Kim Sae Ron's last film Guitar Man holds public screening amid Kim Soo Hyun scandal; know theater release details

The late actress Kim Sae Ron's final project, Guitar Man, was screened for the first time today, on May 21, 2025. The press screening took place at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It drew attention not only as a tribute to the late star's last performance but also due to the cloud of controversy surrounding her name since her passing.
Guitar Man is the last completed work by Kim Sae Ron, who passed away earlier this year in February. Her demise sparked nationwide grief and concern over the mental and emotional toll she endured in the public eye. Her absence from the big screen had already stirred conversation prior to her death, and the release of her posthumous film comes at a particularly sensitive time.
At the press event, the film's cast and production team gathered to speak about the film's message, process, and Kim's role in shaping it. While her family had been invited to attend the event, her mother did not make an appearance. According to insiders, health concerns may have prevented her from joining. However, many speculate that the ongoing scandal surrounding Kim Sae Ron's has compounded the emotional strain on her family. The actress has been making headlines since her alleged underage relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun came to light.
The controversy began with a series of YouTube Garosero exposés. Since then, there has been legal back-and-forth between Kim Soo Hyun's agency GOLDMEDALIST and Kim Sae Ron's family. In light of this, Guitar Man's release now carries the heavy weight of being not just a cinematic event but also a moment of reflection for both fans and critics.
Meanwhile, the film is directed, written, and produced by musician-turned-filmmaker Lee Sun Jung. Guitar Man is a music-driven drama that captures the intersection of dreams, despair, and redemption. Lee Sun Jung also stars in the film as the protagonist Ki Chul, He portrays a gifted guitarist struggling with poverty and personal loss. He eventually finds solace and a sense of belonging after joining a small live band named Volcano.
It is within this band that he meets Yoo Jin, a quiet yet talented keyboardist played by Kim Sae Ron. Kim's character, Yoo Jin, offers emotional depth to the story as someone who understands Ki Chul's loneliness and pain. Their musical journey, filled with both harmony and hardship, mirrors the story's central theme: that music can become a healing force even in the darkest times. It is a role many believe would have served as a comeback vehicle under different circumstances.
Moreover, the film is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on May 30. Many expect fans of the late actress to flock to the screenings. They will not only witness her final performance but also pay their respects in the only public way now possible.
Will you be watching Guitar Man, Kim Sae Ron's final film?
Kim Sae Ron's final film Guitar Man held its first public screening on May 21, just months after her tragic passing. The heartfelt music movie marks her last appearance on screen and is set to hit theaters on May 30. Are you planning to watch Guitar Man? Vote in the poll below and share your thoughts with us!
Absolutely, I want to see her last performance
I'm curious but still undecided
I didn't know it was releasing
ALSO READ: Did Kim Sae Ron date K-pop star from 7-member boy band? Actor-idol relationship rumor debunked

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Indian Express

19 hours ago

• Indian Express

As Kim Soo Hyun battles lawsuit, Kim Sae Ron's ex-manager drags famous YouTuber to court: ‘He lied, I tried to save her'

Kim Sae Ron's former manager, referred to as K, has officially filed a lawsuit against popular YouTuber Kwon Young Chan for defamation. According to Sports Seoul, the complaint was submitted at the Seocho Police Station in Seoul on June 19. As per the court filing obtained by the outlet, Mr. K claims the YouTuber, who has a massive following, made serious false allegations against him on his channel over the past few months. The accusations ranged from grooming to calling him 'the man behind her death.' This comes as K-drama actor Kim Soo Hyun's lawsuit against another YouTuber, Kim Se Ui of Garo Sero, has finally landed in court — with the judge ordering Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, to seize the YouTuber's property in an attempt to recover damages caused by the accusations made against the actor. Also read: Kim Soo Hyun loses millions in assets to home appliance brand after luxury apartment seizure; fails to pay damages 'In an attempt to attract public interest, [Kwon Young Chan] created content containing false information. The accused defamed and insulted the complainant with baseless and malicious claims related to the deceased's death on his channel, Kwon Young Chan TV.' Mr K stated in a complaint filed on June 20. He claimed, YouTuber called him things like: 'the guy who sold her off,' 'slave hunter,' 'the one who caused her death,' and 'the one who leaked all her personal information.' Also read: Kim Soo Hyun's brand value drops to zero as 16 'frustrated' advertisers demand billions in damages Despite not being a public figure, the manager alleged that his face was plastered all over the thumbnail and video. 'My real name and face were continuously exposed. Claims were made that I sold Kim Sae Ron to an unknown person, leaked all information, and caused her death, all of which are untrue.' Kwon Young Chan went as far as to accuse Mr. K of grooming Kim Sae Ron and even separating her from her family, all while emotionally trapping her. He said Mr. K 'put her on an island' and described grooming as 'raising someone while gaining control over their soul.' In response, Mr. K said he only started working with Kim Sae Ron when she signed with Management Run in 2024, after quitting Gold Medalist over her 2022 DUI controversy. According to him, he was only trying to help her get back on her feet when the controversy derailed her career. He also clarified, 'I called an ambulance right away to save her,' at the time the incident occurred. 'Then I called her mother to let her know. Her mother replied, 'I can't come right now.' So the claim that I didn't inform her family is absurd.' Kwon Young Chan, in his videos, claimed that Mr. K stole or misused the money meant for hospital expenses and even committed some illegal act while breaking medical laws. Mr. K hit back, calling that pure defamation. 'I've worked as a manager for 20 years. I stayed silent amid baseless suspicions to protect the deceased's honour. But seeing these groundless claims being broadcast publicly and repeatedly, I decided I could no longer stay silent and filed the complaint.' He told Sports Seoul that the last straw was seeing his name being dragged on repeat while he hadn't even had time to properly grieve. Kwon Young Chan claims he tried contacting Mr. K through KakaoTalk and even called him more than 10 times. Since he didn't get a response, he decided to raise the questions in a broadcast.

