[Here is LA] "I am embarrassed" 'Parasite' Bong Joon-ho → Choi Woo-shik, Emotional Acceptance Speech

[Los Angeles=Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The main cast of 'Gisaengchung' shared their thoughts after winning four awards at the 92nd Academy Awards.

On the evening of the 9th at 10:30 PM (5 PM on the 10th Korean time), a press conference celebrating the 92nd Academy Awards was held at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Director Bong Joon-ho and actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Jang Hye-jin, Park Myung-hoon, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, along with Kwak Shin-ae, CEO of Barunson E&A, writer Han Jin-won, art director Lee Ha-joon, and editor Yang Jin-mo attended the event.

'Gisaengchung' won four awards at the 92nd Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, on the 9th at 5 PM (10 AM on the 10th Korean time), including Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon-ho), Best Original Screenplay (Bong Joon-ho & Han Jin-won), and Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). This was a historic achievement as the first Korean film to do so.

Additionally, 'Gisaengchung' won the Palme d'Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in May last year, was released domestically on May 30th, attracting 10 million viewers, and was released in North America in October, ranking 6th in the all-time foreign language box office.

Right after the Oscar win, Director Bong Joon-ho met with domestic media and said, "I am overwhelmed. It still doesn't feel real, and I want to take some time to process how to accept this situation. I am happy."

He continued, "Winning Best Picture, many actors and team members of ‘Gisaengchung’ came, and it was great to be able to go on stage together at the end and finish it all. I was happy that the journey that started at Cannes last year ended in the happiest way. I think I will need some time to sort out my feelings."

Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, who has worked with Director Bong on many projects, said, "It is an honor to receive Best Picture at the Oscars. I never thought this day would come. Thank you for coming."

Park Myung-hoon said, "I attended the Cannes Film Festival last year but couldn’t step forward because of my role. I am glad to be invited to this honorable occasion today and to be part of it. It’s hard to express in words. I am happy and honored. It was a miraculous day," expressing his emotion.

Lee Sun-kyun said, "I am happy," and added, "We thought we had crossed a huge line, but it seems the Oscars crossed the line. Thank you for creating unforgettable memories. Director Bong Joon-ho worked hard during the campaign, and I hope this becomes not a full stop but a starting point for Korean cinema."

Jang Hye-jin also said, "Thank you," and added, "I am happy to be able to be together at the end. I am holding back tears but will calm down when I return and work hard at my job."

Cho Yeo-jeong said, "It was my birthday in Korean time, and I think it was the best birthday as an actor. Sitting at the Academy with a wonderful film like ‘Gisaengchung’ was the best gift, but as time went on, it felt like a hidden camera and was unbelievable. I felt emotional thinking about returning to Korea with a beautiful heart and dispersing to our respective places."

Song Kang-ho said, "Tomorrow is my birthday. I usually celebrate my birthday according to the lunar calendar, but since I am celebrating it here according to the solar calendar, I was going to not say anything but ended up saying it."

He continued, "Although I couldn’t say it on stage, this is a story we have never told before, and it’s the same at the awards ceremony. From last year’s Cannes Film Festival, from the start of the campaign in August until now, I want to thank all the fans who never lost interest and have supported and cheered for us."

CEO Kwak Shin-ae credited all the staff of 'Gisaengchung'. She said, "Best Picture is an award that all actors and staff whose names are on the credits receive together. I want to express my gratitude and pride. Thanks to Korean audiences, a foundation has been laid to love good films."

Park So-dam said, "Today my hands were sweaty, I was nervous, and just being able to be together with everyone made me excited and happy. Thank you for staying with us until late. It still feels like a dream. Tonight, I think I will have to feel it again by looking up many articles and Instagram posts. I might not be able to sleep."

Choi Woo-shik said, "There is a line in Ki-woo’s dialogue, ‘It wasn’t planned,’ and there was an unplanned big event, so I am happy. It feels like just yesterday when I was teased for saying something wrong at the production presentation. Director Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho worked hard promoting in the US, and I will take this as a lifelong motivation," expressing his determination.

Editor Yang Jin-mo and art director Lee Ha-joon also expressed their gratitude.

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