Kim Sae-ron's Final Film 'Guitar Man' Premieres at Press Screening
The press screening for 'Guitar Man,' the final film of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, took place on May 21 at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. Directors Kim Jong-myeon and Lee Sun-jung were present at the event. Scheduled for release on May 30, 'Guitar Man' tells the story of a genius guitarist named Gi-cheol, who seeks hope through music amidst a harsh reality, exploring themes of love and loss.
This film is particularly significant as it marks Kim Sae-ron's last project. Despite facing personal challenges due to a drunk driving incident, she completed filming in November last year but tragically passed away in February this year. Director Lee Sun-jung expressed his emotional struggle during the editing process, stating, "As a filmmaker, I cannot escape my responsibilities. I was overwhelmed with emotions while editing alongside Director Kim until just a few days ago."
Lee shared his hopes for Kim Sae-ron's future, recalling a conversation where he encouraged her to wait until the film's release in May, wishing for her to rise again after her period of reflection. He admitted that the editing process was particularly difficult as he had to confront Kim's image repeatedly. "It feels embarrassing and sad that we are here without her today. I cried while watching the film, and despite reviewing it over a thousand times, her story remains heartbreaking," he said.
In 'Guitar Man,' Lee Sun-jung had the opportunity to work with Kim Sae-ron for the first time. He portrayed Gi-cheol, a homeless genius guitarist, while Kim played the role of Yu-jin, a keyboardist. Lee recounted the casting process, revealing that there was another actress considered for Yu-jin's role. However, after meeting Kim Sae-ron, who came prepared with ideas for the script, he felt grateful for her involvement in the film.
When asked about Kim Sae-ron's professionalism on set, Lee described her as truly dedicated, noting that she rarely left her car during breaks and hardly caused any delays during filming. He reflected on her talent, stating, "Kim Sae-ron was truly a born actress, and I believe she would have continued to grow as a performer. While she faced personal struggles, I find it difficult to discuss her private life."
Finally, Lee shared the message he hopes to convey through the film. He mentioned his own background in music, having played in a band since middle school, and expressed his desire to share his experiences through this project. "The most challenging aspect of making this film was dealing with people, as they can bring both joy and sorrow. I wanted to infuse my sincerity into this work, showcasing my journey as a musician while creating a fantastical film with talented actors," he concluded.
