South Korea Reckons with Mental Health Crisis in Entertainment Industry

Kim Sae-ron's death highlights relentless public scrutiny, media sensationalism, and systemic failures to address mental health challenges.

Kim Sae-ron, a 24-year-old South Korean actor, was found dead in her home in what police consider a suicide, reigniting conversations about the pressures faced by celebrities in the country.
Kim's career collapsed after a 2022 drunk-driving incident, leading to relentless online harassment, negative media coverage, and financial struggles despite her public apologies and reparations.
South Korea's entertainment industry is marked by intense public expectations, where even minor mistakes can result in career-ending consequences, particularly for women.
Experts and advocates criticize the media and online platforms for amplifying unverified claims and malicious comments, creating an environment of shame and isolation for public figures.
Proposed reforms to curb cyberbullying and regulate media coverage have repeatedly failed, leaving agencies and families to pursue legal action against online abuse while mental health support remains stigmatized.