[Movie 2019] Parasite, 기생충 - First Korean film to win Palme D'or, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Oscars

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December 19, 2019

 

Koreans Vote For Most Notable Drama And Film Actors Of 2019

Source: Soompi by D. Kim

 

 

Along with the polls on the top artists, songs, and idols of 2019, Gallup Korea has also revealed results for the drama stars and film stars of the year.

 

Gallup Korea has been holding this survey annually since 2007. This year, 1,700 people ages 13 and up located all around the country were surveyed from November 8 through 28.

 

The margin of error is ±2.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

 

Respondents were asked to list up to two drama actors and two film actors who showed excellent performance in 2019.

 

The top 10 responses for the drama actors are as follows:

 

1. Gong Hyo Jin (12.4 percent)
2. Kang Ha Neul (12.0 percent)
3. Go Doo Shim (7.0 percent)
4. Park Bo Gum (5.0 percent)
5. Gong Yoo / Jung Hae In (4.7 percent)
7. IU (4.2 percent)
8. Yum Jung Ah (3.9 percent)
9. Kim Soo Mi (3.2 percent)
10. Lee Seung Gi / Choi Bool Am (3.0 percent)

 

“When the Camellia Blooms” showed strong impact with the top three actors all having starred in the drama. Park Bo Gum ranked in the top five for the fourth consecutive year, being the only actor to do so. Gong Yoo, Kim Soo Mi, and Choi Bool Am notably made the list without starring in any dramas this year.

 

The top 10 responses for the film actors are as follows:

 

1. Song Kang Ho (29.8 percent)
2. Ma Dong Seok (18.2 percent)
3. Gong Yoo (8.9 percent)
4. Jo Jin Woong (8.5 percent)
5. Lee Byung Hun / Ha Jung Woo (7.1 percent)
7. Jung Woo Sung (4.5 percent)
8. Yoo Hae Jin (4.1 percent)
9. Hwang Jung Min (3.6 percent)
10. Honey Lee (3.3 percent)

 

Song Kang Ho, who starred in films including “Parasite,” took an overwhelming lead this year with nearly 30 percent of the votes. Ma Dong Seok, who placed first last year, came in at No. 2 this year. Honey Lee is the only actress of the top 10 film actor ranking.

 

Source (1) (2)

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December 19, 2019

 

Song Kang Ho And Bong Joon Ho Receive Recognition From Government After Success Of “Parasite”

Source: Soompi by J. K

 

“Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho and actor Song Kang Ho have been recognized for their work with Orders of Cultural Merit.

 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on December 19 that it has given the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit (the second highest class of national cultural medals) to Bong Joon Ho and the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit (the fourth highest class) to Song Kang Ho. The awards were presented to them at the National Theater in Seoul that day.

 

Bong Joon Ho has been lauded for his contributions to the advancement of the Korean film industry. The director has created many films that are both acclaimed by critics and hits at the box office, including “The Host,” “Mother,” “Snowpiercer,” “Okja,” and most recently “Parasite.” He is known for his use of dark humor, suspense, and surprising mood shifts, and he is often applauded for addressing social issues through his films.

 

The director stated, “I’m very grateful and it’s an honor to be receiving an Order of Cultural Merit for ‘Parasite,’ which I made with the same calm mindset as I’ve had throughout my 20 years of working as a director. I will continue to calmly walk the path of making new creative works step by step, working in the same way as I always have.”

 

Song Kang Ho is one of Korea’s most famous A-list actors, with a filmography that includes popular movies such as “Joint Security Area,” “Secret Sunshine,” “Thirst,” “The Attorney,” “A Taxi Driver,” and many more. He’s worked together with Bong Joon Ho on films including “Memories of Murder,” “The Host,” “Snowpiercer,” and “Parasite.” He is the first Korean actor whose films have brought in a total of over 100 million theatergoers.

 

The actor said, “I feel that this Order of Cultural Merit is more than I deserve. As I’m receiving this as a representative of all the great producers and actors, I will treasure it more and be more grateful for it.”

 

“Parasite” received the top prize of the Palme D’or at the Cannes Festival this year, while it’s also been a box office hit, surpassing 10 million viewers in Korea and achieving success overseas as well. It has been included on the shortlist for International Feature Film for next year’s Academy Awards.

 

Source (1)

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December 20, 2019

 

Bong Joon-ho, Song Kang-ho Decorated for Cultural Merit

Source: The Chosun Ilbo

 

Director Bong Joon-ho and actor Song Kang-ho have been honored by the government for their contribution to Korean culture.

 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Thursday said it gave the Eungwan medal, the country's second-highest order of cultural merit to Bong and the fourth-highest Okgwan medal to Song, both for wowing critics and audiences with the Palme d'Or-winning "Parasite."

"It's an honor to be awarded the national cultural medal for 'Parasite,' which is just one of many works I've made for the last 20 years," Bong said. "I will try to keep calm and try my best to make a good film as usual."

 

Song said, "I feel extra appreciative of this award as I receive it on behalf of a great production staff and cast."

