Bong Joon-ho: "Restoring my birthplace? Please talk about that after I am gone"

Director Bong Joon-ho poses at the official press conference for the film Parasite held on the 19th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Director Bong Joon-ho of the film 'Parasite' shared his stance regarding discussions in some political circles about erecting a statue of him and preserving his birthplace.

At a press conference held on the morning of the 19th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Director Bong said, "I would appreciate it if such talks happen after I have passed away," adding, "I have let it pass with the thought that all of this will eventually fade away, and I have nothing particular to say about it."

During the press conference, Director Bong also expressed his views on the Korean film industry. He stated, "There has been remarkable progress over the past 20 years compared to when I debuted, but at the same time, it has become increasingly difficult for young directors to take adventurous attempts," and emphasized, "We clearly remember how the Hong Kong film industry, which experienced a great boom in the 1980s and 1990s, declined. To avoid following that path, many industries in Korea now must not fear taking risks. The industry should embrace more challenging films."

Meanwhile, Parasite made history as the first Korean film to win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. It also achieved great success by winning the Palme d'Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, and Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Not in the English Language at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards.

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