Reuters, AFP, CNN, CBS, NYT and Others Report
Highly Competitive Korean Entertainment Industry... Environment of Intense Public Attention
Major foreign media outlets have given significant coverage to the news of actress Kim Sae-ron's passing at the age of 25.
Reuters, AFP, as well as American outlets such as CNN, CBS, The New York Times (NYT), New York Post, USA Today, Fox News, and entertainment media including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, and People reported this news on the 16th and 17th (local time), citing Korean media like Yonhap News Agency.
Foreign media reported that Kim Sae-ron was recognized for her outstanding acting at a young age and rose to stardom. Kim Sae-ron was invited twice to the Cannes International Film Festival for director Lee Chang-dong's film Traveler and director Jung Joo-ri's Dohee-ya, gaining considerable recognition overseas. They added that "after a drunk driving accident, she faced strong public criticism and her activities were completely halted."
Reuters wrote, "Kim Sae-ron was one of South Korea's most promising actresses, but her career suffered a major blow after the 2022 drunk driving incident." AFP reported, "Kim Sae-ron demonstrated versatility by taking on various roles as an actress and received several film awards," adding, "Her career suddenly stopped after she was fined 20 million won for the 2022 drunk driving accident." They also noted, "Following the incident, she faced difficulties in taking on new roles due to negative public opinion."
The NYT wrote that Kim Sae-ron was one of the most acclaimed young actresses in South Korea but had not appeared in any works since being convicted of drunk driving in 2022 and facing public criticism. The NYT described her death as "a recent tragedy in the Korean entertainment industry, which is booming but under intense pressure," and pointed out that the industry has been criticized for "harming the mental health of rapidly rising stars." They added, "Experts say that a celebrity's popularity often depends on an impeccable reputation."
CNN also highlighted that "the recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama stars have brought ongoing concerns about mental health and pressure in the Korean entertainment industry." CNN cited cases such as actor Song Jae-rim, who passed away last year, as well as the earlier deaths of Astro’s Moonbin, f(x)’s Sulli, and SHINee’s Jonghyun, which shocked the public. Quoting experts, CNN noted that K-entertainment is a highly competitive environment with intense public attention. They added, "The public atmosphere expecting perfection in appearance and behavior is affecting the stars."
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