The upcoming film Guitar Man will mark the final on-screen appearance of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, whose radiant presence captivated audiences one last time. Set for release on May 30, the musical drama tells the story of a talented guitarist named Ki-chul, played by co-director Lee Sun-jung, who joins a struggling live band called Volcano. Kim Sae-ron portrays Yoo-jin, the band’s keyboardist, as the members navigate their personal hardships and seek hope through music and connection.
Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away in February 2025 at the age of 24. At a preview screening in Seoul, Lee Sun-jung shared the emotional impact of editing the film, revealing that seeing Kim’s face during post-production was heartbreaking. “She even appeared in my dreams,” he said. “It’s painful to be here alone today when she should be sitting beside me. Watching the film brought me to tears every time. Her story remains deeply tragic.”
Kim was cast in Guitar Man while on a self-imposed hiatus following a 2022 drink-driving incident in Seoul. Despite concerns from others, Lee was moved by her passion during their meeting and decided to move forward with her casting. He noted the difficulties she faced during filming, including moments when she would isolate herself in the car to cope. Yet, when the camera rolled, she transformed into a consummate professional, rarely making mistakes despite her personal struggles.
Though Lee and Kim occasionally clashed, he emphasized her dedication and talent. “She once shared her personal pain with me but seemed genuinely happy when acting,” he said. Kim Sae-ron began her career as a magazine model at the age of one and gained fame through films such as A Brand New Life, The Man From Nowhere, The Neighbours, and A Girl at My Door. She was the youngest Korean actress to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival with The Man From Nowhere.
Following her drink-driving accident, Kim withdrew from projects including the drama Trolley and the film Us, Day by Day, but had been preparing for a comeback with Guitar Man. After her death, her family alleged she had been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 16 and accused him of demanding a large sum of money following her accident. Kim Soo-hyun and his agency denied the claims, stating the relationship began after she became an adult. The actor has filed a legal complaint, and investigations are ongoing.
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