[2020 Academy] Bong Joon-ho: "'Parasite' is the Most Korean Yet the Most Universally Resonant"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] "'Parasite' is filled with the most Korean elements, which I think is why it was able to captivate the world so broadly."

Director Bong Joon-ho, who directed 'Parasite,' shared this sentiment on the 9th (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, where the 92nd Academy Awards were held. The film won four major awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.

After the ceremony, at a press conference held in the interview room, he said he felt "like waking up from a dream," unable to hide his dazed feelings. When asked if he had dreamed of winning an Academy Award since childhood, Bong gave a roundabout answer. "I liked director Martin Scorsese, but I was frustrated seeing him repeatedly miss out on Best Director. I vividly remember the awe I felt when I first saw his film 'The Departed.' Just being nominated alongside him was surreal and an honor," he said.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the fact that a foreign-language film with subtitles won four major awards, he said, "I talked about the one-inch barrier, but I think that was a belated remark. The barrier has already been broken down, and environments surrounding us like YouTube streaming and Instagram are all connected." He added, "I think the day will come when foreign-language films winning such awards will no longer be treated as an event. Everything will become natural."

On the universality of 'Parasite,' he said, "'Okja,' my previous work, was a collaboration between Korean and American productions, but 'Parasite' is filled with the most Korean elements, which I think is why it was able to captivate the world so broadly." When asked to name Asian directors who influenced him, he mentioned director Kim Ki-young, who made 'The Housemaid.' "He is a master from the 1960s. I strongly recommend this film (The Housemaid)," he said. He also mentioned Japanese master directors such as Akira Kurosawa.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked about plans to enter Hollywood, Director Bong drew laughter from the audience by quoting a line from 'Parasite': "I have a plan." He continued, "I have to work, and I have been working continuously for 20 years. Before winning awards at the Oscars and Cannes Film Festival, I was preparing something, and I am still preparing it. This award does not change anything or become a momentum for change. I am writing two screenplays, one in Korean and one in English."

Producer Kwak Shin-ae, CEO of Barunson E&A, expressed joy, saying, "I thought winning even one trophy would be a success, but winning in four categories makes it hard to imagine the atmosphere in Korea." She said, "I had imagined whether we could win Best Picture. I thought that if we won by voting, it would mark the beginning of some change and influence in world cinema. So I hoped we would win."

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