Director Remembers Late Actress Kim Sae-ron as a Talented Performer

On February 17, a memorial was held for the late actress Kim Sae-ron (25) at the Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where her portrait was displayed. Following her passing on February 16, director Lee Jeong-beom, known for his work on her notable film 'The Man from Nowhere' (아저씨), expressed his condolences, hoping she would be remembered as a great actress.

In an interview with entertainment media OSEN, Lee shared, "This might be one of the few opportunities to talk about Sae-ron," as he reflected on her talent. He described her as not just a 'genius child actor' but rather a sensitive young girl who brought depth to her performances.

Lee noted, "Sae-ron had a different level of sensitivity compared to other child actors. While many young performers tend to mimic emotions or exaggerate their portrayals, she did not. When I asked her how she would feel in certain situations, it felt like I was conversing with a 21-year-old actress, despite her being only 11 at the time."

He emphasized that her emotional depth was not something that could be trained; it stemmed from her innate sensitivity and understanding of people. "The performance she delivered in 'The Man from Nowhere' was largely a product of her natural talent," he added. While some may label her as a genius, Lee preferred to highlight her exceptional ability to convey human emotions.

Reflecting on her maturity, he remarked, "Even as a child, she seemed to understand adult emotions, which greatly assisted me as a director. I owe a lot of the film's emotional weight to her performance."

Lee also acknowledged the challenges Kim faced as she grew up in the public eye, stating, "There were events that unfolded beyond her control, and she made mistakes, as anyone might. Being a public figure, she faced significant scrutiny and criticism. I hope she is not solely remembered for those moments. In my heart, she will always be the Sae-ron from 'The Man from Nowhere.'"

He concluded with a heartfelt wish that she would not be remembered as a young actress who tragically ended her life after struggles. "I believe she would want to be remembered as someone who enjoyed acting, laughed, and had fun on set."

The memorial for Kim Sae-ron is being held at Room 7 of the Seoul Asan Medical Center, with the funeral scheduled for February 19 at 6:20 AM. The burial will take place at the Seoul City Cemetery, and the proceedings will be private.