 

"Parasite" has surpassed the 10 million viewer mark at home and been globally acclaimed for its cinematic quality. It has swept international film awards and been shortlisted for best foreign film at next year's Academy Awards.

 

Auteur Bong Joon-ho receives medal

 

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho (R) poses with Culture Minister Park Yang-woo after receiving a cultural medal for his contribution to the development of the country's film sector in Seoul on Dec. 19, 2019, in this photo provided by the ministry. Bong was awarded the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival for his seventh movie, "Parasite." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
 

Actor Song Kang-ho receives medal

 

Culture Minister Park Yang-woo (L) pins a medal on actor Song Kang-ho for his contribution to the development of the country's film sector in Seoul on Dec. 19, 2019, in this photo provided by the ministry. Song starred in auteur Bong Joon-ho's seventh movie, "Parasite," which won the highest accolade at this year's Cannes Film Festival. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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December 20, 2019

 

New Korean Academy Members Boost Oscar Prospects for "Parasite"

 

By William Schwartz on HanCinema.net

 

"Parasite" appears primed to be South Korea's first nominee for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The widely accoladed film may even have a good shot at being nominated for the Best Film overall.

 

One of the factors improving South Korea's standing this year is the recent enfranchisement of many Korean members into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, giving them a vote on this year's awards.

 

 

Lee Byung-hun is the most prominent Korean member of the delegation, having appeared in several American movies in addition to his strong South Korean film reputation. Lee Byung-hun even stated in a recent interview, as part of a press junket for "Ashfall", that he had been hearing strong praise for "Parasite" not just from the normal viewing public, but also Hollywood insiders. He described "Parasite"'s chances for getting an Oscar as optimistic.

 

 

Other Korean members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences include directors Im Kwon-taek, Lee Chang-dong, and Park Chan-wook. Actors Choi Min-sik and Song Kang-ho are also members of the organization that will vote on the Oscars next year.

 

Written by William Schwartz 

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December 26, 2019

 

News Focus: Can 'Parasite' hoist an Oscar statuette?

By Kim Boram

 

SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- For most Koreans, the U.S. winter awards season in the run-up to the Academy Awards in February has been an issue of another world. No South Korean film, director or actor has been the talk of the prestigious accolades given to the year's best films displaying excellence in cinematic achievements.

 

This year, however, recent awards chatter in U.S. film circles shows South Koreans deserve to enjoy the Oscar prognostication game.

 

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho (L) and actor Song Kang-ho (R) show off the Palme d'Or award during a meeting with reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on May 27, 2019, upon returning home from Cannes, France. (Yonhap)

Bong Joon-ho's family thriller "Parasite" has been piling up accolades from local film critics associations and contending in this year's Oscar race in about four categories.

 

Last week, the film made the shortlist of 10 movies for best international feature film, previously known as best foreign-language film, at the Academy Awards scheduled for Feb. 9, 2020, along with "Pain and Glory" by Pedro Almodovar from Spain and "Les Miserables" by Ladj Ly from France.

 

"Parasite" was also included in the 15-film shortlist of the original song category for "A Glass of Soju."

 

It is regarded as the front-runner in the best international feature film category and expected to make the five-film final nominations to be announced on Jan. 13.

 

In that case, it would be the first South Korean film to be nominated for an Oscar award, as no South Korean film has made the cut at the Oscars despite its yearslong boom and international successes.

 

"I think prospects are very bright, considering tones and moods in U.S. media," film critic Yoon Sung-eun said. "But the winners are determined by votes of Academy members. We have to wait until the award-giving day."

 

Moreover, she said the real question is how many other Oscars it can win as it has also emerged as a candidate for best picture, best director and best screenplay. Bong's seventh feature film that makes a rich-versus-poor comparison through two extreme families has received widespread critical acclaim for his direction, screenplay, cinematography and production design.

 

Spoiler

 

At the upcoming 77th Golden Globes Awards on Jan. 5, chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the film received three nods for best director, best screenplay and best foreign language film, making it the first Korean film to achieve that feat.

 

The Palme d'Or winner of this year's Cannes also earned numerous trophies at the annual awards of various U.S. film critic societies, including best picture and best director from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and best picture and best director from the Chicago Film Critics Association.

 

"Parasite" also brings commercial credentials to the process, having earned more than US$20 million in the U.S. since it hit local screens in October and become the highest grossing non-English language film in 2019.

 

But the expert noted that winning the Oscar's renowned best picture award will be a long shot as a foreign-language film.

 

So far, only nine subtitled films have been nominated for the best picture section, including Lee Ang's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma" (2018), with none winning.

 

Last season, "Roma," the winner of best foreign-language film, seemed poised to win the best film award after earning 10 nominations, but "Green Book" took the honor. Instead, Cuaron's Spanish-language film clinched the best director trophy.

 

"'Parasite' will likely make it to the final five for best picture, best director and best screenplay as well as best international feature film," Yoon, the film critic, said. "I think 'Parasite' can take one or two Oscar awards other than best international feature film."