Time of India

a day ago

• Time of India

Is Kanye broke? Sources claim he can't afford the custody battle with Kim Kardashian

Kanye West is reportedly facing financial strain due to his ongoing custody battle with Kim Kardashian. His controversial remarks have led to lost sponsorships and a significant decrease in net worth. West is now eager to settle the custody dispute to avoid further legal expenses and potential damage to his reputation, hoping Kardashian will agree to a deal. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kanye's money problems Kanye wants to avoid a long legal fight Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Kanye West is feeling money pressure because of his long custody fight with Kim Kardashian. A source says Kanye wants Kim to agree to a deal so their legal fight can stop. Kanye realizes he can't afford to fight Kim in court, either legally or financially, as stated in the is desperate to settle custody of their four kids, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Kim Kardashian is said to be in a much stronger position than Kanye, especially financially. Kanye's controversial opinions, like his anti-Semitic rants, have hurt his reputation and business deals, according to the report by Reality of this, Kanye lost big sponsorships, including his deal with Adidas. His business chances have dropped a lot over the last two years. Kanye's net worth fell by $1.5 billion and now is around $400 million, as per net worth might go down even more due to lawsuits and his controversial statements. The custody battle with Kim is very expensive and could quickly use up his money. Kanye wants to make a deal with Kim to save what is left of his reputation, as per the report by is scared of the custody battle because his lawyers say it could cost millions he doesn't have. Since Kim is in a much stronger financial spot, Kanye hopes if he backs down, she will show mercy and agree to a deal, as per the report by Reality he lost big brand deals and faced backlash for his public wants to avoid court and make a deal to end the custody battle.

Pink Villa

a day ago

• Pink Villa

Why is Kim Sae Ron's ex-manager suing YouTuber covering Kim Soo Hyun case? Kwon Young Chan claims he was 'dad' to actress

Kim Sae Ron's former manager, commonly known as Mr K, decided to drag Kwon Young Chan to court, due to facing defamatory comments from him. He claimed that the comments allegedly character assassinated him and ruined his reputation, as reported by psepeter's blog on June 20. Kim Sae Ron's manager filed defamation suit against YouTuber Kwon Young Chan On June 19, Mr K, the former manager of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, filed a complaint against YouTuber Kwon Young Chan with Seoul's Seocho Police Station for violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). The charges were based on Kwon Young Chan allegedly spreading false information about Mr K on his YouTube channel, Kwon Young-chan TV, for a period of three months. He also accused the content creator of exposing his name and identity through his video coverage of the Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Sae Ron dating controversy, alleging it as an invasion of privacy. Accusations brought by Kwon Young Chan against Kim Sae Ron's former manager Kwon Young-chan TV videos about Mr K, claimed the latter's involvement in embezzling hospital bills and grooming actress Kim Sae Ron. Mr K, who served as Kim Sae Ron's personal manager after she signed an exclusive contract with Management Run in January 2023, denied these allegations, stating that the emergency medical bills were paid using corporate and company cards, and there was no private relationship or illegal activity involved. Kwon Young Chan, however, had already reported Mr K for violating medical and personal information laws. Mr K accused Kwon Young Chan of maligning his fatherly relationship with Kim Sae Ron Kim Sae Ron's former manager cited his close bond with the actress, saying she trusted him so much that she affectionately called him "dad." "I supported her financially during her hardships and did my best to help her career revival," he stated. Mr K described her death as a "deeply shocking", and he was further devastated by Kwon Young Chan's "inhumane false claims". He alleged that those defamatory statements severely damaged his reputation, all before he could even "grieve properly" on the actress' untimely passing.