Kim, who started her acting journey as a child, was celebrated as a rising talent in the South Korean film industry. Born in Seoul in 2000, she gained significant attention after starring in the critically acclaimed 2009 film "A Brand New Life," which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Her successful roles continued with performances in South Korea's highest-grossing film of 2010, "The Man from Nowhere," and the thriller "The Neighbour" in 2012, which garnered her various award nominations.

In addition to her film work, Kim was featured in notable television series such as "Mirror of the Witch" in 2016. However, she spent much of 2022 away from the spotlight following a drink driving incident, which resulted in a fine of 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. Her final appearance was in Netflix's "Bloodhounds" in 2023, though reports suggest that much of her performance was cut from the series due to the controversy surrounding her earlier actions.

Kim's untimely passing adds to a troubling narrative regarding mental health and pressures within the entertainment industry, prompting renewed discussions about the challenges faced by young actors in South Korea.