Director recalls conditions of Kim Sae Ron in the last project

The South Korean film ‘Guitar Man’, also marked by being the last work of KIM SAE RONthere was new details revealed during a press conference at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. The production, which hits South Korea’s theaters on May 30, marked the return of the actress after a period away from the small screen.

According to the co-director Lee Sunjeongthe young woman was not the first option for the role, having another artist who was almost confirmed. However, the suggestion to know SAE RON He changed the entire course of the feature film, since, as explained by the filmmaker, “it was not that there were no objections. Many people warned me, saying it was a risky move, we could film the movie, but we could never launch it.”

The plot was recorded after the controversial episode involving the actress, who in 2022 was involved in a car accident after driving drunk. At the time, she moved away from projects such as the drama ‘trolley’ and ‘hunting dogs’, production of Netflix.

Thus, during the meeting between the director and the artist, he was impressed to find that she had already read the script, and had ideas for the plot, showing a lot of interest in the project.

“We ended up having a meeting, and I was really impressed by Kim Saeron’s passion for the movie. She read the script completely and came prepared with ideas – she was actively involved in the creative process. This really left an impression. I had worries, of course, but I decided to keep my convictions,” he explained.

However, in the recordings, Sunjeong account that SAE RON He was visibly exhausted and with his voice hoarse, even requesting to rewrite some speeches later – something that, unfortunately, was not possible due to his death.

“She appeared looking exhausted and her voice was very hoarse. She apologized and said she wanted to rewrite her lines later during post-production. I told her not to worry and just do her best. In the end, we were unable to record about it,” said the director.

KIM SAE RON He died on February 16, 2025, shortly after the end of the film’s filming.

More about ‘guitar man’

With launch scheduled for May 30 in South Korea, the official synopsis of ‘Guitar Man’ says that the story follows “a genius guitarist who joins an underground band called ‘Volcano’. While navigating the struggles of the indie music scene, he discovers not only her passion for music, but also the deepest purpose she has in her life.

Through intense performances, personal conflicts and the transforming power of music, the film explores themes of resilience, second chances and artistic integrity. “