Actor Kim Sae-ron leaves Seoul Central District Court on April 5, 2023, after receiving a fine of 20 million won ($15,000) for a drunk driving accident in May 2022. Yonhap

Criticism is rising over the stark disparity in how women and male celebrities are treated for their criminal histories in Korea. This issue has gained further attention following the death of actor Kim Sae-ron, 24, on Sunday.

Along with the news of Kim's death, X, formerly Twitter, saw several posts pointing out that Korea's harsh double standards on female celebrities drove her to death.

"It's not that Kim Sae-ron didn't do anything wrong. But if the entertainment industry is going to be so harsh on guilty celebrities, why are male celebrities with DUI and sex crime histories still active everywhere?" a post from Sunday read, which had been retweeted over 33,000 times by Tuesday.

"Excessive moral standards given only to female celebrities eventually drove her to death," another wrote.

One of Korea's most celebrated young actors, Kim largely stayed out of the public eye after facing backlash for being convicted of driving under the influence in May 2022.

Kim avoided jail but was fined 20 million won ($15,000) and faced severe financial struggles. After changing her name to Kim Ah-im, she attempted to return to the industry but continued to encounter backlash.

Every time she tried to make a living in another field, such as working part-time at a coffee shop, Korean news media would track her every move, with some even branding her as "drunk driving Kim Sae-ron" and "shameless."

Seen is Kim's handwritten apology regarding the incident, issued through her Instagram account on May 19, 2022. Captured from Kim's Instagram

Meanwhile, male celebrities with DUI histories in Korea often resume their careers after just a few years out of the spotlight.

Lee Jung-jae, who rose to Hollywood stardom by starring in the Netflix series "Squid Game," was also caught drunk driving in 1999 and 2002.

Actor Bae Seong-wu, who was caught drunk driving in November 2020, is part of the cast of the 2024 Disney+ drama series "Light Shop." When asked about his casting, director Kim Hee-won responded, "I cast him after seeing his acting ability," adding that Bae played an important role in the series.

Several male celebrities, including Song Kang-ho, Um Ki-jun, Lee Yi-kyung, Kim Jae-joong, Kwak Do-won, Daesung, Eun Ji-won and Yoo Se-yoon, have resumed their careers after their drunk driving incidents.

Many with other criminal histories such as drug use and sex crimes are also actively enjoying popularity, while far harsher moral standards apply to their female colleagues.

Na Jong-ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, wrote on Facebook on Monday, "Kim Sae-ron's death feels like that of someone pushed to the edge. A society that buries people without giving them a second chance after a mistake is not a healthy one."

He added, "Our society discards those who stumble and move on as if nothing happened. It feels like a massive, real-life version of 'Squid Game.' How many more lives must be lost before we stop inflicting this suffocating shame on people?"

Kim was found dead at her home on Sunday. The police said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play, nor did they find a will or note left by Kim.