Kim Min-hee Expecting a Child with Hong Sang-soo Amid Ongoing Controversy

Actress Kim Min-hee, who has been in a controversial relationship with director Hong Sang-soo for the past decade, is reportedly six months pregnant and is expected to give birth this spring. The father of the child is Hong Sang-soo, and the couple conceived naturally. According to reports, they discovered the pregnancy last summer and were seen together at a recent prenatal check-up on January 15. Hong has been actively supporting Kim throughout her pregnancy, even taking driving lessons in preparation for the arrival of their child.

However, despite the impending birth, Hong Sang-soo remains legally married to his wife, as their divorce proceedings have not been finalized. This means that Kim Min-hee's child will be registered as an illegitimate child in Hong's family registry, while Kim will be able to register the child under her own name.

In a surprising twist, Hong's wife claims she was completely unaware of the pregnancy. Reports from K-Star News indicate that she stated, "I had no idea at all" when contacted about the situation, and she declined to comment further.

The relationship between Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee began on the set of the film "Right Now, Wrong Then," where they fell in love. Following this, Hong filed for divorce from his wife of 30 years, but she has shown a strong desire to maintain their marriage, refusing to accept any divorce documents sent to her.

As the divorce proceedings escalated, Hong publicly acknowledged his affair with Kim Min-hee. In March 2017, during a screening of his film "On the Beach at Night Alone," he stated, "We love each other. We are honestly in love in our own way." Kim echoed his sentiments, expressing their commitment to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Despite the ongoing divorce case, which has lasted over two years, the court dismissed Hong's divorce petition in June 2019, citing that the primary responsibility for the marriage's breakdown lay with him. The court emphasized that a spouse who is primarily at fault cannot file for divorce under current laws.

Even after the court's decision, Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee have continued their relationship. Hong has moved out of the home he shared with his wife in Apgujeong, Seoul, and has settled in a new residence in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim's parents live.

Although they have not appeared publicly since acknowledging their affair, they have collaborated on several projects, including films like "Hotel by the River," "The Woman Who Ran," and "Introduction." Notably, Kim Min-hee has taken on the role of production manager in addition to acting since "Introduction."