Kim Hye-ja, a smile defying health concerns: "I hesitated, but… the film was simply too good" [31st BIFF]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Actress Kim Hye-ja handled her schedule at the Busan International Film Festival with a bright smile, setting aside concerns about her health.

An outdoor stage greeting for the film "Still Radiantly" was held on the 8th at the Loop Theater of the Cinema Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Director Song Il-gon and actors Kim Hye-ja, Park Seo-kyung, Choi Ju-eun, Moon Seong-hyun, and Lee Se-young attended the event.

On this day, Kim took the stage with a bright expression amid audience cheers, sharing stories about the film as she completed her schedule.

"Still Radiantly" is a work depicting the story of Soon-ok, who reunites after 60 years with her close friend who shared the most radiant moment of her life.

Regarding how she came to appear in the work, Kim said, "I am not someone who makes films often, and I hesitated a great deal at first."

She continued, "But the work was so good. I decided to take on the role with the hope that this film would gently comfort everyone's hearts," revealing her affection for the project.

Previously, Director Song Il-gon had revealed that casting Kim Hye-ja was not easy. He stated, "It was the most difficult casting of my life," adding, "I heard that after the drama she recently filmed, she did not want to be very active. She said she wanted to live quietly like a wildflower, watching the pretty flowers blooming in front of her house."

Director Song shared, "So I felt things could not stay as they were and wrote a letter with my best effort. I carefully explained what kind of story the work tells and what kind of character I hoped she would take on."

However, Kim declined to appear even after the first attempt at persuasion. Director Song recalled, "Despite that, she initially refused. Afterward, we had meals together about six times and continued talking. I explained why I wanted her to do this work and what the emotional resonance of the piece was."

He continued, "She said she would like to appear if she could well convey the resonance of this work to the audience through herself," adding, "It was the most difficult casting, but I was grateful that we ultimately came together so dramatically."

He also expressed his affection, saying, "The entire filming process was enjoyable and an honor. Being able to capture a close-up of Kim Hye-ja on camera is itself a very wonderful thing for a director."

Director Song also spoke about the work, stating, "There were many miraculous moments in this film. We had many special experiences where things that seemed impossible actually came to fruition."

He continued, "With that mindset, all the staff worked while crying, and it is a film we made together until the very end," expressing his hope that "that sincerity would reach the audience well."

Previously, Kim Hye-ja attended the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival. During her movement, she was seen receiving support from those around her and coughing several times, prompting some voices to express concern about her health condition.

In response, a source stated, "There is absolutely nothing wrong with her health. It is merely a simple cold," adding, "She plans to handle her scheduled events without any difficulty."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original