[Here is LA] "A Fascinating Experience"... 'Parasite' Bong Joon-ho, Meaningful Finale with 4 Oscar Wins (Interview)

[Los Angeles=Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A new chapter in Korean cinema history was written in Los Angeles (LA), USA, for the first time in 101 years. Director Bong Joon-ho said he still couldn't believe it and would slowly reflect on the moment he received the award to fully appreciate its meaning. The main cast of Parasite was overwhelmed with emotion and could not contain their joy. The journey started last May at Cannes and culminated in a spectacular finale at the Oscars.

On the 9th at 5 p.m. (10 a.m. KST on the 10th), Parasite won four awards at the 92nd Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, including Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon-ho), Best Original Screenplay (Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won), and Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). The film won the Palme d'Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival last May, was released domestically on May 30th to attract 10 million viewers, and was released in North America in October, ranking 6th among the highest-grossing foreign-language films ever.

On the day of the awards, Director Bong Joon-ho and actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Jang Hye-jin, Park Myung-hoon, Choi Woo-shik, and 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, met with the Korean press at a hotel in Beverly Hills about 20 minutes away from the Dolby Theatre shortly after receiving their awards.

Journalists from around the world gathered in the interview room arranged by the Academy, watching the ceremony and cheering loudly whenever a nominated work was announced. They also congratulated fellow reporters sitting nearby, creating a festive atmosphere.

Director Bong Joon-ho entered the interview room holding up the trophy. All eyes were on the trophy. When the press asked him to kiss the trophy, he shyly declined and gazed at it quietly. When asked about winning four awards, Bong said, “I’m overwhelmed. I still can’t believe it and don’t know how to process this situation. I want to take some time to reflect.”

Reflecting on the happy finale of Parasite at the Oscars, Bong Joon-ho said, “It was joyful to be on stage together at the end. The journey that began at last year’s Cannes Film Festival ended in the happiest way.” Since Cannes last year, Bong had expressed his affection and gratitude toward cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo. Hong, who attended the event, said, “It’s an honor to receive Best Picture at the Oscars. I never imagined this day would come. Thank you all for coming.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Park Myung-hoon, who played Geun-se in Parasite, a character who hides in the basement, was careful not to spoil the plot. Although he attended the Cannes Film Festival before the film’s release, he secretly watched the film from the second floor during the official screening and had to leave quickly. His feelings about standing on the Oscar stage were special. He said, “I attended Cannes but couldn’t step forward. I’m glad to be invited to this honorable occasion and to be part of it. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a miraculous day.”

Lee Sun-kyun said, “We thought we crossed a huge line, but it seems the Oscars crossed the line instead,” expressing strong emotions. He added, “Thank you for creating unforgettable memories. I hope this becomes not a full stop but a starting point for Korean cinema.”

Jang Hye-jin, bursting into her characteristic hearty laughter, said, “Thank you. I’m happy,” with tears welling up. She continued, “I’m holding back tears. When I go back, I will get myself together and work hard.” Sitting next to her, Cho Yeo-jeong said, “Just sitting at the Academy Awards was the best gift,” shaking her head and adding, “Towards the end, it felt like a hidden camera prank and was unbelievable.”

Choi Woo-shik cleverly expressed his feelings by referencing a line from Parasite. He said, “There’s a line from Ki-woo, ‘It wasn’t part of the plan,’ and this unexpected big event makes me happy.” He added, “It feels like just yesterday when I was teased for misspeaking at the Parasite press conference. I will use this as motivation for life.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After winning Best Director, Bong Joon-ho, who said he would “drink all night,” laughed and said, “I think I’ve given 20 to 30 speeches at various award ceremonies. As the Oscars approached, my speech skills ran out.” He then said, “It’s really over,” unable to continue.

Regarding his gesture of respect toward directors Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino on stage, Bong said, “As soon as I went on stage to receive the award, my eyes met with Director Scorsese’s. I also had a brief but amazing moment of eye contact with fellow nominated directors. Just being nominated together was exciting.”

Earlier at the Golden Globe Awards, Bong Joon-ho said, “Once you cross the one-inch barrier, you can enjoy movies more.” Reflecting on this, he said, “Looking back now, it might have been a late remark. That barrier has already been broken down. In January, North American box office revenue exceeded ten million dollars, and the response from North American audiences was tremendous. The box office did well.” He added, “I think my comment about language barriers and subtitles was a bit delayed. I wonder if the moment will come when that barrier disappears without a trace.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Bong Joon-ho’s persona, Song Kang-ho, shared the joy of the Oscars with Parasite. He said, “It’s been 20 years witnessing the evolution of Bong Joon-ho’s realism. Now it has reached its completion.” He reflected, “Beyond being an actor, as a fan, I have been moved and accompanied the years by feeling the deep perspectives through Bong Joon-ho’s exploration and reflection on the times since Memories of Murder.”

Previously, Bong Joon-ho made headlines with a witty remark in an interview with foreign media, saying, “The Oscars are local,” implying he did not expect to win. When asked if he still thought so, Bong said, “I was impressed that the Best Foreign Language Film category was renamed Best International Feature Film. I expressed my support for what the new name symbolizes in my screenplay acceptance speech. I support the direction the Oscars are heading.”

Finally, Bong Joon-ho spoke about his next projects. Preparing two films, he hinted, “I have a project I’ve been working on since before the Cannes Film Festival. One will depict a terrifying situation happening in downtown Seoul, and the other is based on a true story that took place in London.”