According to a recent Brunch post by journalist Kang Seok-chan of No Cut News, Kim Cho-hee shared her experience during a Lucky Chan-sil Cine Talk event. Kim revealed that she began working at a film production company after receiving an offer from director Hong Sang-soo. Despite having limited knowledge of filmmaking at the time, she took on a wide range of responsibilities, from production management and investment to distribution and marketing.
In the early days, she worked without pay. Her salary gradually increased from 700,000 KRW to 1.2 million KRW, then 1.5 million KRW, and eventually 2 million KRW per month. She said she devoted herself to the company with the belief that once operations stabilized, she would be able to make a sustainable living.
The Affair Controversy and Its Aftermath
However, just as the production company was becoming stable, an unexpected crisis struck. Kim explained, “A director I respected became embroiled in controversy over his relationship with an actress, and the film production process fell into chaos.”
The controversy referred 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 directly respond to inquiries from the media and industry insiders while also dealing with internal production difficulties. Eventually, she informed the director of her intention to resign. She was offered a one-year 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 her colleagues had been cut off and that her relationship with the company had effectively ended. She candidly shared that she experienced deep despair during her time abroad, even admitting to having extreme thoughts.
During that difficult period, actress Jung Yu-mi reportedly visited her in Montreal, Canada, offering comfort and encouragement. Kim said the visit rekindled her love for cinema. Upon returning to Korea, Kim Cho-hee resolved to become a film director herself. She began preparing a project with actors and staff members who had remained by her side. “That film we made together after a long time was Lucky Chan-sil,” she shared, reflecting on the journey that led to her directorial debut.
Her story has since sparked renewed online discussion, as netizens revisit the ripple effects of the Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee scandal and its broader impact on those working behind the scenes in the film industry.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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