ENTERTAINMENT
Speculation Arises Over Kim Min-hee's Pregnancy with Director Hong Sang-soo's Child

On the 17th, a media outlet reported that Kim Min-hee naturally conceived Hong Sang-soo's child last summer. According to the report, Kim is currently six months pregnant and is expected to give birth this spring.
The outlet also mentioned that Kim and Hong are living together in Gyeonggi-do, Hanam, where Kim's parents reside, and they attend prenatal check-ups together, living as a de facto married couple. It was also noted that Kim was pregnant when she won the Best Actress award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival for the film 'Suyucheon' last August.
Assuming the pregnancy rumors are true, public attention is focused on the child expected to be born this spring. Director Hong Sang-soo married a woman, referred to as A, during his studies in the U.S. in 1985, and they have a daughter together. In 2016, while in a relationship with Kim Min-hee, Hong filed for divorce mediation against A, but the process was halted when A refused to accept the documents.
In 2019, Hong filed for divorce, seeking to end his marriage with A, but the court dismissed the case, attributing the primary responsibility for the marriage breakdown to Hong. Hong did not appeal, leaving him legally married to A. This unresolved legal status has perpetuated the 'affair' label on his relationship with Kim Min-hee.
Consequently, there is significant interest in the legal status of the child. The child could be registered as Hong's illegitimate child, or Kim could register the child under her name alone, resulting in a single-parent household.


Meanwhile, as rumors of the pregnancy spread, attention has turned to the reaction of Hong's legal wife. On the same day, A reportedly told a media outlet over the phone that she was unaware of the pregnancy rumors, expressing gratitude for being informed. In another call, she reportedly apologized and declined further conversation.
Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter, wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr