Actress Hong Ji-min reveals hurt from husband's professional critiques

Entering her 16th year of marriage, actress Hong Ji-min expressed distress over her husband's specific criticisms of her singing technique and acting, noting that her own insecurities make it difficult to rebut his professional demands.

Actress Hong Ji-min has opened up about the complex emotions she feels in her relationship as she enters her 16th year of marriage. She revealed that, alongside the scrutiny she faces regarding her appearance, her husband's criticisms regarding her professional field—an area that can be most sensitive for an actress—are causing her great hurt.

"Unable to argue against husband's professional critique of singing technique"

Hong Ji-min spoke about the physical changes she has experienced since marriage and the resulting perceptions from those around her. While she was at her thinnest when they married, her weight increased during the marriage; specifically, she shared an anecdote of gaining 14kg in just one month to prepare for her role in the musical Dreamgirls. During this process, she heard from neighbors that she looked like her husband's mother or son, and she expressed feeling hurt when her husband appeared to enjoy such situations.

However, the part Hong Ji-min finds most difficult is not her appearance, but her professional life. As someone who enjoys and critiques films enough to dream of becoming a film director, she confessed that she feels great distress when her husband provides specific criticisms of her acting and singing. Her husband has demanded corrections from a professional perspective regarding detailed aspects, such as her singing technique during high notes, and Hong Ji-min lamented that it is difficult for her to offer a proper rebuttal due to her own insecurities.

Past breakup caused by the issue of being called "this girl"

Hong Ji-min also disclosed a unique reason for a past breakup during a relationship with an older partner. While dating someone approximately 10 years her senior, conflicts deepened during an argument because the partner referred to her as "yae" (this girl). While the partner intended to use the term "yae" as a sign of respect, Hong Ji-min perceived it as an affront to her pride.

Hong Ji-min demanded, "Don't call me 'yae' anymore," but the partner countered, saying, "It has become a habit, so I can only say 'yae'," which ultimately led to the end of the relationship due to the issue of the title. In response, the cast members shared various opinions regarding the psychological distance and issues of pride caused by such forms of address.

Son's disappointing declaration of independence at boarding school

The discussion of family relationships led to her relationship with her child. She shared an anecdote regarding her son, who recently entered a gifted school boarding house. While Hong Ji-min intended to accompany him during the move-in process to support his independence, her son drew a line, telling her, "Mom, don't get out [of the car]." She recounted how she eventually had to part ways with him through a window.

In particular, Hong Ji-min expressed disappointment that since her son began living in the dormitory, he communicates only through a group chat created with his older sisters rather than contacting her directly. Mentioning that she has to hear news about her son through his sisters, she honestly expressed the psychological distance parents feel during a child's process of independence.

Source: original video (YouTube)