Kim Sae-ron’s final film ‘Guitar Man’ to premiere May 30

Director Lee Sun-jung speaks alongside director Kim Jong-myeon during a press screening for the film “Guitar Man” at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

“Guitar Man,” the final film featuring the late actress Kim Sae-ron, is set to be released on May 30, offering fans a glimpse of her on-screen presence one last time.

A press screening for the movie took place at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul, with directors Kim Jong-myeon and Lee Sun-jung in attendance.

“Guitar Man” is a musical film that follows the emotional journey of a gifted guitarist who seeks hope through music and relationships amid life’s hardships.

Kim plays Yoo-jin, the keyboard player in a live band called Volcano, which the main character Ki-chul (played by co-director Lee Sun-jung) joins. The story portrays the band members’ struggles and growth as they journey together in search of hope.

Lee reflected on his dual role as lead actor and co-director. “It’s my first time directing, acting and working on music for a film,” he said.

“I wanted to share the music I’ve made, and this movie was born out of that desire.” Lee added that he had drawn heavily from his own experiences in a band. “What made life both the hardest and the happiest was always people.”

Kim Jong-myeon, who co-directed the film with Lee, admitted to nerves despite the movie’s completion. “I thought I would feel relieved, but I’m still tense,” he said.

Co-director and actor Lee Sun-jung walks past a promotional poster featuring the late actress Kim Sae-ron during a press screening for the film “Guitar Man” at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap.

Looking back on Kim Sae-ron

The conversation naturally turned to Kim Sae-ron, who died in February at the age of 25. Lee recalled the emotional toll of editing the film. “Watching her face during the editing process was heartbreaking. She even appeared in my dreams," Lee said. "It’s painful to be here alone today when she should be sitting beside me. I cried watching the film. No matter how many times I see it, her story remains so tragic.”

Lee also revealed the casting took place while Kim was in self-imposed hiatus following her DUI incident in 2022.

“There were concerns and warnings — people said it was a risk,” he said. “But during our meeting, Sae-ron showed real passion for the film. I was so moved. I pushed forward with my decision because of her bright smile.

“She was going through a very difficult time during filming,” Lee continued. “She often stayed in the car, not wanting to be around people. It must have been suffocating in that small space. But the moment the camera rolled, she transformed. Despite everything, she rarely made mistakes. She was a professional.”

Lee acknowledged that the two occasionally clashed but emphasized Kim’s dedication. “We had our differences, but she always gave her best performance. She once opened up about her personal pain, but when she acted, she seemed happy,” he said.

Kim Sae-ron debuted as a magazine model in 2001 and rose to fame through films like “A Brand New Life,” “The Man From Nowhere,” “The Neighbors,” and “A Girl at My Door.”

She made headlines as the youngest Korean actress to appear in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival for “The Man From Nowhere.”

Her career was marred in 2022 after a drunk driving accident in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong, damaging a transformer and streetlight. She withdrew from projects such as the drama “Trolley” and the film “Us, Day by Day.” Despite preparing for a comeback with “Guitar Man” in late 2023, she died before its release.

Following her death, Kim’s family claimed she had been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 16 and accused him of sending a legal document demanding 700 million won ($510,000) after her DUI scandal.

Kim and his agency held a press conference denying the allegations, asserting the relationship began after she became an adult. The actor has since filed a legal complaint and police are investigating.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.