Kim Hye-ja, 85, cancels press preview appearance on day of event due to 'unavoidable circumstances'

Actor Kim Hye-ja, 85, canceled her stage appearance at the press preview of "Still Brilliant" — her first film in nine years — on the day of the event. She was reportedly suffering from the flu.

The production team announced Thursday that the press preview would proceed as scheduled but that the pre-screening stage greeting had been called off due to "unavoidable circumstances," asking for "generous understanding." The team did not specify the reason for the cancellation.

Kim had originally been set to appear alongside director Song Il-gon for the pre-screening greeting. She had not been scheduled to attend the post-screening press conference from the outset.

Concerns about Kim's health had already surfaced at the Busan International Film Festival earlier this month.

Kim walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu on Monday, dressed in hanbok. She was seen being supported by director Song and others as she moved, and was caught on camera coughing repeatedly with her hand over her mouth, sparking speculation online about her health.

Distributor Plus M Entertainment said the following day that Kim "simply has a mild cold" and that her festival schedule had been adjusted in consideration of her age and condition, adding that she was expected to fulfill all remaining engagements as planned.

Kim attended the outdoor stage greeting for "Still Brilliant" at the Busan Cinema Center on Saturday.

Born in 1941, Kim made her debut as a first-round KBS talent recruit in 1961 and marks her 65th year in the industry this year. "Still Brilliant" follows Sunok (Kim), a woman who reunites with her childhood best friend after 60 years, and opens Oct. 21.