On February 19, Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee were spotted traveling to Berlin, Germany, for the Berlin International Film Festival, with Kim visibly showing her baby bump.
Although Kim Min-hee was in Berlin with Hong Sang-soo, she was not present at the event with him.
Then, on February 20, Hong Sang-soo attended the press conference for "What Does That Nature Say to You," his film competing at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, alongside the lead actors—but again, without Kim Min-hee.
The movie follows a young woman as she introduces her boyfriend to her family, and the cast includes Ha Sung-kook, Kim Min-hee, and Kwon Hae-hyo, with Kim Min-hee also serving as the film's production manager.
When asked about the filmmaking process during the press conference, Hong Sang-soo shared, "It's just me and my team—my assistant, production manager Kim Min-hee, and the boom mic operator—just the four of us working together."
Though he did not name the other crew members, Hong Sang-soo made a point to mention Kim Min-hee by name, subtly showing his affection by singling her out.
They publicly confirmed their relationship at the premiere of the 2017 film "On the Beach at Night Alone," describing themselves as "in love."
Despite being together for nearly a decade, they remain unmarried and have no legal ties.
Hong Sang-soo, who has been married since 1985 and has a daughter, is still legally wed to his estranged wife.
In November 2016, Hong Sang-soo filed for divorce, but the Seoul Family Court dismissed the case in 2019. He chose not to appeal the decision.
Through his legal team, however, Hong Sang-soo stated that his marriage was effectively over, adding, "The fact that the marital relationship has completely ended remains unchanged."
He also hinted at the possibility of refiling for divorce in the future when conditions are more favorable.
Kim Min-hee is currently pregnant with his baby; the couple is expecting their baby this spring.
(SBS Star)