The late actor Kim Sae-ron / Courtesy of Channel A

Director Shin Jae-ho paid tribute to actor Kim Sae-ron, who passed away Sunday at the age of 24. Shin had directed about half of Kim's final film, "Guitar Man." Staff members who had worked with her until recently remain in shock and sadness, especially since Kim had expressed a strong desire to return to acting.

In an exclusive interview with the Hankook Ilbo on Monday, Shin recalled, "I first met Kim Sae-ron during the script reading for 'Guitar Man.' She was so bright and down-to-earth. After the reading, we went out for a meal together and had a great conversation."

He said that Kim had told the cast she was determined to give her best for the film and had asked him for guidance.

"She was full of energy. Even though she had been acting for a long time, she was incredibly professional," Shin said. "On set, she didn't feel like a young actress; she had the presence of a senior colleague. Among the cast of 'Guitar Man,' she had the most experience and showed remarkable skill."

Shin also shared how Kim contributed to the atmosphere on set. "She had a way of leading the mood on set with her positive attitude. She was meticulous when it came to work but very modest and approachable in daily life," he said. "I remember her giving clothes to the staff as gifts and leaving behind many joyful memories. Yesterday, I got messages from several staff members, and they were heartbroken."

Kim's dedication to her role was evident, according to the director. "She played the keyboardist in an unknown band in the film, and I know she practiced the keyboard diligently. She genuinely loved music. We encouraged each other throughout the shoot, which makes this situation even harder to believe. I feel deeply saddened."

Kim Sae-ron on the set of her final film / Korea Times photo by Yoo Soo-kyung

Kim was found dead at her home in Seongdong District, Seoul, Sunday. Police reported no signs of foul play and are investigating the cause of death.

Kim debuted as a magazine model in 2001 and began her acting career with the 2009 film "A Brand New Life," which made her the youngest Korean actress to appear at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2010, she starred alongside Won Bin in the hit movie "The Man from Nowhere," earning acclaim for her nuanced performance and establishing herself as a prodigious child actor. Over the years, she appeared in various films and TV dramas.

However, her career was marred by a drunk-driving accident in May 2022 in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. Following the incident, she stepped away from the public eye and entered a period of self-reflection.

Last year, she returned to filming with the independent movie "Guitar Man," signaling a potential comeback. The Hankook Ilbo previously reported sightings of her on set.

"Guitar Man," Kim's final project, is currently in postproduction and is scheduled for release later this year.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.