Kim Sae-ron film set for May 30 release

Late actress to make final screen appearance in music drama

Kim Sae-ron (left) in a still from "Guitar Man" (Sungwon Pharmaceutical Co.)

A film featuring the late South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron will open in theaters May 30 following a press screening and audience Q&A session on May 21, the production company announced Monday.

"Guitar Man," produced by local pharmaceutical firm Sungwon Pharmaceutical, centers on a struggling musician who finds purpose through his art. Kim plays Yoo-jin, a keyboardist in the band.

Production materials describe her character as someone whose warmth helps the isolated protagonist reconnect with others.

"Sae-ron showed bright energy on set and was full of passion. I had hoped she would make a wonderful comeback," said Sungwon Pharmaceutical CEO Lee Sun-jung, who also directed and starred in the film. "As our film's original soundtrack is titled 'A World Without Pain,' I hope she is happy in a world without pain now."

According to local media reports, production initially began under director Shin Jae-ho, known for past films including "100 Days with Mr. Arrogant" (2004), "Untouchable Lawmen" (2015) and "Showdown" (2016). However, the latest Korean Film Council database now lists Lee as the film’s director, indicating a mid-production change in leadership.

In a previous interview with Hankook Ilbo following Kim's death, Shin described Kim as "incredibly professional" despite her young age. "She had the presence of a senior colleague. Among the cast of 'Guitar Man,' she had the most experience and showed remarkable skill," Shin was quoted as saying.

Another film featuring Kim, "Everyday We Are," is also scheduled for a posthumous release later this year.

Kim, who died in February at age 24, had been reportedly attempting a career comeback through the film "Guitar Man" after being largely excluded from the entertainment industry following a drunk-driving incident in May 2022. She was fined 20 million won (approximately $15,000) for the incident, which significantly damaged her public image and career prospects.

Kim rose to fame in the 2010 thriller "The Man from Nowhere," where she played a kidnapped child opposite lead actor Won Bin. The breakout performance earned her best new actress at the Korean Film Awards, establishing her as one of the most promising child actors of her generation.