Director Hong Sang-soo (left) and actor Kim Min-hee. [Newsis]
Director Hong Sang-soo (left) and actor Kim Min-hee. [Newsis]

Actor Kim Min-hee made her first public appearance since giving birth.

Kim and director Hong Sang-soo attended a Q&A session Friday (local time) for "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," Hong's 35th feature film, at the 78th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland. Kim, who serves as both lead actor and production manager on the film, appeared alongside Hong at the event.

It was the first time the two had appeared together at a public event since Kim gave birth to a son in April last year.

"I shot a film for the first time after having a baby," Kim said. "I had rested for about two years after giving birth, so my condition was a little different from before."

She added that balancing motherhood and acting had kept her constantly busy. "In practical terms, the baby was on set while we were filming. I had to breastfeed, make baby food — all of that on set," she said. "I would wake up early, rushing to get everything ready for the baby before preparing for the film."

Kim said the experience had changed her approach to work. "As I went through all that preparation, the single-minded focus I used to have when filming just disappeared," she said. "Naturally, I came to think: finish what the baby needs, then give the film everything you have. I felt that was a healthier way to be."

"Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" follows Sanghee, who was raised by her grandparents after her parents' relationship fell apart, as she travels to Jeju Island with her younger brother to find their mother. The film is competing for the Golden Leopard in the international competition section at this year's Locarno International Film Festival.

Hong, born in 1960, and Kim, born in 1982, first worked together on the 2015 film "Right Now, Wrong Then." At a press conference in 2017, Hong acknowledged they were in a romantic relationship.

Kim gave birth to Hong's son in April last year.


min3654@heraldcorp.com