 

 

brk@yna.co.kr

 

An excerpt from Korea Times article (12/26)

 

Movies in 2019: 'Parasite' contagious globally, Song couple breakup stuns nation

 

By Lee Gyu-lee

 

This year has been full of notable remarks on the Korean film industry, both positive and negative. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Korean cinema has witnessed a big leap forward to the global market as evidenced through the meteoric rise of the film "Parasite" and actor Ma Dong-seok.

 

Always in competition with Hollywood films, the new wave of independent films, with notable representation of feminist-oriented films, brought diversity to the highly competitive local box office, whereas a handful of the big-budget films failed to bring in the expected turnout.

 

Here are this year's Top 10 movie news stories that made headlines.

 

1. Bong Joon-ho "Parasite" craze

 

There is no doubt that Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" was the talk of the town this year, not only in Korea but also worldwide.

 

Since winning the title of the first Korean Palme d'Or at Cannes in May, the black comedy has continued to perform outstandingly. The film is shortlisted for best international feature film at the forthcoming Oscars 2020 and for three nominations in the Golden Globes, with high hopes to become the first Korean film to win at those awards.

 

The downright realistic yet cleverly knitted story of two economically polarized families was highly acclaimed by film critics and moviegoers around the world, grossing over $122 million in the worldwide box office. The film also became the highest-grossing international film of the year in the U.S. grossing $21.2 million.

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December 23, 2019

 

PARASITE Makes A Clean Sweep at Film Critics Awards Across North America
12 Best Film and 13 Best Director Prizes for BONG Joon-ho Frontrunner

 

by Pierce Conran KOFIC

 

 

The end-of-year awards season is in full swing in America as a dozen film critics groups and several major industry events have started to reveal their nominations and awards. BONG Joon-ho’s PARASITE, which is being distributed in North America by NEON, has found itself right in the middle of the action as one of this year’s frontrunners and has found particular traction among the region’s film critics. 

 

As of Tuesday, December 17, 26 film critics associations have announced their prizes and PARASITE has landed at least one prize at all of them. It has been far and away the most awarded film in both the Best Film and Best Director categories, with 12 and 13 wins to date. Its nearest competition for Best FiIm has been Quentin TARANTINO’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Martin SCORSESE’s The Irishman, each having received four prizes to date, while SCORSESE is his nearest rival in the Best Director category, with five wins thus far.

 

BONG’s film has picked up both the Best Film and Best Director prizes from the Atlanta, Boston Online, Los Angeles, New York Online, Phoenix, Seattle and Toronto film critics groups.

 

The film’s screenplay, co-written by BONG and HAN Jin-won, has also been a formidable contender, with seven wins so far, just behind Noah BAUMBACH’s Marriage Story, and its eight wins.

 

Unsurprisingly, PARASITE has been the leading contender in the Best Foreign Language Film category, having won 23 of the 25 awards handed out. In the only competitions where it didn’t win Best Foreign Language Film (Los Angeles and New York), it won the Best Film prize instead.

 

The film also cleaned up surprise awards in several acting categories, with SONG Kang-ho having picked up two Best Supporting Actor wins, from the Phoenix and Los Angeles groups and JO Yeo-jeong picking up Best Supporting Actress from New Mexico’s film critics. The film has also won Best Ensemble Award from the Seattle Film Critics Society.

 

Source: tbs eFM This Morning @efmthismorning

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December 30, 2019

 

'Parasite' among Obama's favorite films of 2019

 

Former U.S. President Barack Obama. / AP

 

"Parasite" won the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Korea Times file

 

By Jung Min-ho The Korea Times

 

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has named "Parasite" among his favorite films this year.

 

Obama unveiled his favorite movies and TV shows of 2019 on Facebook, Sunday (local time), a day after he posted his favorite books.

 

"This year's list includes everything from explorations of class dynamics and relationships, to an inspired reboot of a classic graphic novel, to a portal back to one of the most special places in history ― an Aretha Franklin concert," he wrote.

 

"Of course, there's also 'American Factory', a film from our own production company, Higher Ground, that was recently shortlisted for an Oscar. It's our first offering in partnership with Netflix, and I'm excited about the other projects we've got in the works."

 

"Parasite," a Korean black comedy thriller, won the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun and Cho Yeo-jeong among others in a story about greed and class discrimination.

 

Here is the full list of Obama's favorite movies and TV shows:

 

Movies

"American Factory"
"Amazing Grace"
"Apollo 11"
"Ash is Purest White"
"Atlantics"
"Birds of Passage"
"Booksmart"
"Diane"
"The Farewell"
"Ford v Ferrari"
"The Irishman"
"Just Mercy"
"The Last Black Man in San Francisco"
"Little Women"
"Marriage Story"
"Parasite"
"The Souvenir"
"Transit"

 

TV shows

"Fleabag: Season 2"
"Unbelievable"
"Watchmen"

 

mj6c2@koreatimes.co.kr

 

December 31, 2019

 

Obama names ‘Parasite’ as one of the films of the year
 

Source: The DONG-A Ilbo

 

Many works of Korean directors and writers have appeared on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s list of 2019 movies and books.

