Director Hong Sang-soo is releasing his 34th feature, and he’s once again opting out of any official appearances.
On the 21st, Jeonwonsa Film announced a press and distributor screening for Hong’s new film, “The Day She Returns,” set for April 28 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall. They added, “There will be no press Q&A after the screening.”
Typically, directors and cast members attend these industry-first screenings to hold a media Q&A. This time, only the screening will take place. Neither Hong nor lead actors Song Seon-mi, Jo Yoon-hee, Park Mi-so, and Kim Sun-jin will appear. No media interviews are scheduled either.
Hong last stood on a domestic press stage in March 2017 at the “On the Beach at Night Alone” press conference. After that screening, he revealed he was in a romantic relationship with lead actor Kim Min-hee, sparking controversy. Hong was married at the time, and Kim was unmarried.
Since then, Hong has continued working with Kim Min-hee, releasing at least one film every year. But he has kept the Korean press at arm’s length. Their collaborations have been regular fixtures at Cannes and the Berlin International Film Festival, and they’ve flown out for those events each time. It’s a stark contrast to their approach at home.
The two have maintained their extramarital relationship since 2017. Kim also gave birth to Hong’s child out of wedlock last April.
“The Day She Returns” follows a middle-aged actor who quit acting after getting married and returns to the screen in an indie film following her divorce. The film was invited to the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February and had its world premiere there. For this project, Kim Min-hee participated not as an actor but as production manager.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
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