In early January 2025, South Korean actress Kim Sae-Ron became the centre of public attention following a series of events that caused speculation and curiosity among fans and the media.

On January 6, 2025, Kim Sae-Ron shared a series of photos on her social media accounts that quickly sparked marriage rumours. The images featured the actress dressed in a black suit, posing closely with a man whose face was obscured.

The intimate nature of the photos, coupled with the caption “Marry,” led many to believe that Kim was hinting at an impending marriage. However, the post was deleted shortly after it was uploaded, leaving fans puzzled and fueling further speculation.

In response to the swirling rumours, Kim Sae-Ron addressed the issue on January 8 during a phone interview with a news outlet. She clarified, “The photos were taken with friends, and the marriage rumours are not true.” Regarding the swift deletion of the photos, she added, “I find it difficult to explain why I uploaded and deleted the photos. I ask for your understanding.”

Kim Sae-Ron’s social media activity has drawn attention not only because of the marriage rumours but also due to her past controversies and reported financial difficulties.

In May 2022, the actress was involved in a DUI incident in Seoul’s Gangnam District, where she collided with guardrails, trees, and a transformer box, causing significant property damage.

Her blood alcohol level was reported to be 0.2%, far exceeding the legal limit for license revocation. She was subsequently fined 20 million won for the incident.

Following the DUI incident, Kim faced public scrutiny and professional setbacks, including stepping down from the Netflix series Bloodhounds. Reports had since emerged suggesting that she was facing financial difficulties, with some sources indicating that she was in serious debt.

However, the situation grew more complicated when reports emerged linking her DUI incident and financial troubles to her relationship with fellow actor Kim Soo Hyun. Sources claim that Kim Sae-Ron had been dating Kim Soo Hyun before the accident and that their breakup played a significant role in her downward spiral.

Allegedly, the breakup left her emotionally unstable, which some speculate led to the drunk driving incident.

Adding to the controversy, reports surfaced suggesting that Kim Sae-Ron had borrowed a substantial amount of money from Kim Soo Hyun after the accident to help with her legal fees and financial struggles. However, despite publicly claiming that she was struggling financially, Kim Sae-Ron reportedly was yet to repay Kim Soo Hyun the money.

This makes her overseas trip at that time even more controversial. Unverified reports surfaced that Kim Sae-Ron was spotted in Brooklyn, New York, in January 2025, accompanied by her boyfriend.

Fans have been quick to question how someone who previously claimed financial struggles and reportedly owes both her former agency and Kim Soo Hyun could afford an expensive trip abroad.

Many are speculating about whether she used the borrowed money to fund the trip or if she has other undisclosed financial support.

The combination of Kim Sae-Ron’s social media posts, her past controversies, and the rumours surrounding her financial status has led to a lot of discussions online. Fans and netizens alike are expressing a mix of concern, curiosity, and scepticism.

Some are questioning the authenticity of her social media activity, while others are criticising her for allegedly spending money on luxury trips while still owing money to Kim Soo Hyun and her former agency, and how Kim Soo Hyun is blamed for neglecting her as his ex despite her being in a relationship with another man after the breakup and before her death.

Others, however, are urging the public to respect her privacy and wait for further clarification from the actress.