 

Obama has revealed his 18 favorite movies of this year on Sunday (local time) on his social media including “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho. Among the 18 movies were “Ford v Ferrari,” a movie about cars starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon and “Marriage Story” starring Scarlett Johansson, which has received positive reviews for telling an honest and real story about marriage and divorce. The list also includes “Amazing Grace” that follows legendary black singer Aretha Franklin, who was dubbed “the Queen of Soul.”

 

The former president has shared his end-of-year lists compiling movies, books and songs he enjoyed over the year since 2008 when he was first elected president. “Because while each of us has plenty that keeps us busy — work and family life, social and volunteer commitments — outlets like literature and art can enhance our day-to-day experiences,” he said. “I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.”

jyr0101@donga.com

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December 30, 2019

 

Box Office Sees New Record Attendance This Year
 

Source: The ChosunIlbo

 

 

The number of moviegoers surpassed 220 million this year, setting a new record.

 

The Korean Film Council said on Sunday that about 225 million people visited movie theaters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 28. The number is expected to exceed 226 million by the end of this month.

 

The previous record was 220 million set in 2017.

 

The increase in theater attendance is largely attributed to a number of hit films which drew over 10 million viewers each -- "Extreme Job" (16 million viewers), "Avengers: Endgame" (14 million), "Frozen II" (13 million), "Aladdin" (13 million) and "Parasite" (10 million).

 

December 31, 2019

 

Obama Names 'Parasite' Among Favorite Films of the Year

 

By Song Hye-jin The ChosunIlbo
 

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has named director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" as one of his favorite movies of 2019.

 

In a tweet on Sunday, Obama, who seems to see himself as a guardian of middlebrow culture in America amid the dumbing-down of the Trump era, shared his selection of the best movies this year.

 

The 17 other films on the list include "American Factory," a documentary by the Obamas' own production company, Higher Ground Productions, Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" and racing drama "Ford v Ferrari."

 

He earlier also tweeted a list of the best books of the year.

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January 4, 2020

 

Brad Pitt Is Thrilled To Meet Song Kang Ho At AFI Awards 2020

Source: Soompi by L. Kim

 

 

Song Kang Ho and Brad Pitt had a little fan moment at the AFI (American Film Institute) Awards 2020!

 

Neon, the American distribution company of the movie “Parasite,” posted a photo on its official Twitter account of Brad Pitt and Song Kang Ho meeting up. The caption reads, “When Song Kang Ho’s fan Brad Pitt meets Song Kang Ho…” The released photo shows Song Kang Ho and Brad Pitt shaking hands. Actors Lee Sun Gyun and Lee Jung Eun are watching them with bright smiles.

 

The AFI Awards 2020 was held at the Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills on January 3 and many stars, such as Brad Pitt, Song Kang Ho, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bradley Cooper, attended it. During the luncheon, the movie “Parasite,” which Song Kang Ho starred in, received a special award.

 

Source (1)

 

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January 6, 2020

 

'Parasite' named best picture by U.S. National Society of Film Critics

SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean director Bong Joon-ho's black comedy thriller "Parasite" has won the top honor from the U.S. National Society of Film Critics (NSFC).

 

As the NSFC announced winners of its 54th annual voting meeting in New York on Sunday (U.S. time), "Parasite" was named best picture and also took the best screenplay award.

 

The Korean film received 44 votes for the top prize, outnumbering Greta Gerwig's "Little Women" with 27 votes and Quentin Tarantino's "Upon a Time in Hollywood" with 22.

 

Best director was given to "Little Women," while Mary Kay Place from "Diane" and Antonio Banderas from "Pain and Glory" took the best actress and best actor awards, respectively.

 

Founded in 1966, the NSFC consists of critics from major papers in Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Denver. Its annual awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious film critic awards in the United States, with some 60 members casting a weighted ballot.

 

Meanwhile, "Parasite" was also awarded best picture from the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA).

 

"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" took home two trophies, with its director Quentin Tarantino winning best direction and Brad Pitt clinching best supporting actor.

 

"Parasite," the top award winner of this year's Cannes Film Festival, has been loading up on major trophies from North American film awards in the run-up to the Oscars ceremony in February.

 

It swept four titles, including best picture from the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), and captured three trophies, including best film given by the L.A. Film Critics Association.

 

Moreover, "Parasite" was shortlisted for best international feature film at the upcoming Academy Awards. The final five nominees for the award will be announced on Jan. 13.

A poster of "Parasite" provided by CJ Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

brk@yna.co.kr

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January 6, 2020

 

'Parasite' wins best foreign film at Golden Globes

 

SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- Bong Joon-ho's black comedy "Parasite" was named best foreign language film at the U.S. Golden Globe Awards on Monday (Korean time).

 

In a ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, "Parasite" won the honor, outclassing "The Farewell" by Lulu Wang, "Pain and Glory" by Pedro Almodovar, "Les Miserables" by Ladj Ly and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" by Celine Sciamma.

 

It is the first time that a Korean-made film has won a prize at the accolades given by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

 

It was also nominated for best screenplay and best director at the Golden Globe Awards but failed to win either.

