The late Kim Sae-ron’s posthumous film ‘Guitar Man’ has been unveiled.The actor and director expressed their regret as they recalled working with the late Kim Sae-ron and the time they filmed.

On the morning of the 21st, a press conference for the movie ‘Guitar Man’ was held at Lotte Cinema World Tower 20 in Songpa-gu, Seoul.Actor and director Lee Sun-jung and director Kim Jong-myeon attended the press conference that day.

On this day, Lee Sun-jung explained about directing ‘Guitar Man’, “This is my first time directing a movie and acting.It’s my first time directing or writing a script.I started doing this work to promote music.I’ve actually been in a band since middle school.The fact that drunk people ask me to turn down the volume is something I experienced while actually being in a band.”



Regarding having to play various roles from actor to director in this film, Lee Sun-jung said, “I think the hardest thing was people.The people around me are the ones who make me the happiest.People are also the ones who make me unhappy and sad.There were people who hurt me, and I also smiled because of them.After all, it was my first time working on a project, and I was too greedy.I admit that I was lacking.Nevertheless, the reason I played so many roles was because I wanted to put sincerity into the film.”

He emphasized, “I wanted to write about my experiences while making music, and as a musician, I wanted to direct, and I thought that if I played the lead role, it would be sincere.I thought that kind of movie was needed, so I did a lot of things.”



Last February, the late Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.On May 18, 2022, Kim Sae-ron was driving after drinking in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and crashed into a guardrail and a tree several times.Kim Sae-ron, who had been in self-reflection due to this incident, planned to return as an actress by filming the movie ‘Guitar Man’, but unfortunately, this movie will remain as her last work.

Lee Sun-jung recalled the reason for casting the late Kim Sae-ron and the time of filming, saying, “There were many things that were the most difficult.I worked on the editing with Director Kim Jong-myeon a few days ago.I made a promise.When I first cast Kim Sae-ron and had a meeting, I said that I hope she would rise again after a period of self-reflection.I really wanted to keep that promise.That’s why I pushed myself too hard, so there are some regrettable parts.I think there will be a bit more revisions when the movie is released.”

He also said, “While working, I had to keep seeing Sae-ron Yang’s face.That was hard.It even appeared in my dreams.That was the hardest part,” and “Also, we should have sat here together and spent time together, but I’m embarrassed and sorry that I showed up alone.I cried a little while watching the movie, and while editing, even after watching it a thousand times, I still think that Sae-ron Kim’s story is truly pitiful.”

Regarding the reason for casting the late Kim Sae-ron, Lee Sun-jung explained, “At the time of casting, another actress was almost planned.When I asked if it would be okay to meet Kim Sae-ron one last time, there were some who tried to dissuade me.I was worried that even if I filmed, the film wouldn’t be released.It’s true that there were people who tried to dissuade me because they thought that if the problem wasn’t resolved, the film might not be released and would be forgotten.”



He continued, “But at the meeting, Ms.Saeron showed her passion for the film.I loved that.It was really sad.Because I was grateful that my friend, who could have appeared in a better film, showed her passion in my film.I was worried, but I just pushed through.Because of her passion and bright smile at the meeting, I decided to do what I believed,” he said, drawing attention.



Lee Sun-jung emphasized, “It’s true that(the late Kim Sae-ron)had the hardest time at that time.She would talk about how hard it was even while eating.She was mostly in the car and wouldn’t come out.There was something like trying to avoid people in a compact car.The strange thing is that she completely changed when she was in front of the camera.Even in these situations, there were almost no NGs.She was professional when acting.Of course, because she’s human, we had trouble once, but even in that uncomfortable situation, she was more affectionate than anyone else when acting.I felt that she would become an even better friend in the future.”

Lastly, Lee Sun-jung cautiously said, “I talked about my personal pain and disappointment, but I don’t think I can talk about my private life.I remember that I was excited when I was acting.”

Meanwhile, ‘Guitar Man’ is a musical film depicting the loss, love, and journey of a genius guitarist who tries to find hope through music and connections even in the midst of a difficult reality.It will be released on the 30th.

Reporter Yoonna Choi com Donga.com yyynnn@donga

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.