Lee Sun Jung, the director of late Kim Sae Ron’s final film Guitar Man, shared his memories of the late actress.
Lee admitted it was emotionally difficult to see “Kim Sae Ron’s bright appearance in the film” after Kim’s passing in February. Still, he couldn’t stop the post-production process, as he had promised Kim that he would make sure the movie hits theaters. He added, “I hope the audience remembers Kim Sae Ron not as someone caught up in controversy, but as an actress.”
At the time of casting, public sentiment was cold due to Kim’s DUI incident, and her comeback was met with skepticism. Some staff members even advised against casting her, warning that the film might never be released due to the risk of having her as the lead. But Lee insisted and pushed through with Kim as the star.
“I originally had another actress in mind for the role, but that changed after meeting Kim Sae Ron. From the very first meeting, she had read the script thoroughly and actively offered ideas. I was just grateful that someone would pour so much passion into a small film like ours. I can’t forget her bright smile either.”
Once cast, Kim even paused her part-time job at a café to focus entirely on filming. Lee still vividly remembers “how Kim would smile in front of the camera, but look poignant and exhausted once she turned away.”
“She was extremely conscious of how others saw her. When we weren’t filming, she often stayed in the car to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Even when we had meals or shared a drink, she’d quietly pour her drink into a water glass, just in case someone might misunderstand. Watching her like that broke my heart. I kept thinking, ‘Why should she have to go to such lengths?’”
Despite those challenges, Lee recalls Kim as “a complete professional” when it came to acting. “She hardly ever made a mistake. Even though she was struggling personally, she’d have that bright smile while acting. Watching her, I thought, ‘She was born to act. She has to do this. She’s a true actress.’ That’s why it hurts all the more.”
Lee said he still can’t forget “that day” when he first heard the tragic news. He blames himself for not recognizing Kim’s pain more deeply. All proceeds from the original soundtrack of the film—including a song he wrote himself called “A World Without Pain”—will be donated to the Korea Suicide Prevention Center, a decision rooted in his sorrow over Kim’s passing.
“She’s gone, and now she can’t say anything—but there’s so much noise surrounding her. That’s painful, too. I only want to remember her as an actress, and through this song. Profiting off such a song would be unthinkable.”
>> Late Actress Kim Sae Ron’s Final Film ‘Guitar Man’ Gets May Premiere Date
Source (1)