 

Sam Mendes of "1917" took best director, and Quentin Tarantino of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" earned best screenplay.

 

"Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many amazing films," Bong said through an interpreter when accepting the trophy. "Just being nominated along with fellow amazing international filmmakers was a huge honor. I think we use only one language: the cinema."

 

Meanwhile, "1917" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" earned the Golden Globes' best motion picture for drama and musical or comedy, respectively.

 

Joaquin Phoenix won best actor for his performance in "Joker" and Renee Zellweger was awarded best actress for "Judy," while the honors of best supporting actor and actress went to Brad Pitt for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and Laura Dern for "Marriage Story," respectively.

 

In this photo moved by the Associated Press, South Korean director Bong Joon-ho accepts the award for best foreign language film for "Parasite" at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)

The top prize winner of this year's Cannes Film Festival is a family satire that depicts the entrenched social class system through the lives of two families, one rich and one poor, with Bong's humor and suspense.

 

Its international success has been unprecedented as a Korean film, and it received a number of prizes from U.S. film critics associations. Also, it is eyeing a trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards.

 

"Parasite" was shortlisted for best international feature film at the upcoming Academy Awards. The final five nominees for the award will be announced on Jan. 13.

 

Since its U.S. release in October, moreover, the film has grossed over US$23 million in the United States, becoming the most popular subtitled film of the year.

 

brk@yna.co.kr

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January 6, 2020

 

‘I am a Parasite fan,’ says Brad Pitt

 

Source: The DONG-A Ilbo

 

 

A picture where Hollywood star Brad Pitt is holding Song Kang-ho’s hand with both hands are drawing attention. Neon, the U.S. distributor of “Parasite,” posted this picture on Friday (local time) on its Twitter account, saying, “When Song Kang Ho fan Brad Pitt met Song Kang Ho.” The picture shows Pitt with a smile leaning towards the Korean actor who also has a grin on his face. Fellow “Parasite” actors Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Jung-eun are also seen in the picture smiling.

 

According to the local media, the Hollywood star who attended the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards went through a crowded hall at the hotel to approach “Parasite” staff and actors. He revealed that “he is a Parasite fan” shaking Song’s hands.

 

Brad Pitt will be a presenter for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards that will take place on Sunday, while “Parasite” has been nominated for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Foreign Language Film.

Jong-Yeob JO jjj@donga.com

 

'Parasite' star Song Kang-ho meets Brad Pitt

 

By Dong Sun-hwa The Korea Times

 

Song Kang-ho, a star in the 2019 Cannes-winning comedy-thriller "Parasite," met Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt at the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards in Los Angeles on Friday night (local time).

 

Song and Pitt shook hands after Pitt told Song he was a fan of the "Parasite," reports said. The film's distributor NEON captured the moment and posted the photo on Twitter, Saturday. Other actors from "Parasite" ― Lee Jung-eun and Lee Sun-kyun ― are also in the picture.

 

The movie won an AFI Motion Pictures of the Year award.

 

The actors and filmmaker Bong Joon-ho are in Los Angeles to participate in the 77th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

 

"Parasite" earned three Golden Globe nominations ― "Best Foreign Language Film," "Best Director" and "Best Screenplay." Organized by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Awards honor achievements in film and television.

sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr 

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January 6, 2020 

 

'Parasite' wins best foreign film at Golden Globes

 

 

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho accepts the award for best foreign language film for "Parasite" at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 5, 2020, in this photo provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

Actor Song Kang-ho of "Parasite," actress Lee Jeong-eun, Barunson E&A CEO Kwak Sin-ae, co-writer Han Jin-won, and director Bong Joon-ho (L to R) pose for a photo with the Golden Globe best foreign language film trophy during a news conference in Los Angeles on Jan. 5, 2020 (U.S. time). (Yonhap)

 

Spoiler

 

 

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January 6, 2020

 

Golden Globe for 'Parasite' marks mainstream success in U.S.

SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- Bong Joon ho's "Parasite" has made history again.

 

The class satire was named best foreign language film at this year's Golden Globes Awards ceremony on Sunday (U.S. time), becoming the first South Korean movie ever to receive a prize from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the annual awards.

 

It was also nominated in the best director and screenplay categories at the Golden Globes, but those trophies were taken by Sam Mendes for "1917" and Quentin Tarantino for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," respectively.

 

The Golden Globe award is one of the biggest that "Parasite" has collected since it was named the winner of the Palme d'Or, the top honor of the Cannes Film Festival, in May. It was the first South Korean-made film to take Canne's highest prize.

 

"Parasite," a story of two families, one rich and one poor, who become entangled in a string of mishaps, has won a slew of accolades from U.S. film critics associations including the National Society of Film Critics, the Chicago Film Critics Association and the L.A. Film Critics Association.

 

Bong's interpretation of capitalism and income inequality and his genre-bending direction and cinematography have won rave reviews from mainstream U.S. cinema critics.

