"To Revitalize Chungmuro, We Must Not Fear Taking Risks..."

'Parasite' Director Bong Joon-ho Press Conference: "It Has Become Harder for Young Directors to Take Risks"
"The Industry Must Embrace Challenging Films... Expecting Good Collisions"

Director Bong Joon-ho is answering questions from the press 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 Lee Jong-gil] Director Bong Joon-ho's Parasite points to the imbalances in our society. The reality of domestic film production is no different. Due to the capital logic centered on large corporations, only a few directors are guaranteed creative rights. As distinctive works decrease, the screens are filled with films that are just "the same old thing." Works with a clear personal style can only be found in independent films.

Director Bong is more aware than anyone of the harsh reality. He himself faced a crisis where he could not pick up the megaphone again after the box office failure of A Petal (2000).

At a press conference reporting the return of Parasite held on the 19th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Director Bong diagnosed, "Korean cinema has made remarkable progress over the past 20 years, but at the same time, it has become more difficult for young directors to attempt adventurous projects."

He analyzed, "In the early 2000s, when A Petal and Memories of Murder (2003) were released, there was a positive kind of mutual clash between independent films and the mainstream industry, but recently, talented young directors are not being absorbed into the mainstream industry; instead, independent films and the mainstream industry are running parallel."

He added, "To regain vitality, we must not fear taking risks. The industry should accept more challenging films without fear of risk."

Director Bong emphasized that now is the right time to attempt such changes. He expressed an optimistic outlook, saying, "Looking at independent films recently, so much talent is blossoming here and there. I believe a good clash with the industry will happen soon."