Director Lee Sun Jung Remembers Late Actress Kim Sae Ron at Guitar Man Press Conference
During a poignant press conference held on May 21, 2025, director Lee Sun Jung, also the CEO of Sungwon Pharmaceuticals, shared heartfelt reflections on the late Kim Sae Ron, who starred in his film Guitar Man. This project marked one of her final appearances before her untimely passing in February.
Lee took on multiple roles for Guitar Man, serving as lead actor, director, producer, screenwriter, planner, and composer, which made his emotional journey through post-production particularly challenging. Despite the pain of seeing Kim in the film after her death, he expressed his commitment to fulfill a promise he made to her: to ensure that the film made it to theaters.
Amidst public skepticism stemming from Kim’s controversial past, including a drunk driving incident, Lee stood firmly by her side. Casting Kim was met with apprehension from some crew members, who feared the backlash might prevent the film’s release. However, Lee’s unwavering belief in her talent guided his decision to move forward.
In a touching homage to Kim, Lee remarked:
“We initially had another actress in mind for the role, but after meeting Kim Sae Ron, everything changed. From our very first meeting, she came having read the script thoroughly and brought with her a wealth of ideas. Her passion for a small-scale film like ours was something I deeply appreciated. And that bright smile, I’ll never forget it.”
Kim’s dedication to the project was evident. She chose to step away from her part-time job at a café, despite financial struggles, dedicating herself entirely to Guitar Man. Yet, behind her professional facade, Lee witnessed the heavy emotional toll the situation took on her.
He recalled:
“I still remember how she’d smile in front of the camera but seem visibly drained once she turned away. She was deeply conscious of how people perceived her. When she wasn’t filming, she stayed mostly in her car, trying to avoid unwanted attention. Even when we all sat down to eat and have a drink together, she poured her alcohol into a water glass out of fear that someone might see. Watching that made my heart ache. I kept wondering if she really had to go this far.”
Lee has previously discussed Kim Sae Ron’s health condition during the filming, shedding light on the struggles she faced while working on the project. For more insights, you can check out the article titled “Kim Sae Ron’s Condition During Last Project Before Death Comes To Light” here.
As the film approaches its release, Lee’s reflections serve as a heartfelt reminder of Kim Sae Ron’s talent and the emotional weight carried by those who had the privilege of working with her.
