What was Kim Sae-ron’s last drama before her tragic death at 24? Looking back at star’s life

On February 16, 2025, South Korean media outlet Joong Ang reported about the passing of the popular actress Kim Sae-ron. As per the reports of Seoul’s Seongdong Police Station, the 24-year-old actress was first found dead by her friend at her house in Seongdong-gu.

For those unaware, Kim Sae-ron worked in several K-dramas and movies during her career. Bloodhounds is Kim Sae-ron’s last drama in which she played an important role as Kim Hyeon-ju, alongside the protagonists Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi.

Bloodhounds is an action, thriller drama, which premiered on June 9, 2023, via Netflix. This eight-episode miniseries was an official adaptation of the eponymous webtoon authored by Jeong Chan.

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More about the star life and works of Kim Sae-ron

Kim Sae-ron was a prominent South Korean actress who made her debut at the age of nine. She was most recognized for her work in Korea and in the films A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man From Nowhere (2010). Sae-ron received Best New Actress at the 8th Korean Film Awards for her performance in the action, thriller film The Man From Nowhere.

Kim Sae-ron became the youngest actress ever invited to the Cannes Film Festival, where the film A Brand New Life was exhibited in a special screening.

Besides, Sae-ron also appeared in K-dramas including Mirror Of The Witch, Hi! School Love-on, Leverage, and more. She also showcased her performances in movies like A Girl At My Door, The Villagers, Manhole, Snowy Road, and more.

The actress’ career took a turn when on May 18, 2022, Sae-ron was charged with DUI (driving under influence) case. Since the incident, she has ceased all of her activities.

Following this, on December 1, 2022, the news was revealed that Sae-ron had left GOLDMEDALIST after her contract expired. On February 16, 2025, she was discovered dead in her residence in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

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Synopsis of Bloodhounds

The plot of Bloodhounds revolves around Kim Gun-woo (played by Woo Do-hwan), a cautious rookie boxer, who faces off against the outspoken southpaw Hong Woo-jin (played by Lee Sang-yi). Gun-woo narrowly wins, but the two former Navy personnel quickly become friends. Gun-woo’s mother's financial problems worsen as their friendship strengthens. To keep her modest café from failing, she gets up on a large loan.

But when it becomes clear that Smile Capital has victimized her, a cruel loan shark company, Gun-woo, and Woo-jin do whatever they can to put things right. Fate intervenes, and the two end up working for a kind money lender whose foster daughter is determined to bring down the loan sharks.

Following the success of the first season, Bloodhounds will be returning for another season featuring the same male protagonists.