Hong Sang-soo Walks Berlin Film Festival Red Carpet Without Pregnant Partner Kim Min-hee

Director Hong Sang-soo attended the Berlin International Film Festival's red carpet without his pregnant partner, actress Kim Min-hee. Although the couple was seen departing together, Hong appeared solo at the event.

On February 20th, Hong attended the premiere and press conference for his new film, 'What Does that Nature Say to You,' at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Hong appeared in a black coat for the photo session, joined by actors Ha Seong-guk, Kwon Hae-hyo, Jo Yoon-hee, and Kang So-i, who star in the film.

Kim Min-hee, who is expecting Hong's child, did not make a public appearance. The couple was previously spotted at Incheon Airport, seemingly unconcerned about onlookers. Kim, who accompanied Hong to Berlin, did not attend the festival's official events. At the airport, she wore sunglasses and a mask, and despite her oversized long coat, her pregnancy was noticeable.

Hong's 33rd feature film, 'What Does that Nature Say to You,' is the only Korean film invited to the official competition section of this year's Berlin Film Festival. The film tells the story of a 30-something poet, Dong-hwa, who unexpectedly visits his lover Jun-hee's home. Kim Min-hee participated as a production manager for the film.

Hong and Kim have been in a relationship since meeting on the set of the 2015 film 'Right Now, Wrong Then.' In March 2017, during a press conference for 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' they publicly acknowledged their relationship. Hong lost a divorce lawsuit against his current wife in 2019. Kim is reportedly due to give birth this spring, having become pregnant last summer.

Since his debut film 'The Day a Pig Fell into the Well' was invited to the Forum section in 1997, 12 of Hong's films have been screened at the Berlin Film Festival. He has won five Silver Bear awards, including Best Actress for Kim Min-hee in 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' Best Director for 'The Woman Who Ran,' Best Screenplay for 'Introduction' (2021), and the Jury Grand Prix for 'The Novelist's Film' (2022) and 'In Water' (2023).