[Person of the Year - Culture] BTS·Bong Joon-ho

2020. Like any other year, 365 days passed by. What were the events that left a mark on our society and history over the past year? Our country was no exception to the unexpected variable of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that swept across the world. Korean society, which had already been 'dynamic' and turbulent, showed an even more complex and multifaceted appearance due to COVID-19. The editorial team of Asia Economy carefully selected the most influential figures of 2020 by field?those whom our society cannot help but remember or must remember.

[Person of the Year Selected by Asia Economy] BTS (above), Director Bong Joon-ho (below)

BTS

BTS Showcases 'BTS Week' at Fallon Show [Image Source=Yonhap News]

They became the first Korean singers to top the US Billboard singles chart. For the first time in 42 years since the Australian rock band Bee Gees, they led the chart for three months with three songs. This achievement was made with the English song “Dynamite,” the featured track “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo, and the Korean song “Life Goes On.” With bright and warm lyrics, they comforted people worldwide and cracked the Anglo-American-centered pop music structure. They even became nominees at the Grammy Awards, the most prestigious American popular music ceremony. Their phenomenal popularity led to the expansion of the global K-pop fandom and a booming record market. This year’s record export revenue reached $123 million as of last month, a historic high with a 78.2% increase compared to last year. This global interest in Korean culture led to the revision of the Military Service Act. Popular culture and arts workers who have elevated the status and dignity of the Republic of Korea can postpone their military service until the age of 30.

Director Bong Joon-ho

Director Bong Joon-ho of "Parasite," winner of the Academy International Feature Film Award [Image source=Yonhap News]

In the film Parasite, he uniquely portrayed universal themes such as wealth disparity and class conflict, creating a contemporary empathy that transcended national borders. At the American Academy Awards, he swept four categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. Overcoming both the barrier of subtitles and Hollywood’s conservative traditions, he led a transformation in the history of world cinema.

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