Locarno Film Festival Live Updates: Director Hong Sang-Soo and Partner Kim Min-Hee Win Big

Read expert perspectives about Locarno Film Festival Live Updates: Director Hong Sang-Soo and Partner Kim Min-Hee Win Big.

Q1: Why are Director Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee controversial in South Korea?
A1: Their relationship became public in 2016 while Hong was legally married. South Korea’s legal system upholds fault-based divorce rules, and courts rejected Hong’s divorce filings. Conservative social standards and local media scrutiny led to intense public criticism and severed commercial endorsements for Kim.

Q2: What major international awards has Kim Min-hee won?
A2: Kim won the prestigious Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival for On the Beach at Night Alone. She has also claimed top acting honors at the Locarno Film Festival, alongside widespread critical praise from groups like the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

Q3: Does Kim Min-hee still act in mainstream South Korean cinema?
A3: No. Since completing Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden in 2016, Kim has worked exclusively within Hong Sang-soo’s independent film productions, taking on both lead acting parts and behind-the-scenes production roles.