Kim Sae-ron spotted on film set, signaling return to acting after DUI scandal

Kim Sae-ron is spotted filming a movie in Jongno, Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Yoo Soo-kyung

Actor Kim Sae-ron has been spotted on the set of a film, marking her first appearance in nearly two and a half years since her DUI incident in May 2022.

Kim was filming in Tapgol Park, Jongno District, Seoul, Monday. Dressed in a white dress with long hair, she appeared in good spirits throughout the shoot. Her co-star is reportedly a rookie actor.

Industry insiders revealed that Kim is starring in a new low-budget music film directed by Shin Jae-ho, known for his work on "Ditto" and "100 Days With Mr. Arrogant."

Shin is keeping details about the project under wraps. An official from the production team confirmed Kim’s participation but added, "It is true that Kim Sae-ron is starring in the film, but I can’t disclose any specifics."

Kim, once celebrated as a child prodigy for her performances in films like "A Brand New Life" and "The Man from Nowhere," has been on a hiatus following a DUI scandal.

In May 2022, Kim crashed her car into a guardrail, street tree and transformer while driving intoxicated in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, causing a temporary power outage that affected nearby businesses and streetlights.

Kim Sae-ron and the filming crew shooting a movie in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Yoo Soo-kyung

She refused an on-site breathalyzer test and later requested a blood test, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 percent, a level warranting license cancellation. Kim was fined 20 million won for the incident.

Though she initially attempted a return to acting in May, she eventually withdrew due to public backlash. There were also reports that Kim had taken up a part-time job at a café in Seongsu-dong following the incident.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.