring. Groundless accusations, ridicule, and malicious comments can completely destroy a person's life. We hope that this incident will be an opportunity for our society to look at everyone with a warmer gaze.

“Lastly, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the acquaintances and fellow actors who loved actress Kim Sae-ron. We will remember actress Kim Sae-ron to the end and protect the precious footsteps she left for us.

“We pray for the repose of the deceased's soul.”