According to a recent Brunch post by reporter Kang Seok-chan of No Cut News, Kim Cho-hee shared her experience during a Lucky Chan-sil Cine Talk event. Kim revealed that he started working at a film production company after receiving an offer from director Hong Sang-soo. Despite having limited knowledge of filmmaking at the time, he took on a wide range of responsibilities, from production and investment management to distribution and marketing.
At first he worked without pay. His salary gradually increased from KRW 700,000 to KRW 1.2 million, then to KRW 1.5 million, and finally to KRW 2 million per month. She said she dedicated herself to the business with the belief that once operations stabilized, she would be able to make a sustainable living.
The controversy over the deal and its consequences
However, just as the production company began to stabilize, an unexpected crisis occurred. Kim explained, “A director I respected was involved in a controversy over his relationship with an actress, and the film production process fell into chaos.”
The controversy related to Hong Sang-soo’s widely reported relationship with actress Kim Min-hee. As the production manager at the time, Kim Cho-hee had to respond directly to requests from the media and industry insiders, while also dealing with internal production difficulties. Eventually, he informed the director of his intention to resign. She was offered a year’s paid leave and decided to travel to Canada.
Isolation and emotional struggles
But about a month after leaving for Canada, Kim discovered that communication with his colleagues had been cut off and that his relationship with the company had effectively ended. He candidly spoke of experiencing deep despair during his time abroad, also admitting to having extreme thoughts.
During that difficult time, actress Jung Yu-mi reportedly visited her in Montreal, Canada, offering comfort and encouragement. Kim said the visit rekindled his love for cinema. Upon returning to Korea, Kim Cho-hee decided to become a director herself. He began preparing a project with actors and staff members who remained by his side. “The film we made together after a long time was Lucky Chan-sil,” he shared, reflecting on the journey that led to his directorial debut.
Her story has since sparked renewed debate online, as netizens revisit the ripple effects of the Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee scandal and its wider impact on those working behind the scenes in the film industry.
Sources: Nate News
