Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo win big at Locarno; actress discusses motherhood challenges

Actress Kim Min-hee and director Hong Sang-soo have once again captured international attention, this time with their film "Walk Up" securing three awards at the 79th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland. The couple, whose relationship has been a subject of public scrutiny for over a decade, appeared together at the ceremony, showcasing their support for each other.

Kim Min-hee, who received the Best Actress award, expressed her gratitude to director Hong Sang-soo, calling the film "beautiful like a poem." She also shared her commitment to acting with "true love" and her intention to rewatch the film during difficult times. Hong Sang-soo received the Best Director award for the same film.

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Thank you to the director who made a film as beautiful as a poem, and thank you to our wonderful colleagues, I want to share this award.

The couple's joint appearance at the festival marked Kim Min-hee's first official public event since giving birth. She spoke candidly about the realities of motherhood impacting her work, stating, "This was the first film I shot after giving birth. I took about two years off after childbirth before starting the film, and my condition was different from before." She detailed the logistical challenges, including bringing her baby to set and managing feeding and meal preparations, highlighting her busy schedule as a mother.

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I will act with only true love from now on. Thank you, and I will definitely watch this movie every time I feel sad and frustrated. Thank you, director.

Despite the critical acclaim and their public displays of affection, the couple's relationship continues to be a topic of discussion in South Korea. While public sentiment often remains critical of their affair, the persistent interest in Kim Min-hee's appearance, fashion, and statements is also seen by some as a reflection of nostalgia for her former status as a top star before the controversy.

Kim Min-hee has exclusively starred in Hong Sang-soo's films since they revealed their relationship in 2017. Her appearances at international film festivals, once a regular occurrence, became less frequent after she gave birth to their son in April of the previous year. Her presence at the Locarno festival, following a period of absence, drew significant attention, with many speculating that childcare responsibilities were the reason for her reduced public profile.

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This was the first film I shot after giving birth. I took about two years off after childbirth before starting the film, and my condition was different from before. Realistically, I was busy. Even while filming, I went to the set with my baby. I had to breastfeed and make baby food. I finished preparations for the baby and prepared for the movie, being busy as could be.