Director of Kim Sae-ron's final film pleads for focus on her talent
The late actor Kim Sae-ron's final film, "Before We Knew," is set to premiere in February 2026. Courtesy of JNC Media Group
Director Kim Min-jae, who helmed Kim Sae-ron's posthumous film "Before We Knew," has asked audiences to evaluate her solely on her acting talent while defending her past controversies ahead of the movie's delayed release.
On Tuesday, the YouTube channel Human Story released a video of Kim Min-jae's day-to-day life on the promotional tour for the film. The video is titled "A day in the life of a film director who took on the late actor Kim Sae-ron's final work as his first work."
The director admitted to experiencing mixed emotions about the premiere, which was pushed back due to the late actor's past incidents.
A scene from "Before We Knew" / Courtesy of JNC Media Group
"It is a case where the movie was filmed and released late because there was an incident," Kim said. "Time was needed. To be honest, I am a mix of excitement and anxiety."
Kim expressed concern that the discourse surrounding the film might shift away from its cinematic merits due to the actor's history.
"I hope people view this work strictly as a movie and focus on the acting, but because of our lead actor, the late Kim Sae-ron, I worry that outside gossip might overshadow the film's reviews," Kim said.
He emphasized his desire for the film to be judged fairly.
"Personally, my hope as a director is to receive an evaluation of the movie, and that she be recognized solely for her talent," Kim said.
Director Kim Min-jae of "Before We Knew," left, calls the late actor Kim Sae-ron "the best actor" while answering a question during an interview, Tuesday. Captured from YouTube channel Human Story
"Before We Knew" marks Kim's directorial debut. He noted that the five-year gap between the end of filming and its release took a heavy emotional toll on him, while also making a statement defending the late actor.
"It has been five years since filming ended," Kim said. "The release was delayed for more than two to three years, and because it was my first work, I also suffered emotionally. People don't make mistakes on purpose, do they?"
Kim lamented the tragic loss of the actor, who passed away in February last year at age 25. He expressed sorrow that she did not live to see the film's premiere.
"If she were alive, she would only be 25 or 26," Kim said. "She was just transitioning into adulthood, and I regret that people didn't view her with a broader perspective. I feel regret thinking about how great it would have been if we could have promoted the film together."
Recalling their time on set, the director praised her character and said he hoped to show the public a side of her they rarely saw.
"She was polite and very bright," Kim said. "She treated adults well. The general public doesn't know this. It's in the past, but I feel it's right to share who she truly was."
During the extended wait, Kim directed two additional films. He expects all three of his projects to be released this year.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.