"Bong Joon-ho Would Also Agree with the 'Post Bong Joon-ho Law'"

'Declaration by 1,325 Film Industry Professionals Demanding Structural Reform of the Film Industry'
Spokesperson Kim Byung-in: "Cinema COVID-19 Challenges Are Temporary... Bill Preparation Takes Months"
"Never Sought Consent to Use Bong Joon-ho's Name... Not a Matter Requiring Permission"

Kwak Sin-ae, CEO of Barunson E&A, is speaking 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 Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] “The difficulties caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will subside within a month or two, but it will take several months to prepare regulatory legislation on issues such as conglomerates’ dual operations in film distribution and exhibition.”

Kim Byung-in, spokesperson for the Film Industry Structural Reform Legislative Preparation Group, stated this on the 26th regarding the background of pushing forward the announcement of the ‘Declaration of Filmmakers Demanding Structural Reform of the Film Industry’ amid the collapse of the film industry due to the spread of COVID-19. “Within the film industry, there were opinions that the timing of the announcement was not appropriate because the industry was hit hard by the spread of COVID-19,” he said, “but we do not believe the COVID-19 situation will last long. The issue of screen monopolization requires a long-term approach.”

The Film Industry Structural Reform Legislative Preparation Group is promoting the so-called ‘Post Bong Joon-ho Act,’ which mainly restricts conglomerates from dual operations in film distribution and exhibition. The main demands are ▲restriction on conglomerates’ dual operations in film distribution and exhibition ▲prohibition of screen monopolization of specific films ▲institutionalization of support systems for independent and art films and dedicated theaters. On this day, it was announced that 1,325 filmmakers signed the declaration. Among them are Little Big Pictures CEO Kwon Ji-won, actors Ahn Sung-ki, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sun-kyun, Jo Jin-woong, Kim Gyu-ri, Kim Sang-kyung, Moon So-ri, Kim Eui-sung, Park Sung-woong, Park Won-sang, Byun Yo-han, Uhm Jung-hwa, Lee Beom-soo, Jung Jin-young, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jo Han-chul, and directors Kang Woo-suk, Lee Chang-dong, Im Kwon-taek, Jang Joon-hwan, Kim Jong-kwan, Kim Ji-woon, Im Soon-rye, Min Byung-hoon, Yang Ik-june, Lee Jong-eon, Jang Hang-jun, Jang Sun-woo, and Jung Yoon-chul.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director Bong Joon-ho, whose name is included in the tentative title, did not participate in signing. Earlier, Kwak Shin-ae, CEO of Barunson E&A, which produced Parasite, told reporters, “Even if it is a tentative title, shouldn’t it be proper to get permission from Director Bong Joon-ho himself first?”

In response, spokesperson Kim said, “We did not seek Director Bong Joon-ho’s consent,” but explained, “At the press conference on the 19th upon returning from Parasite, he expressed opinions consistent with the declaration’s content, so we understood that he agreed with the purpose.” At that time, Director Bong said, “It seems young directors are finding it difficult to attempt something adventurous. It is regrettable that commercial films and independent films seem to be running parallel rather than being absorbed into the industry.”

Spokesperson Kim added, “I heard from other filmmakers that Director Bong Joon-ho is fully aware of our position,” and “Considering that he has not shown any discomfort or requested restraint so far, I think he somewhat agrees.” He continued, “In the ‘Post Bong Joon-ho Act,’ ‘Bong Joon-ho’ signifies a milestone. The name is used with the intention of preparing for what comes after, so it is not necessarily a matter that requires the person’s permission.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On this day, the group met with Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, to request party adoption of the proposal. Spokesperson Kim said, “We plan to meet soon with Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, and Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, to convey the filmmakers’ wishes.” He added, “Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, also promised positive consideration,” and said, “Once the COVID-19 situation settles, we will begin full-scale legislative efforts for the three demands.”