"Voice of Bong Joon-ho" Sharon Choi Praised: "Unbelievable Quick Wit... Amazing Talent"

Director Bong Joon-ho (right) and interpreter Sharon Choi (left) / Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Professor Taehoon Kim, visiting professor of the Department of Translation and Interpretation at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, praised Sharon Choi (Choi Seongjae·Sharon Choi), the interpreter for director Bong Joon-ho who won four awards at the 92nd Academy Awards, saying she has "quick reflexes and excellent word choice skills."

In an interview with MBC Radio's "The World and Us," Professor Kim said, "I heard that Sharon Choi is a student majoring in film and preparing to become a director. Perhaps because she devotes a lot of energy and interest to film and art and researches these areas, her word choice skills seem quite outstanding."

He added, "In fact, interpretation is something that goes unnoticed when done well and passes smoothly, but causes problems when it doesn't. It is hard to believe that Sharon Choi has had no formal training given her quick reflexes."

Professor Kim continued, "She seems to be in perfect harmony with director Bong Joon-ho, waiting quietly when not needed and interpreting with a very brief eye contact signal when necessary. Despite the challenging environment of interpreting while holding a small notebook, it takes her less than a second to listen to and interpret the director's words," expressing admiration.

He also said, "Jokes are closely tied to culture, so it is difficult to translate them well without a good understanding of cultural contexts, and often there is no equivalent in the target culture. She translated jokes flexibly and well."

Professor Kim concluded, "Knowing that film enthusiasts are paying close attention to every word she says, and seeing her overcome psychological pressure, she is a person with remarkable talent and also possesses boldness."

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