Kim Hye-ja appears in good spirits at 'Still Shining' premiere

Actress Kim Hye-ja appeared on stage holding a microphone at the VIP premiere of 'Still Shining' on the 20th, marking a return to public appearances after she missed a press event on the 15th due to cold symptoms.

Actress Kim Hye-ja (85) has appeared on stage with a bright smile, providing a welcome update to fans following recent concerns regarding her health. After being seen needing assistance while walking at the Busan International Film Festival and being unable to attend a recent film premiere due to cold symptoms, she has now stood before an audience holding a microphone herself.

On the 20th, Lee Young-ae shared several photos on her social media from the VIP premiere of the film 'Still Shining'. In the photos, Kim Hye-ja is seen sitting alongside Lee Young-ae with a bright smile. The images capture a warm bond between the senior and junior actors, with Lee Young-ae shown holding Kim Hye-ja's hand with both hands. Other photos show Kim Hye-ja smiling toward the camera alongside director Song Il-gon.

Most notably, Kim Hye-ja was seen standing on stage holding a microphone before the audience. Her appearance on stage felt particularly special given that she was unable to attend official events just a few days prior due to cold symptoms. In the photos, Kim Hye-ja maintains a bright expression, drawing warm reactions from fans. However, as a person's health cannot be fully determined from photographs alone, some have expressed hope that she continues her activities without overexerting herself.

Born in 1941, Kim Hye-ja was seen walking while being assisted by director Song Il-gon at the Busan International Film Festival red carpet event on the 6th. At that time, she was captured coughing, which led to concerns among fans regarding her health. As a national actress who has remained a central figure in Korean dramas and films for a long time, her unusual appearance drew significant public attention.

Concerns continued during the press premiere of 'Still Shining' held on the 15th. Kim Hye-ja was unable to attend the stage greetings due to cold symptoms. At the time, director Song Il-gon explained her condition, stating, "We considered having her attend even if she needed assistance, but her physical condition was not good." It was a situation where she had to miss the event to prioritize her health, despite her desire to meet fans directly.

Instead of attending in person, Kim Hye-ja conveyed her feelings to the audience through a handwritten letter. In the letter, she expressed her regret at not being able to greet them on stage in person. Her appearance holding a microphone in the recently released photos stands in contrast to her previous absence, drawing even greater interest. Following the period of concern regarding her health, her appearance in public is being received by fans like a welcome gift.

Lee Young-ae's post drew a series of comments welcoming the meeting of the two actresses. Reactions included, "Wow, finally an update from my unnie," "Wow, only beautiful people," and "I will definitely watch my unnie's recommendation." One fan expressed affection for Lee Young-ae, saying, "I have been waiting for news of my unnie for two months and always hoped she was doing well." Interest has focused not only on Kim Hye-ja's update but also on the sight of the two actresses together.

'Still Shining', starring Kim Hye-ja, tells the story of Sun-ok, who reunites with a close friend after 60 years—someone who shared the brightest moments of her life. The film, which deals with friendship and the meaning of life after a long passage of time, is set to be released on the 21st. After watching the film, Lee Young-ae shared her impressions, saying, "It is so achingly painful... but still shining... I pray that it shines brilliantly forever." She added, "I highly recommend it this autumn. Thank you for making such a warm movie."

As actress Kim Hye-ja continues to deliver deep resonance even off-screen, attention is focused on her appearance holding a microphone after being unable to attend official events due to health issues. Above all, supporters are cheering for her to recover her health without overexerting herself so she can meet audiences for a long time to come.

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