 

"'Parasite' highlights the conflict between haves and have-nots, or struggles among the poor, embellished by Bong's own tones of black comedy," film critic Yoon Sung-eun said. "It appealed to Asia and Europe, and now the mainstream U.S. film industry has recognized it."

 

On top of the critical acclaim, the film also experienced great commercial success stateside. Since its U.S. release in October, the film has grossed over US$23 million in America, becoming the best-selling Korean-made movie in the U.S. and the most popular subtitled film of the year.

 

Spoiler

 

The Golden Globe honor has helped Bong rival world-renowned filmmakers, including two-time Golden Globe winner Pedro Almodovar, director of "Pain and Glory," in the best foreign language film category.

 

In the best director section, he was listed with Sam Mendes, Quentin Tarantino, Todd Phillips, who directed "Joker," and Martin Scorsese of "The Irishman."

 

Moreover, the Golden Globes win boosts the Oscar odds for "Parasite," as the awards are regarded as a strong predictor in the Academy Awards race.

 

"Parasite" has been shortlisted for best international feature film at the upcoming Academy Awards and was also included in the 15-film shortlist of the original song category for "A Glass of Soju."

 

Many anticipate that "Parasite" will easily make the five-film final nominations for the best foreign-language category, set to be announced on Jan. 13, with possible nods for best picture, best director and best screenplay as well.

 

Last season, the Spanish-language "Roma," directed by Alfonso Cuaron, clinched the best foreign language film and best director Oscars.

 

 

brk@yna.co.kr

 

U.S. college students to learn Korean with Bong’s movies
 

Source: The DONG-A Ilbo

 

 

Four films directed by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho will be used as lecture materials at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech was ranked No. 5 in the list of 2020 Top Public Colleges & Universities released by the U.S. News & World Report.

 

According to the News And Post, a U.S.-based media company for Korean-Americans on Friday, Georgia Tech opened an advanced Korean language class named, “Korean films: Bong Joon-ho special,” for senior students this year.

 

Those who take the class will study four major films by Bong – “Parasite,” which earned the director the Palme d'Or in Cannes in May 2019, ”Memories of Murder,” “The Host,” and “Mother.” Registration for the class is accepted from January 3 through 10 and open to non-Georgia Tech students as well.

 

Korean language courses at the university were first launched by South Korean students in 2002. As they grew in size, four-year programs for foreigners and online classes for freshmen were added. They have become an official minor subject as of now.

 

“This is the first time to use films for a class to study South Korean modern and contemporary history,” said Professor Kim Yong-taek who teaches Korean language classes at the university. “Bong who received the Palme d'Or and is nominated for the Academy Awards is garnering students’ attention more than ever,” he explained the reason to open the class.

 

“Parasite” is on the list of contenders for the international film and original song awards of the 92nd Academy Awards to be held on February 9.

abro@donga.com

[rubie]

January 6, 2020

 

Newsmaker

Bong Joon-ho’s 20-year film director career

 

By Park Yuna The Korea Herald

Born in Daegu in 1969, Bong Joon-ho is believed to have inherited artistic sensibilities from his family. His father was a pioneering graphic designer and his maternal grandfather the well-known novelist Park Tae-won, who wrote such masterpieces as “A Day in the Life of Kubo the Novelist.” By the time he was 15 years old, Bong knew he wanted to be a filmmaker. 

 

Director Bong Joon-ho (center), actress Lee Jeong-eun (left) and actor Song Kang-ho pose for a photo during the 77th Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, Sunday. (AFP-Yonhap)

 

Bong graduated from Yonsei University, having majored in sociology. During his college years, Bong made his first short film, “White Collar.” After graduating Yonsei, he went on to the Korean Academy of Film Arts to study filmmaking in earnest. While at the academy, Bong shot films such as “Incoherence,” “The Memories in My Frame” and “Motel Cactus.”

 

The director also wrote the scripts for all of his seven feature films. As a movie director, he challenged conventions by releasing the movie “Okja” through streaming service Netflix in 2017.

 

Winning streak

 

2000 -- First feature film “Barking Dogs Never Bite” released. The film wins the High Hopes Award for best newcomer at 19th Munich Film Fest in 2001.

 

2003 -- “Memories of Murder,” based on a real story of a serial murder spree that took place from 1986-1991.

 

2006 -- “The Host,” starring Song Kang-ho and Bae Doo-na, becomes the fourth Korean film to hit 10 million tickets sold.

 

“Mother” (CJ Entertainment)

 

2009 -- Suspense thriller “Mother” scores big on the international film festival circuit despite its lackluster performance at the local box office. It wins best film at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong in 2010.

 

“Snowpiercer” (Moho Film-Opus Pictures-Stillking Films)

 

2013 - Bong’s first English-language film “Snowpiercer” is released. Starring Tilda Swinton, the film is a biting critique of the class system, a recurring theme from Bong.

 

2017 - “Okja” premieres at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, where it competes for the Palme d’Or.

 

2019 - “Parasite” wins the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

 

2020 - “Parasite” wins for best foreign language film at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, becoming the first Korean film to win a major Hollywood award.

