Kim Hye-ja, Swept Up in Health Rumors, Shares Sincere Handwritten Letter: "Moved by Director's Words"

Actor Kim Hye-ja has released a handwritten letter filled with candid thoughts ahead of the release of the film "Still Bright."

"Still Bright" is a film that depicts the story of Sun-ok, who reunites with her best friend after 60 years—a friend with whom she shared the most brilliant moments of her life.

Kim Hye-ja visited the 31st Busan International Film Festival for her return to the silver screen after 9 years. While she walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony on October 6 alongside Director Song Il-gon, she was spotted coughing multiple times, which sparked rumors about her health. In response, her PR agency dismissed the rumors, stating it was "simply a mild cold."

Concerns arose once again as a stage greeting for a press screening of "Still Bright" held in Seoul on October 15 was suddenly canceled. A film official stated that she was "experiencing poor condition." Given her advanced age of 85, it appears that fatigue accumulated due to a series of external schedules.

Although Kim Hye-ja was unable to attend the stage greeting that day, she delivered a handwritten letter to the film production company containing her thoughts on the release and her gratitude toward the audience.

In the letter, Kim Hye-ja mentioned the letter she received from Director Song Il-gon that led her to star in the film, saying, "It was last autumn. I received a letter from Director Song Il-gon. The letter contained these words: 'Sun-ok does not cry. She is someone who believes until the very end that the time she spent with her friend is still bright.' Those words stayed in my heart for a very long time."

She continued, revealing the reason she decided to take on the role, "It is a painful piece of history that we all know too well. We must remember how much those children suffered. However, I also hope we do not forget how much those children wanted to live beautifully. That is why I thought I had to do this film."

Kim Hye-ja shared her sincere feelings with the audience who will watch the film, stating, "At the end of the letter Director Song Il-gon sent me, there are these words: 'What I hope for is not just a single scene of acting, but a moment where the existence of a human being remains across time.' I want to convey that sentiment to you all today as well. I hope you will not view the two young girls you will meet simply as a scene from a painful history."

"Still Bright" is scheduled to hit theaters on October 21.



(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kim Ji-hye)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.