Actress Kim Sae-ron has been spotted back on a film set, marking her first public appearance in nearly two-and-a-half years following a drink-driving incident in May 2022. The 23-year-old actress was seen filming in Seoul’s Tapgol Park on October 21, wearing a white dress and sporting long hair. She appeared in good spirits throughout the shoot, and her co-star is reportedly a rookie actor.
According to industry insiders, Kim is starring in a new low-budget music film directed by Shin Jae-ho, known for his previous work on Ditto and 100 Days With Mr Arrogant. While details about the project are being kept confidential, an official from the production team confirmed Kim’s participation in the film, though specifics remain under wraps.
Kim Sae-ron, once a highly celebrated child actress known for her roles in films like A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the 2022 incident. In May of that year, Kim was involved in a car crash in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, where she struck a crash barrier, tree, and transformer while driving under the influence. The accident caused a temporary power outage that affected several businesses and streetlights in the area.
Following the crash, Kim refused an on-site breathalyzer test and instead requested a blood test, which later revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 percent—an amount well above the legal limit and sufficient for the cancellation of her driver’s license. As a result, Kim was fined 20 million won (approximately US$14,500) for the incident.
Despite an earlier attempt to return to acting in May of this year, Kim decided to step back due to public backlash. During her time away from the industry, reports surfaced that she had taken on a part-time job at a café.
Her return to the set has drawn attention, as many fans are eager to see how this new project will impact her career. Kim Sae-ron was once hailed as a child prodigy in South Korea’s film industry, and her recent appearance has sparked curiosity about her next steps in acting.
With her latest film under director Shin Jae-ho in progress, Kim Sae-ron’s return to the screen will mark an important moment in her career, as she seeks to re-establish herself after the incident that led to her hiatus.
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