Challenges of the Streaming Era Confirmed Through the "Okja" Experience
"Capturing Humanity Remains Key Amid Technological Change"
Film must captivate audiences through visual storytelling. This is becoming increasingly difficult. Today, viewers hold the power to pause at any moment, wherever they are.
This shift is a source of deep contemplation for director Bong Joonho. In a conversation with CNN CEO Mark Thompson at a global media conference held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on September 18, he stated, "I strive to create an experience so immersive that audiences cannot pause, to the point where they might miss their subway stop." He explained that even in this new era, the essence of cinema remains unchanged, and creators must produce works that captivate audiences anywhere.
Director Bong recalled that when he released "Okja" (2017), the first Korean Netflix film, he received more questions about streaming than about the plot. Even after eight years, his answer remains the same. "Even amid the huge wave created by Netflix, films must be captivating to audiences. The only place where viewers cannot pause is the theater. Now, we must create works that are just as unpausable on mobile devices and OTT platforms."
Regarding AI technology and changes in the film industry, he maintained a relatively calm attitude. He used AI for a scene in "Mickey 17" where two Robert Pattinsons appear simultaneously, but he believes the core is still humanity. "AI brings both excitement and fear. As the images we trust and are fascinated by become unstable, we feel both chaos and thrill, but the warmth and imperfections unique to humans remain."
From the beginning of his directing career, Bong Joonho has freely crossed genre boundaries. He often blends comedy, horror, black comedy, social commentary, and science fiction all at once. He said, "My approach is to experiment without being bound by genre, exploring within the chaos," adding, "Like Alfred Hitchcock, I pursue my own style and identity, constantly seeking change."
Rapidly changing Korean society has also influenced him. Director Bong remarked, "In Korea, what might take fifty years in a rural village can happen in just five days," and explained, "Because film is a slow medium, it is difficult to capture reality as it is. Nevertheless, reflecting on the unchanging essence of humanity is at the heart of creation."
He is currently working on his next project, a feature-length animated film set in the deep sea, aiming for a worldwide release in 2027. Bong Joonho stated, "The personal urge to see this story on a big screen was the starting point of my creative process." He added, "I want to create an experience that audiences can immerse themselves in, no matter where they watch it. I will pursue this with conviction."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
