Director Bong Joon-ho, known for works such as “Parasite” and “Mickey 17,” once humbly shared that he felt embarrassed when he was said to have “conquered the world.” He said that the people who really did that were soccer players Cha Bum-geun, Son Heung-min, and artists like BTS and Rosé. Bong Joon-ho emphasized that without these individuals, the world might not have paid attention to him.
This statement reflects Bong Joon-ho’s humility, despite his significant achievements in the film industry. In 2020, “Parasite” made history by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, marking the first time a non-English-language film had achieved this honor. YOUTH
Bong Joon-ho also shared about the pressures and challenges facing young Koreans, despite the country’s glamorous appearance with K-pop and advanced technology. He emphasized that behind that development, many young people are sinking into a sense of despair due to the growing gap between rich and poor.
Bong Joon-ho’s humility and recognition of the contributions of other Korean artists shows his broad vision and appreciation for the country’s cultural and artistic development on the international stage.
From Parasite to Mickey 17: The Journey of Taking Korean Cinema to the Next Level
In 2020, Parasite made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It was also the film that earned Bong Joon-ho the Best Director award, making him the first Korean director to achieve this feat. The success of Parasite not only affirmed Bong Joon-ho’s talent but also helped Korean cinema reach new heights in the international market.
After Parasite, he continued to work with Warner Bros. on the sci-fi project Mickey 17, scheduled for release in 2025. The film stars Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun and Toni Collette, and promises to be a new breakthrough work for Bong Joon-ho.
Why does Bong Joon-ho emphasize BTS, Son Heung-min and Rosé?
Bong Joon-ho’s praise of BTS, Son Heung-min, Cha Bum-geun, and Rosé is no coincidence. These are all pioneers who have helped reshape South Korea’s position in the world.
Son Heung-min is one of the most outstanding players in the history of South Korean football, currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. He is the captain of the national team and the only Asian player to have won the Premier League Golden Boot.
BTS is a globally influential boy band, helping K-pop reach further than ever before. They have spoken at the United Nations, have a huge fan base, and have broken global sales and streaming records many times.
Rosé (BLACKPINK), as a solo singer and member of BLACKPINK, has also contributed to bringing the Hallyu wave to the world. She is a familiar face for leading fashion brands and an icon for global youth.
Bong Joon-ho probably understands that, although Korean cinema has come a long way, it is music and sports stars that have helped Korean culture spread the most.
Bong Joon-ho and the humble spirit of an artist
Although he has won a series of prestigious awards and is considered one of the greatest directors in Korea, Bong Joon-ho still maintains his modesty. In many interviews, he always emphasizes that his personal success is only a part of the development of the entire Korean culture.
Not only is he a talented director, Bong Joon-ho is also an inspiration, helping the world understand more about Korean cinema as well as the stories that reflect Korean society, people and culture through each film.
Although he may think that he has not “conquered the world”, with what he has done for the cinema, it is clear that Bong Joon-ho deserves to be on par with the legends he admires.
