Heartfelt Tribute by Kim Bo-ra to Kim Sae-ron
On April 5, Kim Bo-ra paid a poignant tribute to her late friend Kim Sae-ron, commemorating the 49th day since Sae-ron’s passing. The renowned actress from SKY Castle took to Instagram Stories to express her sorrow and reflect on the deep connection they shared, recalling their very first encounter during an audition when Sae-ron was only 11 years old, while Bo-ra was 16.
In her emotional tribute, Bo-ra revisited their journey from childhood to the cusp of adulthood, emphasizing the importance of their friendship through the years. She fondly remembered exchanging letters and handwritten notes, highlighting the joyful moments they shared:
“When you were 11 and I was 16, we first met at an audition. You kept chattering next to me as if I was so amazing. Then you became a middle schooler, then a high schooler. Then suddenly, you were driving. You loved receiving letters so much that I had fun writing you notes even when it wasn’t your birthday—sometimes by text, sometimes handwritten,”she reflected.
As she concluded her heartfelt message, Bo-ra shared her feelings while looking at cherished photos from their past:
“Looking back at my photo album, I see what kind of emotions I had back then. My youngest who hated the cold… And of course, it’s raining again. Don’t fall down, silly. Just accept this letter,”she added.
Alongside her written tribute, Bo-ra shared a touching photo accompanied by a reflective line:
“Even if it is a relationship that we will never see again, wasn’t it nice to have been together for a moment?”
She also posted a nostalgic video showcasing the two friends with matching pink hair, revealing her affection further with this note:
“Sae-ron, who wouldn’t even eat properly because of work… now eat everything and speak freely,”she expressed.
Kim Bo-ra and Kim Sae-ron had a close-knit friendship, as highlighted by South Korean media outlet Kbizoom, who reported that the two actresses even shared their home passcodes. Their bond was further solidified when they co-starred as childhood friends in the 2015 drama Glamorous Temptation. Bo-ra’s emotional farewell displayed her profound grief and longing for her late friend.
Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron’s Passing
Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away at her residence in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on February 16, 2025, at just 25 years old. April 5 marked a significant day in accordance with Korean traditions, symbolizing the 49 days since her death, an important period during which her soul is believed to navigate between life and rebirth.
In Korean Buddhist customs, the “Cheondojae”ritual is performed to aid the transition of the soul to the afterlife. Loved ones conduct prayers and ceremonies, offering comfort and seeking peace for the departed while also finding solace in their grief.
Following Kim Sae-ron’s death, her family made serious allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun, igniting a nationwide controversy. They claimed in a YouTube interview on the channel Garosero Research Institute that he began dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, asserting that their relationship initiated when she was 15 and he was 27.
The family alleged that following a DUI incident, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, demanded 700 million won from them in damages. They claimed that when Kim Sae-ron sought assistance from Kim Soo-hyun, he did not respond, arguing that this lack of support contributed to her unfortunate death. The Garosero Research Institute has since presented what they claim is evidence, including chat history, videos, and photographs, to back their accusations.
The allegations have sparked intense criticism, prompting Kim Soo-hyun’s agency to file a lawsuit against Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae-ron’s family.
On March 31, Kim Soo-hyun addressed the situation for the first time, denying any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years and refuting claims that he played a role in her death. He expressed regret over the surrounding controversy and acknowledged that initial fear of public backlash had led him to deny their relationship. He mentioned that they had dated for approximately a year five years prior, prior to his filming for Queen of Tears.
Regarding the leaked KakaoTalk messages, Kim Soo-hyun insisted those were not his and provided his chat records for forensic examination, which verified that the messages in question originated from different individuals. He condemned the distribution of altered evidence, claiming that selective images and false reports were being utilized against him. Consequently, both he and his agency filed a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won in damages against Kim Sae-ron’s family, a relative, and the operator of the implicated YouTube channel. A criminal suit for defamation has also been initiated. Additionally, the actor committed to fully cooperating with investigations to vindicate himself.
Kim Bo-ra, an actress who embarked on her career as a child in the film For Horowitz (2006), has built a formidable resume over the years with notable appearances in dramas and films such as Jungle Fish 2 (2010), Bel Ami (2013), and Glamorous Temptation (2015). Her acclaim reached new heights due to her standout role in the hit series SKY Castle (2018).