 

By Park Yuna (yunapark@heraldcorp.com)

[rubie]

January 7, 2020

 

‘Parasite’ wins best foreign film at Golden Globe Awards

 

Source: The DONG-A Ilbo

 

 

Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” has had the honor of winning the Golden Globe for Best Foreign-language Film. This is the first time that Korean content won an award at the Golden Globes, which honor the best films and TV shows. “Parasite” has proved that Korean films can find success in the Hollywood by winning a Golden Globe following the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which presents the Golden Globes, announced “Parasite” as the winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign-language Film on Sunday (local time). Other nominees for the Best Foreign-Language Film included “Pain And Glory” by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, “The Farewell,” and “Les Misérables.”

 

“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” said Bong Joon-ho in his acceptance speech. “I think we use only one language: the cinema.”

 

Bong’s “Parasite” had two other Golden Globe nominations including Best Director and Best Screenplay but lost those nominations. Sam Mendes took home the Best Director Award for 1917 and Quentin Tarantino won Best Screenplay for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

 

With Parasite winning a Golden Globe, eyes are on whether it will have the honor at the Oscars, which will be held on Feb. 9 (local time). “Parasite” has been nominated as Best International Feature Film and Best Original Song in preliminary voting and HFPA members will vote on next Monday for final Oscar nominations for all awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay.

Seo-Hyun Lee baltika7@donga.com

 

'Parasite' Takes Golden Globe as Best Foreign Film

By Lee Hyun-yi The ChosunIlbo

 

Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" won the best foreign language film at the annual Golden Globe Awards held in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday.

 

It is the first time that a Korean film has won the honor bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

 

"Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films," Bong said through an interpreter when accepting the trophy. "Just being nominated along with fellow amazing international filmmakers was a huge honor. I think we use only one language: the cinema."

 

Lee Jung Eun (left), Bong Joon-ho (center), and Song Kang-ho pose with a trophy at the annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday. /AP-Yonhap

"Parasite" won the top honor at the Cannes Film Festival last year and many other awards at home and abroad. Since its U.S. release in October last year, it has garnered global praise, becoming one of the most successful Korean films. It has also been shortlisted for best foreign film at the Academy Awards in early February.

 

The film revolves around two families whose lives become intertwined when the son from a poor family scams his way into a tutoring job with a wealthy one.

 

Source: TheWrap

 

 

[rubie]

January 3, 2020

 

Korean Film Magazine Cine 21 Publishes Top 10 for 2019
Korean Film Critics Favor Indie Films in Year-end Roundup

 

by Pierce Conran KOFIC

 

Influential Korean film magazine Cine 21 has revealed its top 10 films for 2019. While the Korean film exhibition sector reached a new box office high, the magazine’s critics largely favored indie films in their end-of-year round-up, with only three commercial titles entering the list, one of which was a mid-level production. Three of the films were by women directors.

 

Coming in at first place was BONG Joon-ho’s massively successful PARASITE, which earned the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival – a first for a Korean film – before opening domestically and selling over ten million tickets. The film has proven to be a box office hit around the world and is currently campaigning in several North American awards races, where it is considered a frontrunner.

 

A New Currents competitor at the Busan International Film Festival last year, House of Hummingbird, the debut film by director KIM Bora, is the second ranked film on the list. An indie drama about a young girl coming into her own in Seoul in the 1990s, the film has been an indie hit in Korea and a major awards winner on the global festival circuit, picking up prizes at the Berlin and Tribeca Film Festivals, among many others. 

 

Hong Sangsoo claimed third place with his 22rd film Hotel by the River. The black and white film, featuring KI Joo-bong playing an ailing poet who tries to reconnect with his sons at a countryside hotel, where a character played by KIM Min-hee is also staying, debuted at the Locarno International Film Festival last year, where KI picked up the Silver Leopard for Best Actor.

 

The documentary Kim-gun (2018) by director KANG Sang-woo is in fourth place. Another Busan selection from last year, the film chronicles the search for the man in a photo dating back to the Gwangju massacre of 1980.

 

Actor KIM Yun-seok’s directorial debut Another Child occupies fifth place. An affair drama with a unique family perspective, the film has been praised for its ensemble cast, which comprises YUM Jung-ah, KIM So-jin, KIM Hye-jun and PARK Se-jin, as well as KIM Yun-seok.

 

Sixth and seventh place are once again occupied by films introduced by last year’s Busan Film Festival, HAN Ka-ram’s Our Body and YI Ok-seop’s Maggie. LIM Dae-hyung’s Moonlit Winter, the closing film of this year’s Busan Film Festival, comes in at eighth, the comedy disaster drama EXIT is in ninth and tenth place is occupied by LEE Kang-hyun’s Possible Faces, which bowed in Busan’s 2017 lineup.

[rubie]

January 7, 2020

 

‘Parasite’ wins a Golden Globe, first for Korea

 

BY LEE JAE-LIM INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

 

Director Bong Joon-ho, center, and actors Lee Jeong-eun, left, and Song Kang-ho, right, appear backstage after “Parasite” won the award for Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language during the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday. [UPI/YONHAP]

Director Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” became the first Korean film to win a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film Sunday, continuing its triumphant march through foreign markets, film festivals and now award ceremonies.

