Hong Sang-soo Officially Invited to Berlin International Film Festival for Sixth Consecutive Year

Director Hong Sang-soo has received an official invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival for the sixth consecutive year. There is growing interest in whether he will attend with his pregnant partner, actress Kim Min-hee.

The Berlin International Film Festival announced the official selections for its 75th edition during a live stream on YouTube on January 21 at 7 PM KST. Hong Sang-soo's latest film, ‘그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니 (What Does that Nature Say to You),’ has been selected for the competition section.

This film marks Hong's 33rd project and features Kim Min-hee, who has been in a relationship with him for the past ten years, alongside actors Ha Seong-guk and Kwon Hae-yo.

Since his first invitation in 2008 for the film ‘밤과 낮 (Night and Day),’ Hong has consistently been recognized by the festival, with previous works like ‘누구의 딸도 아닌 해원 (Haewon’s Diary)’ and ‘밤의 해변에서 혼자 (Alone on the Beach at Night)’ also receiving invitations.

Notably, from 2020’s ‘도망친 여자 (The Woman Who Ran)’ to this year’s ‘그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니,’ he has been invited for six consecutive years.

Hong's accolades are impressive, including the Best Director award for ‘도망친 여자’ (2020) and the Best Screenplay award for ‘인트로덕션 (Introduction)’ (2021). His films ‘소설가의 영화 (The Novelist’s Film)’ (2022) and ‘여행자의 필요 (The Novelist’s Film)’ (2024) both won the Jury Prize, making him the only Korean director to achieve this distinction, with a total of five Silver Bear awards to his name. Additionally, Kim Min-hee won the Best Actress award for her role in ‘밤의 해변에서 혼자’ (2017).

As the 75th Berlin International Film Festival approaches, which runs from February 13 to 23, there is keen anticipation regarding whether Kim Min-hee will accompany Hong, especially as she is currently six months pregnant and expected to give birth this spring. If they attend together, it will be a significant moment, showcasing her pregnancy. There is also speculation about potential discussions surrounding Hong's awards and Kim's pregnancy during the festival.