The Reason Park So-dam Ignored Director Bong Joon-ho's Contact When She Had No Agency

Photo by YouTube 'Solarsido solarsido' video capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Singer Solar revealed behind-the-scenes stories of the movie Parasite with actress Park So-dam.

On the 25th, a video titled "Just Interview Park So-dam Parasite, Does It Even Surprise You?" was uploaded on Solar, a member of Mamamoo's YouTube channel 'solarsido'.

The video features Solar, a friend born in 1991, inviting Park So-dam as a guest and conducting an interview.

Park So-dam said, "Parasite was the first movie I was cast in without auditioning," adding, "At that time, I didn’t have an agency and was spending time alone when Director Bong Joon-ho contacted me. I didn’t believe it because I had no agency and was alone, so I didn’t respond." Then Director Bong contacted me again and expressed disappointment, saying, 'Why don’t you believe me?'

She said, "I met the director during the Okja (audition). The character Mija is a mid-teen role, but when I was called for the audition, I was too old. So I chatted with the director for about an hour and a half, then left, and two years later? Three years later, I got a call."

When asked if the slum alley in the movie Parasite was a set, Park So-dam said, "Yes, it was a set. They built a village inside a water tank set and poured water inside. I was surprised when I first went there. It really felt like a real village," praising the art director. She also said, "In one scene, a cat even passed by. So we thought it was amazing."

Park So-dam also revealed that the mansion of Mr. Park in Parasite was a set. She said, "The first floor, second floor, and basement were all sets. They demolished it right after filming ended."

Park So-dam, who was invited to the Cannes Film Festival, said, "I went with the mindset of 'Let’s see, hear, and feel as much as possible,' but I was very nervous. When I turned around, Tilda Swinton was sitting there, and I was overwhelmed."

She continued, "Seeing my face on the big screen while the audience applauded and cheered was moving. It felt strange."

Meanwhile, the movie Parasite, starring Park So-dam, won the Palme d'Or at the 72nd Cannes International Film Festival, Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, and four major awards including Best Picture and Best Director at the 92nd Academy Awards. Park So-dam played the role of Ki-jung in Parasite.