Actress Kim Min-hee made her first official appearance since giving birth to a son with director Hong Sang-soo, drawing varied reactions from netizens.
On August 14, images of Kim Min-hee attending the 79th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland circulated across various online communities and social media.
Kim Min-hee appeared in a blue vest at the official Q&A session for Hong Sang-soo's new film, Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, marking her return after nearly two years.
Online, reactions to Kim Min-hee's changed appearance post-childbirth varied widely. Some netizens commented, "Now she looks like she fits with Hong Sang-soo," and "She seems to be resembling him more and more," while others remarked, "The once glamorous Kim Min-hee looks so shabby now," and "She doesn't seem like the same Kim Min-hee anymore."
Conversely, some defended her, stating, "If this is how she looks after having a baby, that's commendable," and "Criticizing her appearance while condemning the affair is contradictory." This highlights the distinction between personal life and appearance critiques.
During the Q&A, Kim Min-hee revealed that this film is her first project since giving birth. "I shot this film after having my baby," she said. "After taking a break for about two years, my state is different from before."
She also shared that she took care of her child during filming, stating, "Since my baby was with me on set, I had to breastfeed and prepare baby food while juggling filming and parenting."
Childbirth has also changed her approach to film and acting. "As I prepared, the intense focus I used to have on films has faded away," she noted. "After naturally preparing for my baby, I felt healthier while giving my best to the film in this new environment."
Meanwhile, the relationship between Kim Min-hee and director Hong Sang-soo has garnered public interest as they have collaborated on various projects over the years. Kim Min-hee publicly acknowledged their romantic relationship following the film It Was Right Then, But It's Wrong Now.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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