Director Hong Sang-soo, 66, and actress Kim Min-hee, 44, welcomed a child born overseas last April, confirming their long-term relationship through recent public appearances.
Berlinale Spotlight and Instagram Reveal
Kim Min-hee shared an update on Instagram on February 23, stating, “I was with the Berlin film. I have more time to cherish the world. The film ‘The Day She Comes Around Like a Stone’ is expected to be released soon.” The post included a recent photo of the couple smiling together at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
Hong appeared with striking sudden gray hair, dressed in a white coat and cross necklace, sparking concern among observers. The images capture moments from the festival awards ceremony.
Film Premiere and Royal Encounter
Hong’s 34th feature film, The Day She Comes Around Like a Stone, premiered to strong audience response in the Panorama section on January 18 local time. Kim Min-hee, serving as producer, attended the screening and later met the country’s king.
Decade-Long Collaboration
The pair’s partnership spans over a decade, beginning publicly with Hong’s 2015 film Right Now, Wrong Then, where they announced their relationship. They have since collaborated on multiple projects, including Kim’s lead roles following her 2016 appearance in Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden.
In 2017, at a press conference for On the Beach at Night Alone, they openly acknowledged their bond. Hong proposed marriage and planned a private wedding, though legal issues related to Kim’s prior marriage complicated matters, placing responsibility on him under bigamy laws.
Their enduring connection culminated in the overseas birth of their child last April.
