Director Kim Min-jae Remembers Late Actress Kim Sae-ron as 'The Best' on Her First Anniversary

Director Kim Min-jae commemorates the first anniversary of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, calling her "the best actress."

On the 23rd, a press screening and media conference for the film 'We Are Every Day' (directed by Kim Min-jae) was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Min-jae, along with actors Lee Chae-min, Ryu Ui-hyun, and Choi Yoo-joo, attended the event.

'We Are Every Day' is a coming-of-age romance that begins with a sudden confession from a childhood friend during the chaotic age of seventeen. It is the final work of Kim Sae-ron, who passed away last year.

Kim Sae-ron played the role of Yeoul, a high school girl thrown into confusion by her childhood friend's unexpected confession. Lee Chae-min, making his screen debut, portrayed Hosu, the boy who confesses to his childhood friend before entering high school. Ryu Ui-hyun took on the role of Ho-jae, the senior who captures Yeoul's heart. Choi Yoo-joo, a former member of the girl group Cherry Bullet, played the lovable high school girl Joo-yeon. Choi Yoo-joo won the Best New Actress award at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards.

Director Kim reflected on the late Kim Sae-ron, stating, "Honestly, Sae-ron was, I dare say, the best actress for me. Even when I mentioned one thing, she accomplished two or three. When a director talks about a scene, it can be frustrating if the actor doesn't understand and the scene doesn't come out, but Sae-ron went beyond that in her acting. She always grasped several things even if I mentioned just one." He continued, "She was an experienced actress, so her chemistry with her colleagues was excellent. I can confidently say she was the best among any actors I've met." He added, "She was born to act and was more polite on set than anyone else for the sake of acting. She was a beautiful and bright friend. Although it's a great regret that we can't see her anymore, it was an infinite honor to work with her as a director."

Director Kim showed a prepared poster image, saying, "This poster here was made with affection by Sae-ron herself." The poster features three shots of Kim Sae-ron and Lee Chae-min, with the title 'We Are Every Day' handwritten by Sae-ron. Director Kim remarked, "She made this herself, designed it, and even wrote the letters before bringing it to me, asking, 'What do you think?' I saw her sincerity." He added, "I think I will remember her forever, even as I grow older."

He concluded by saying, "I hope only good things are said about Sae-ron's last work," and added, "It's a shame we can't see her anymore, but she was the best actress for me."

'We Are Every Day' is set to be released on March 4.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr