Director Hong Sang-soo's new film "What Does the Nature Say to You" has completed its first screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. However, the much-anticipated Kim Min-hee did not make an appearance at the official event.
Hong Sang-soo's 33rd feature film "What Does the Nature Say to You" premiered on the evening of the 20th (local time) at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Approximately 2,000 audience members entered the Berlinale Palast to enjoy the director's new work.
The local response was enthusiastic, with laughter and applause erupting from various parts of the audience even during the light dialogues of the film's characters.
The film tells the story of a 30-something poet named Dong-hwa who takes his girlfriend Jun-hee to her parents' house and meets a friend, Oh-ryeong, spending a day together. It showcases Hong's unique everyday dialogues and improvisational direction, competing for the Golden Bear award for Best Film.
However, the greater interest than the film itself was Kim Min-hee's absence. Although she participated in this film as a production manager rather than an actress, she ultimately did not show up at the event.
Given that she had previously appeared with Director Hong at the Berlin Film Festival despite recent pregnancy rumors, her absence this time has sparked various speculations regarding her future actions. Some interpret it as a deliberate move for health reasons or to protect her privacy.
Kim Min-hee, Beloved in Berlin... Why This Year?
Since acknowledging their relationship in 2017, Director Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee have appeared together at the Berlin Film Festival every year, earning the title of 'Berlin's Beloved Couple.' Kim Min-hee won the Silver Bear for Best Actress in 2017 for her role in "On the Beach at Night Alone" and has since set a record of winning awards in Berlin for six consecutive years through films like "The Woman Who Ran," "Introduction," "The Novelist's Film," and "The Need for Travelers."
However, this year, Director Hong attended the press conference alone. Considering Kim Min-hee's consistent attendance at official events, her absence has led to various speculations regarding her future actions.
Attention is now focused on the awards ceremony of the Berlin Film Festival on the 22nd (Korean time). If Director Hong wins the Golden Bear with this film, it will be interesting to see whether Kim Min-hee will make a last-minute appearance.
The film media Variety analyzed this work, stating, "The character of Dong-hwa, an artist with wealthy parents, seems to reflect Director Hong himself." Additionally, Screen Daily commented, "Hong's unique restrained satire feels slightly more emphasized this time, which may divide opinions among existing fans."
Will Berlin Embrace Hong Sang-soo Again and Award Him the Golden Bear?
Since his debut film "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well" in 1997, Director Hong has presented a total of 12 films at the Berlin Film Festival. Notably, he has won trophies five times since 2017, becoming a regular in the competition section.
His latest film "What Does the Nature Say to You" is also competing for the Golden Bear alongside 20 other films invited to the Berlin competition section. There is keen interest in whether the Berlin Film Festival will choose Hong Sang-soo as a winner for the sixth consecutive year and whether Kim Min-hee will appear at the awards ceremony.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
