The Movie Goes On... Hong Sangsoo and Kim Minhee Skip BIFF 'My Waying'

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The film goes, but Director Hong Sangsoo does not.

Director Hong Sangsoo will completely abstain from attending the schedule of his new film "In Front of Your Face," invited to this year's Busan International Film Festival. It is also reported that actress Kim Minhee, who is the production manager and his partner, will not attend either.

According to the film production company on the 1st, Hong's 26th feature film "In Front of Your Face" and his previous work "Introduction" have been officially invited to the 26th Busan International Film Festival, which opens on the 6th of next month.

The schedule has also been announced. On October 6th at 6 p.m., actors Shin Seokho, Park Miso, and Ki Joobong from "Introduction" will attend the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival held at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center. On the 7th at 1 p.m., actors Lee Hyeyoung, Kwon Haehyo, and Jo Yoonhee are expected to attend the talk session (GV) following the screening of "In Front of Your Face" at CGV Centum City.

"Introduction" won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, and "In Front of Your Face" was invited to the non-competitive premiere section of the 74th Cannes International Film Festival held last July. These two films, which have attracted attention overseas, will meet domestic audiences through this year's Busan International Film Festival.

Photo by Still from the movie 'Dangsin Yeolgul Apeseo'

Director Hong Sangsoo is not expected to attend the film festival. Actress and production manager Kim Minhee, who is credited as well, is in the same position. They have completely abstained from domestic official events for several years. This is not a surprising move. However, they have shown different behavior by attending overseas film festivals together, following a 'my way' path, which has drawn unfavorable attention.

Previously, Director Hong and Kim Minhee met while working as director and actress on the film "Right Now, Wrong Then" (2015). Since then, Kim Minhee has appeared in Hong's works for six years, becoming his 'muse.' When their romantic relationship, which had been an open secret in the film industry, was reported by the media, they acknowledged being a couple but have not been able to shake off the label of 'adultery.' Since Hong's divorce lawsuit is ongoing and their relationship began during his marriage, they have not been free from criticism.

Although they make films together, the two who do not appear in front of the camera will be watched to see how long they continue to stay out of the public eye.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.