From Red Carpets to Park Walks: Kim Min-hee’s Fashion Evolution Over 10 Years with Hong Sang-soo
Actress Kim Min-hee is once again in the spotlight—this time for her evolving fashion style, which fans say mirrors her changing relationships and life choices over the past two decades.
A recent post on an online community titled “Kim Min-hee’s Wardrobe Through the Years: From Red Carpet Icon to Quiet Walks with Hong Sang-soo“ has gone viral. The post traces her sartorial journey, suggesting that her fashion has shifted notably depending on who she was dating at the time.
During her high-profile relationship with Lee Jung-jae from 2003 to 2006, Kim favored classic, elegant styles. She often appeared in simple shirts paired with hot pants, loosely tied scarves, and minimalist yet refined outfits that captured both sophistication and effortlessness.
From 2008 to 2010, while dating model-actor Lee Soo-hyuk, her wardrobe took on a more edgy, chic tone. Kim frequently wore leather jackets and minimalist black slacks, reflecting a “model off-duty” aesthetic. Her looks from that era were widely imitated, earning her fashion icon status.
Her legendary guest look at the 2009 wedding of Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young still resonates with fashion fans. Wearing a nude silk blouse tucked into high-waisted navy trousers and paired with sandals, she balanced softness and sleekness an outfit still remembered for its understated elegance.
Fast forward to the present, and Kim Min-hee has adopted a noticeably toned-down, natural style. Recently photographed walking in a park with director Hong Sang-soo, whom she’s been with since 2015, she wore a loose brown shirt, sunglasses, and a simple ponytail. The look marks a stark contrast from her earlier red carpet glam, reflecting a more subdued and private lifestyle.
Online reactions to her latest appearances were mixed but intrigued. Comments included:
”The glam is gone,”
”She really looks like a mom now,”
”Is she dressing for her 60s?”
”Still beautiful though,”
”Her natural vibe still feels luxurious,”
”Kim Min-hee was the original fashionista.”
Kim and Hong met while filming the 2015 movie Right Now, Wrong Then and publicly confirmed their relationship in 2017, amid much controversy. Despite ongoing criticism due to Hong’s unresolved marital status, the couple has continued working together on various independent films.
Most recently, they were spotted walking with their reportedly newborn son in Hanam’s Misa Lake Park. The appearance reignited public discussion, with some condemning their long-standing affair while others commented on the quiet life they now appear to lead.
Kim Min-hee’s journey from trendsetting actress to reclusive artist both in fashion and life offers a rare look at how personal relationships and values can transform a public figure’s image over time.