The fact that director Hong Sang-soo did not attend his only daughter's wedding has reignited controversy.
Recently, a video titled "The controversy over director Hong Sang-soo's absence from his daughter's wedding and the 0 won gift money" was released on the YouTube channel 'Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho', drawing attention.
Lee Jin-ho stated in the video, "Although director Hong Sang-soo cherished his daughter very much, he shockingly did not attend her wedding 2-3 years ago."
He continued, "Moreover, it is known that he did not even give any gift money," mentioning family conflicts at the time. An acquaintance pointed out, "Isn't it too much for Hong Sang-soo?" but his wife reportedly responded calmly, saying, "That's just how he is."
What is the truth behind the '120 billion won inheritance rumor'?
Rumors related to director Hong Sang-soo's wealth are also gaining attention. Regarding the rumor of a 120 billion won inheritance mentioned in a past broadcast about Hong's mother, Lee Jin-ho firmly stated, "It's completely fake news." He added, "While it is true that director Hong Sang-soo had a wealthy childhood, the 120 billion won inheritance rumor is unfounded," and "If there was that much inheritance, it would have been reported in the tax industry due to tax issues."
Controversy over daughter's study abroad expenses... Ongoing family conflicts
There were also claims that director Hong Sang-soo cut off his daughter's study abroad expenses after starting his affair with Kim Min-hee, but this has also been revealed to be untrue. Lee Jin-ho stated, "Director Hong is known to be a notorious miser, and it has been confirmed that his daughter's study abroad expenses were fully supported by her maternal grandmother." The wife's side proved the family's wealth based on her background of graduating from high school and university in the U.S. and obtaining permanent residency.
Meanwhile, the relationship between director Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee is once again becoming a hot topic. The two developed a romantic relationship after meeting in the 2015 film "Right Now, Wrong Then," and they acknowledged their relationship through a media screening of the 2017 film "On the Beach at Night Alone." Recently, it has been revealed that Kim Min-hee is naturally pregnant with Hong Sang-soo's child, causing a stir.
However, director Hong Sang-soo is still legally married. He applied for divorce mediation against his wife, but the court dismissed it, stating, "The divorce claim of a fault spouse is generally not permitted." As a result, the two have maintained their affair for ten years.
Director Hong Sang-soo's personal life and family conflicts are drawing significant public interest, not just in the film industry. The combination of his absence from his daughter's wedding, the gift money controversy, and the news of Kim Min-hee's pregnancy has led to reactions such as, "How far will Hong Sang-soo go?" With the inheritance rumor and study abroad expenses issue now revealed, it seems that his controversies will not easily subside.
Director Hong's choices and the family's reactions continue to shock and attract public attention. The image of "a father with no gift money" is likely to remain at the center of controversy for some time, separate from his cinematic world.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
