‘Guitar Man’ Director Recalls Late Kim Sae-ron: “She Often Stayed in Her Car to Avoid People”

At a press screening for the upcoming independent film Guitar Man, co-director and lead actor Lee Sung-won shared emotional reflections on working with the late actress Kim Sae-ron during what he described as one of the most difficult times in her life.

Held at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul’s Songpa district, the event offered a poignant behind-the-scenes look at Kim’s final project. “It was clearly a very hard period for her,” Lee said. “We’d talk while having meals during filming, and she’d tell me she was having a tough time, though she never made it too obvious.”

Lee recalled how Kim often kept to herself between takes. “She mostly stayed in her car. It was a small vehicle, and she rarely came out. It seemed like she was trying to avoid people,” he reflected.

Still, once the cameras rolled, something shifted. “The moment she stepped in front of the camera, she transformed,” Lee continued. “She was brilliant. Even under stress, she barely made any mistakes. Her performance was deeply professional.”

Lee also admitted that their working relationship had its tense moments. “We’re human—there were times we disagreed,” he said. “But whenever she was acting, she became the kindest, most affectionate person. Watching her work, I knew acting was her calling. We talked about her struggles, but she always smiled when she spoke, like she was happiest on set.”

Kim Sae-ron as Eugene in Guitar Man

In Guitar Man, Kim portrays Eugene, the soft-spoken but passionate keyboardist of the band Volcano. Eugene’s quiet strength and unwavering support become a lifeline for Ki-chul, a gifted guitarist played by co-director Lee Sun-jung.

Despite a noticeable age gap, Eugene develops a deep emotional bond with Ki-chul—her affection walking the line between maternal care and soulful devotion. By day, she works for a concert production company; by night, she lives for music.

The film, which centers on themes of loss, redemption, and artistic purpose, leans heavily into male-centered fantasy—painting the protagonist as a tormented genius surrounded by idealized young women. And yet, Kim Sae-ron’s nuanced portrayal of Eugene cuts through the trope. While the character risks falling into the mold of a “manic pixie dream girl,” Kim brings complexity, subtle emotion, and inner life to the role—adding depth that wasn’t necessarily on the page.

One of the film’s final scenes is especially haunting. Eugene bids farewell in a dream sequence, walking alone into a tunnel—an image that now carries an eerie weight in light of Kim’s passing. While the scene may feel sudden narratively, it lingers as a powerful and symbolic goodbye for audiences who knew her beyond the screen.

A Lasting Legacy

Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16, 2025, in her Seongsu-dong home in Seoul. She was just 23.

Born in July 2000, Kim began her career as a child model and made her acting debut at age nine in A Brand New Life (2009), which took her to the Cannes Film Festival—making her the youngest Korean actress ever invited. Her career skyrocketed after her emotional performance in The Man From Nowhere (2010) alongside Won Bin.

Over the years, she built a solid filmography with acclaimed roles in The Neighbors, A Girl at My Door, The Villagers, and the drama Mirror of the Witch. As she transitioned from child actor to leading actress, her performances were consistently marked by maturity and emotional depth.

Despite facing personal hardships later in life, Kim Sae-ron’s dedication to her craft never faded. Her final performance in Guitar Man reminds us of the raw vulnerability and undeniable brilliance she brought to every role.

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