The death of South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron at 24 has sparked widespread mourning and ignited a debate about the intense public scrutiny faced by celebrities in the country, particularly online.
The Hankook Ilbo newspaper said the country's media outlets were part of the problem, lamenting that some outlets continued to exploit Kim for clicks even after her death, using provocative headlines that highlighted her past struggles.
Kim was frequently targeted by news outlets that amplified public sentiment, facing criticism for socialising with friends, expressing frustration over her lack of work, and even for smiling during the filming of an independent movie last year.
Following Kim’s death, several of the country’s major newspapers on Tuesday published editorials and opinion pieces lambasting the toxic online comments about the actor.
Born in 2000, Kim began her acting career at age 9, with the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” portraying a girl’s struggles to adjust to a new life after being left at an orphanage by her father.
