The late Kim Sae Ron’s final film Guitar Man is set to reconnect with audiences through a special screening, about one year after her passing. More than a standard showing, the event blends a live performance and talk session, offering a fresh way to revisit the work and its emotional depth.

The screening is designed as a hybrid experience combining cinema and live music, allowing audiences to engage with the story beyond the screen. By moving away from conventional film formats, the event aims to expand emotional immersion and create a more interactive connection between the audience and the film.

The special screening of Guitar Man will take place on April 24 at 7:30 PM at the Seoul Film Center. Under the concept “An Unfinished Performance,” the event continues the film’s emotional journey through music after the screening ends. Notably, the in-film band “Lee Sun Jung Band” will perform the OST live, transforming the movie’s narrative into a real-time concert experience. Their authentic sound and dynamic stage presence are expected to deepen audience immersion.

In addition, director and lead actor Lee Sun Jung, along with cast members Park Chan Ho, Jung Eun Sung, Hong Dal Pyo, and Park Tae Sung, will participate in a stage greeting and talk session. Hosted by Gyeongin Broadcasting DJ Park Hyun Joon, the event will provide behind-the-scenes insights and encourage direct interaction with the audience. Rather than a typical Q&A session, the format integrates film, music, and conversation into a unified experience.

Guitar Man tells the story of Lee Gi Cheol, a gifted guitarist who struggles against the harsh realities of life before joining an underground band called “Volcano.” Through the band, he finds his way back to the stage, rediscovering himself and the meaning of life amid loss and setbacks. Instead of focusing on success alone, the film emphasizes the journey of failure, wandering, and eventual recovery.

While centered on music, the film also explores deeper, realistic struggles faced by artists—financial instability, the tension between commercial appeal and artistic integrity, and the diminishing opportunities that come with age. These themes elevate the film beyond a simple music story into a reflection on the lives of those who dedicate themselves to art, drawing from director Lee Sun Jung’s own experiences in the band scene.

In the film, Kim Sae Ron plays Shin Yoo Jin, the keyboardist of the band Volcano and a key emotional anchor in the narrative. Her character offers comfort to the protagonist and prompts him to reconsider his path in life, serving as a crucial turning point in the story. Her restrained yet natural performance adds depth to the film, leaving a lasting impression through moments that balance warmth and quiet sorrow.

Her presence is equally striking in the OST music video, where she delivers a poignant line: “Life isn’t easy.” This moment encapsulates the film’s message, highlighting the seamless blend of music and storytelling that defines the project.

At its core, Guitar Man explores the meaning of relationships within a band as a community. Characters with different backgrounds come together through music, supporting and understanding one another. Rather than focusing on competition or fame, the story highlights endurance, collaboration, and the idea that music is not just a profession but a sustaining force in life.

When the film was first released in May last year, it struggled to gain attention due to limited distribution and promotion, resulting in a short theatrical run. This new screening was organized to reintroduce the film and give audiences another chance to experience it. The production team expressed regret that the film did not receive proper recognition initially and hopes this event will convey its musical emotion and message more effectively.

By combining film, live performance, and discussion, the event offers a multi-dimensional experience where audiences can first absorb the story on screen and then deepen that emotional connection through music and conversation. It represents a new approach to film viewing, merging cinema and live art into a single, immersive experience.

The screening carries added significance as it showcases Kim Sae Ron’s final performance. For audiences who missed the film during its brief initial run, it offers a meaningful opportunity to revisit her work and reflect on the legacy she left behind.

Sources: Daum