Won Bin reportedly offered to pay Kim Sae Ron's 700 million KRW debt

A rumor has emerged suggesting that actor Won Bin offered to pay off the 700 million KRW debt of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who tragically passed away in February 2025. The debt stemmed from a DUI incident in May 2022, when Kim Sae Ron crashed into an electric transformer while under the influence, causing a power outage that affected several households. According to N Entertainments, the debt was owed to her former agency, GOLDMEDALIST.

The controversy surrounding the debt resurfaced on March 10 when former MBC reporter Kim Se Eui released a call recording on her YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute. The recording features Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, who revealed details about her niece’s 700 million KRW debt and her past relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun. The aunt claimed that GOLDMEDALIST had initially paid off the debt but later demanded repayment, threatening legal action if the money was not returned.

In the same recording, a netizen mentioned that Won Bin, who starred with Kim Sae Ron in Man from Nowhere, knew about her financial struggles and reportedly offered to pay off the debt. The comment drew a contrast between Won Bin’s generous offer and Kim Soo Hyun’s actions. It was alleged that Kim Soo Hyun pressured Kim Sae Ron over the debt, which some speculate may have contributed to her emotional distress and eventual death. One commenter even suggested that Kim Soo Hyun’s behavior pushed Kim Sae Ron out of her home, leading to her tragic fate.

Additionally, other comments recalled the kindness of Won Bin, who had once given Kim Sae Ron a laptop, with one user describing him as "righteous."