Kim Sae Ron attended her first trial after causing an accident while drunk driving. During the trial, Kim Sae Ron apologized and pleaded , "This will never happen again. I'm sorry. I regret my actions, and I'm reflecting on them. I've quit drinking and sold my car. I'm the breadwinner of my family, and it's been difficult for me to make ends meet. Please have mercy on me." 

Kim Sae Ron's legal representative stated, "She is experiencing financial difficulties because of the huge amount of compensation paid after the (DUI) accident." The actress revealed to the reporters after the trial that she is working part-time jobs these days.

Despite claiming to be suffering from financial difficulties, it was revealed on March 9 that Kim Sae Ron had hired a top 10 law firm. It is said that Kim Sae Ron hired two law firms, and one of them is said to be one of the most expensive law firms in Korea.

Attorney 'A' is a former prosecutor and is in charge of defending Kim Sae Ron. Attorney 'A' is said to have worked as a chief of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office, Chief of the 5th Division of the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office, Director of the Jecheon Branch, and Researcher of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office.

Additionally, Kim Sae Ron has been flaunting her wealth by showing her luxurious home and many imported cars on various broadcasts. She appeared on an entertainment program and revealed the apartment complex in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where she lives with her sister. Structurally, it was estimated to be 48 to 49 pyeong (1,708~1,743 sq ft), but at the time, a 43 pyeong apartment was put up for sale at 2.3 billion KRW (1.7 million USD).

Due to these facts, Kim Sae Ron has been criticized by netizens as they questioned if she was really going through financial difficulties. Netizens commented, "She still has the money to hire the most expensive law firm even if she has financial difficulty," and "I guess the standard of financial difficulty is different for famous people."

Meanwhile, the actress is facing a fine of 20 million KRW (15,168.19 USD) after the first trial.