Remembering Kim Sae-ron: 'We Are Each Other' Premieres as Her Final Film

The late Kim Sae-ron's final film, 'We Are Each Other' (directed by Kim Min-jae), is set to be released on the first anniversary of her passing. The director and cast members fondly remembered Kim as an exceptional actress and a cherished colleague.

On the 23rd, a press screening and conference for 'We Are Each Other' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Kim Min-jae, along with actors Lee Chae-min, Ryu Ui-hyun, and Choi Yoo-joo, were in attendance.

'We Are Each Other' is a coming-of-age romance that begins with a sudden confession from a childhood friend, set against the backdrop of the chaotic age of seventeen. It is the last film of Kim Sae-ron, who passed away last year.

Director Kim expressed his feelings about the release, saying, "I'm quite nervous. There were special circumstances leading up to the release. I wasn't sure if it would happen, but I'm glad it is." The film was shot in 2021. He added, "Though some time has passed, the actors embodied youth itself during filming," and recalled, "The actors got along so well, always laughing together."

The film is based on a webtoon that garnered 17 million views. Explaining why he chose to adapt it, Director Kim said, "Many student films are intense, dealing with incidents and accidents. This film is ordinary and relatable. It captures experiences we all had in our teens and twenties. Sometimes, such stories are more special. I thought it could be a film that lingers in your mind, like Pyongyang cold noodles. It's accessible and nostalgic, which sets it apart."

Kim Sae-ron played the role of Yeoul, a high school girl thrown into confusion by a sudden confession from her childhood friend. Director Kim reminisced about Kim Sae-ron, saying, "Honestly, she was the best actress for me. Even when I explained one thing, she would deliver two or three. When a director explains a scene, it can be frustrating if the actor doesn't understand, but Sae-ron went beyond that. She always grasped multiple aspects even when I mentioned just one." He praised her further, "She had great chemistry with her co-stars due to her experience. I can confidently say she was the best actress I've ever worked with." He added, "She was born to act and was the most courteous on set. She was a beautiful and bright friend. While it's a great loss not to see her anymore, it was an infinite honor to work with her as a director."

Director Kim showed a poster image, saying, "This poster was made with love by Sae-ron herself." The poster features three shots of Kim Sae-ron and Lee Chae-min, with the title 'We Are Each Other' handwritten by Kim. He shared, "She designed and wrote it herself and brought it to me, asking what I thought. I saw her sincerity." He concluded, "Even as I grow older, I think I'll always remember her," and added, "I hope only good things are said about Sae-ron's last work. It's a shame we can't see more of her, but she was the best actress for me."

The cast members also expressed their gratitude for Kim Sae-ron on set. Lee Chae-min said, "We were the same age. She was a friend but also guided me as a senior. I was lacking and eager to learn at the time, and she taught me many details. Looking back, I'm very grateful. I was nervous on set, but she eased the atmosphere like a friend and was honest when I needed guidance. Thanks to her, we filmed smoothly."

Choi Yoo-joo recalled, "I was nervous and awkward when I first met her on set, but Sae-ron made the atmosphere enjoyable. I didn't know how to act in front of the camera, but she taught me step by step. She was a great senior and colleague. I'm thankful." Ryu Ui-hyun shared, "This wasn't my first project with her. We've known each other for a while. She was a year younger but felt like a friend. There was much to learn from her, and she was a good actress. I miss her and want to see her again."

Lee Chae-min played Ho-su, a boy who confesses to his childhood friend before entering high school. On his film debut, Lee said, "I'm nervous and excited about my screen debut. We worked hard, so I hope you enjoy it. I'm looking forward to meeting the audience soon."

Lee added, "This was my first time wearing a school uniform as an actor. I wore it for the first time as an adult, and it felt awkward. I worried about looking young enough. Looking back, I realize I was the youngest then," he laughed. "We had fun filming. There are many basketball scenes in the film. We bonded by playing basketball during breaks with the cast and crew. We laughed a lot while filming."

Reflecting on the film shot five years ago, Lee said, "It feels odd to say at my age, but I think, 'I was young then.' I still have room to grow, but I saw many areas for improvement. As an actor, I feel this way with every project. Although time has passed, what I learned then became the foundation for who I am now. I tried to see myself as cute," he laughed.

Ryu Ui-hyun played Ho-jae, the senior who captures Yeoul's heart. Ryu said, "It's been a while, so I'm nervous. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of a good project." About his character, he explained, "Ho-jae guides others in the film. I'm not exactly like him, but I relate to his personality and aspire to be like him. I admired him more than I related to him."

Ryu shared a behind-the-scenes story, "There was a basketball scene that didn't make it into the film. I don't know the first thing about basketball. The director said, 'Just do it,' but later came to me and said, 'You should have told me earlier,'" he laughed.

Choi Yoo-joo stars as the lovable high school girl Joo-yeon. Formerly of the girl group Cherry Bullet, Choi won the Best New Actress award at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards. On her film debut, she said, "I love movies and theaters, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in a film."

Reflecting on the filming atmosphere, Choi said, "Filming at a school brought back memories of my school days. I felt nostalgic. The cast was all around the same age, so we always laughed and had fun filming." When asked about her character's similarity to herself, she replied, "Joo-yeon is introverted but honest about her feelings. I'm also introverted but express my feelings honestly. I related to that."

In closing, Choi said, "Many actors and staff worked hard. I hope our warm and pure intentions are conveyed well and that you enjoy the film." Ryu added, "For those around my age, it will be a chance to reminisce about their teenage years. For those currently experiencing this time, there will be much to relate to." Lee also shared, "I hope teenagers can relate, and for those in their twenties, thirties, and beyond, it brings back good memories. Above all, I hope it's a film you can watch comfortably." Director Kim concluded, "It's a film about Yeoul's growth. I hope it leaves a lasting impression that sincerity can change people."

'We Are Each Other' is set to release on March 4th.

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