At 85, Kim Hye-ja returns to film after turning down role 6 times
“I just want to be like a nameless wildflower.” That was what veteran actor Kim Hye-ja told director Song Il-gon last year when he visited her home in Yeonhui-dong, western Seoul, to ask her to star in his new film. Song, whose films include “Picnic” (1999), “Flower Island” (2001) and “Always” (2011), was developing a movie about victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, and Kim was his first…
Veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, 85, has returned to the world of film after previously declining a role six times. The renowned director Song Il-gon, known for movies like "Picnic" (1999), "Flower Island" (2001), and "Always" (2011), visited Kim's home in Yeonhui-dong, western Seoul, to cast her as the lead in his latest project. The film, titled "Still Shining," is a poignant tale about two 18-year-old girls, Sun-ok and Jeong-im, who live in a remote mountain village in 1942.
The original cast for the young roles was Park Seo-kyung and Choi Ju-eun, but Kim ultimately agreed to take on the part after persistent outreach from Song. The director even penned a lengthy letter to the veteran actress, explaining his vision for the film. Kim's change of heart was primarily due to the film's portrayal of the victims, which he felt was authentic and respectful.
With "Still Shining," Kim Hye-ja is making her return to the silver screen after a nine-year hiatus, the last of which ended with her role in "The Way" in 2017. Kim will turn 85 on October 25.
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- At 85, Kim Hye-ja returns to film after turning down role 6 times koreatimes.co.kr
