"Sharon Choi, Great at Knowing When to Join or Leave... Foreign Language University Translation Department Professor Also Praises Her Highly"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Professor Choi Seong-jae (25, Sharon Choi), a current professor in the Department of Interpretation and Translation Studies, who served as the interpreter for director Bong Joon-ho at award ceremonies, has been highly praised for her skills.

Professor Kim Tae-hoon of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ EICC (English Interpretation and Translation) Department, who runs the YouTube channel Bridge TV, analyzed Choi’s interpreting secrets in a video he posted on the 5th.

Professor Kim evaluated Choi’s interpreting at film festivals and other events as follows: she knows well when to step in and when to step back (kkil-kki-bba-bba), she maintains excellent concentration despite long hours of interpreting, she interprets immediately after hearing the speech, and she has a great sense in choosing words.

Professor Kim added, "Even professional interpreters feel that her speed is incredibly fast," "Her English is very solid and she is confident," and "Although she has not formally studied interpretation, she has shown remarkable talent."

He continued, "If Choi decides to pursue interpretation seriously and receives professional training from now on, she will become an outstanding interpreter who will make a significant mark in the interpreting industry."

Photo by YouTube capture

Choi, who has been Bong Joon-ho’s interpreter since the Cannes Film Festival in France, also played a strong supporting role for the 'Parasite' team at this year’s Academy Awards.

Director Bong praised Choi in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "She was perfect, and we all rely on her."

Currently, on social media, Choi is receiving high praise for fully capturing Bong’s intentions and appropriately conveying his humor. Netizens have commented, "Her vocabulary is appropriate and clear, making it easy to understand," "Amazing language skills and memory," and "Sharon Choi’s incredible memory as an interpreter."

Additionally, YouTube videos featuring Choi’s interpreting scenes have attracted attention with over 1 million views. Videos such as 'Skillfully Handling Difficult Questions from American Reporters' (1.52 million views), 'Interpreting the Most Difficult Korean Humor' (1.11 million views), and 'Analyzing Why Sharon Choi Is Getting Attention for the Success of the Parasite Movie' (1.14 million views) have recorded high view counts.

Choi, who is not a professional interpreter, is currently studying film at an American university and is known to aspire to become a film director.