“Can I Hold the Baby Just Once?” Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo’s Chilling Starbucks Encounter Goes Viral

Actress Kim Min-hee and director Hong Sang-soo are back in the spotlight as a new wave of rumors about Kim’s pregnancy spreads online. Following reports that the couple is expecting a child, an old eyewitness account of the two at a Starbucks has gone viral.

A netizen recently shared their story online, recalling a 2019 encounter at a Starbucks in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. According to the post, Kim was captivated by a baby at a nearby table and asked the parents, “Can I hold the baby just once?” After holding the baby, she was visibly elated and turned to Hong, exclaiming, “Isn’t the baby so beautiful?” The post highlighted how confident Kim appeared at the time, even amid public scrutiny over her controversial relationship with Hong.

The post has garnered attention in light of the couple’s rumored pregnancy. The netizen described Kim’s interaction with the baby as heartwarming and memorable, noting how her demeanor stood out despite the controversy surrounding her at the time.

Full Text Translation of the Viral Post:

“When I read about Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo’s pregnancy rumors, I couldn’t help but wonder if they had been longing for this moment. Back in 2019, I saw them at a Starbucks in Hanam.

Kim Min-hee noticed a baby at the next table and gazed at it with so much affection before asking, ‘Can I hold the baby just once?’ She looked so happy holding the baby, constantly telling Hong how beautiful it was.

I remember being surprised at how confident she seemed, even though their relationship was still controversial at the time.”

Kim’s pregnancy rumors first emerged on January 17, following a report by Dispatch. The outlet claimed that the couple discovered the pregnancy last summer and are expecting to welcome their child this spring. According to the report, the two have been spotted visiting obstetrics clinics together in recent months.

If true, Kim Min-hee was likely in the early stages of pregnancy during her appearance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland last August. She attended to receive an acting award for her performance in Hong’s film Walk Up. During her acceptance speech, Kim expressed her admiration for Hong, saying, “I love your films so much.” The couple also appeared affectionate at the ceremony, drawing further attention.

Kim and Hong’s relationship began in 2015 on the set of Right Now, Wrong Then, and in 2017, they publicly confirmed their affair during a press conference for On the Beach at Night Alone. The revelation caused significant backlash. Hong, who was married with a daughter at the time, filed for divorce in 2016, but his case was dismissed in 2019, with the court holding him responsible for the breakdown of his marriage. He did not appeal, leaving him legally married.

Since their relationship became public, Kim has only appeared in Hong’s films, stepping away from commercial projects and mainstream activities. Despite the controversy, she has solidified her reputation as an actress, winning the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival for On the Beach at Night Alone and the Best Performance Award at the Locarno Film Festival for Walk Up.