[Here is LA] "What is a mask?" No impact from the new coronavirus, 'Parasite' heads to Oscar with a flower path

[Los Angeles=Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Amid the impact of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia), there are growing concerns that the 'Parasite' team visiting the United States might face 'Asian passing.' However, the reactions felt locally in Los Angeles differ from these worries.

In an unusual move, the Academy invited all the main cast members of the film 'Parasite' (directed by Bong Joon-ho). Amid the aftermath of the novel coronavirus, concerns about 'Asian passing' have arisen. Recently, some white individuals in Europe and the U.S. have openly expressed derogatory remarks upon encountering Asians, and some stores have even barred Asian visitors, escalating into racial discrimination.

In the U.S., there have been 12 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and in China, an American diagnosed with the virus has died.

Following this, the 'Parasite' team, who are scheduled to stay in LA for a considerable period, have drawn concerned attention. Director Bong Joon-ho, Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin, Park Myung-hoon, and Park So-dam are currently staying in Los Angeles, and Choi Woo-shik also boarded a flight to LA on the 9th. The entire main cast, along with key staff, has gathered.

The fear of the novel coronavirus felt locally is minimal. When departing on the 7th, it was hard to find anyone without a mask in Korea, but in Los Angeles, it is difficult to find anyone wearing a mask.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This temperature difference was noticeable even at the airport. Comparing the atmospheres of Los Angeles International Airport and Incheon International Airport reveals a clear contrast. At Incheon Airport, passengers, staff, and flight attendants all wore masks, but upon arrival at LA airport, it was hard to find foreigners wearing masks, except for Koreans.

Although daily reporting is conducted near Hollywood, not a single mask from the mountain of masks packed in Korea for the trip to the U.S. has been worn, making it difficult to spot anyone wearing a mask on the streets of Hollywood. On Saturday the 8th (Korean time the 9th), a day before the Academy Awards, many crowds surrounded the Dolby Theatre, but even tourists were not wearing masks.

The atmosphere of 'Asian passing' was also not sensed near Hollywood. While this may be influenced by the local environment, it does not seem to be a situation warranting as much concern as feared domestically.

Meanwhile, 'Parasite' is nominated in six categories, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, at the 92nd Academy Awards held on the 9th (Korean time the 10th) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Expectations are high that 'Parasite' will walk the Oscar red carpet without the impact of the novel coronavirus.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.