 

“Wow, amazing, unbelievable,” said the director as he climbed stairs to accept the award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

 

“Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” Bong said through an interpreter. “Just being nominated along with fellow, amazing international filmmakers was a huge honor.”

 

He added, “I think we use only one language: the cinema.”

 

At the 77th edition of the awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Bong’s black comedy of class divisions bested other nominees such as “The Farewell” by Lulu Wang, “Pain and Glory” by Pedro Almodovar, “Les Miserables” by Ladj Ly and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” by Celine Sciamma.

 

The film was also nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director but failed to win either. Best Screenplay was won by Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood” and Best Director by Sam Mendes for “1917.”

 

Although “Parasite” became the darling of American critics when it was released in North America in October, it did not qualify for the Golden Globes’ Best Motion Picture, Drama category. To qualify, a film must have “more than 50 percent English dialogue.”

 

But winning Best Foreign Language Film is a monumental feat for a Korean film on the international scene and could start a new chapter in the history of Korean cinema, according to Yoon In-ho, director of the CJ ENM’s film and communication department.

 

“Starting with the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, ‘Parasite’ has been invited to over 50 international film fests and decidedly became one of the most-talked-about films at these events,” said Yoon. “International reviews have been unanimously positive, and we are awestruck by the film’s acceptance at the Golden Globe Awards. ‘Parasite’ is sure to have rapidly uplifted the status of the Korean film industry.”

 

Attention is now shifting to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Best International Feature Film category. Nominees will be announced on the morning of Jan. 13. “Parasite” was shortlisted for the category last month, only the second time a local film made it to the Oscars shortlist since “Burning” by Lee Chang-dong at last year’s Academy Awards.

 

“The possibility of ‘Parasite’ being nominated is higher than ever,” said film critic Kim Young-jin. “The North American film distribution company for the film, Neon, may be small, but its marketing strategy is proving to be much more effective than for ‘Burning.’”

 

 

[rubie]

January 8, 2020

 

'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho's interpreter in limelight for being 'best in class'

 

'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho gives his acceptance speech at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards. Yonhap

 

By Lee Min-young The Korea Times

 

"Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films," Golden Globe-winning Korean movie director Bong Joon-ho said through his interpreter Sharon Choi.

 

Bong, director of the dark comedy-thriller "Parasite," won Korea's first Golden Globe award for Best Foreign-Language Film. It was the first Korean film to be nominated.

 

While Bong's Golden Globe speech made headlines for sending a message to audiences that miss out on non-English movies, Choi was also the one in the limelight for acting as a mouthpiece for Bong with her smooth, punchy interpretation.

 

Choi, a Korean American, 25, is also a filmmaker. She is now working as an interpreter in Seoul.

 

Choi has been working with Bong since last May at the Cannes film festival, where she was praised for her ability to perfectly carry in her interpretation even the smallest nuances of the director's words.

 

The video of Bong on U.S. talk show "Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" last month has garnered more than a million views on YouTube. Many comments have been directed at Choi, saying: "Bong has the same English interpreter in other interviews and she is just terrific. Best in class."

 

Watch Bong on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

 

This set off a chain of Twitter reaction toward Choi, praising her as the "MVP (Most Valuable Person) of this year's awards."

 

Another added: "In every recent Bong Joon-ho Q&A and interview on YouTube, his translator gets praised over and over in the comments for being incredibly accurate. There's a lot saying she's one of the best in the world. Major props."

 

Interpreters tagging along with acclaimed directors are likely to be overlooked on the arthouse side.

 

But on Monday night local time, when Bong took home his Golden Globe trophy, Choi stole the scene.

 

American entertainment news outlet The Hollywood Reporter asked her questions about how she feels working with Bong, pointing out that she has become a star during award season.

 

Bong added in English: "She has a big fandom," which the reporter agreed with and went on asking if she ever gets nervous, praising her performance that night.

 

An embarrassed Choi said she is a huge fan of films and filmmakers, so it has been wonderful working with Bong.

 

Watch the full video of Bong's interview with The Hollywood Reporter after the Golden Globes below.

 

 

minlee@koreatimes.co.kr 

[rubie]

January 7, 2020

 

'Parasite' scores 4 nominations for British Academy awards

 

By Yonhap via The Korea Herald

 

Bong Joon-ho's black comedy "Parasite" has been nominated in four categories for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards, organizers said Tuesday.

   

In the nominations for the 2020 BAFTA Film Awards, slated for February, the South Korean film was listed in the categories of best film, best director, best original screenplay and best film not in the English language.

 

(Screenshot of BAFTA)

   

For best film, the family satire will compete with "1917" by Sam Mendes, "The Irishman" by Martin Scorsese, "Joker" by Todd Phillips and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" by Quentin Tarantino.

   

Also, Bong will vie for the best direction award with Todd Phillips, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and Sam Mendes.

   

Along with "Parasite," "Booksmart," "Knives Out," "Marriage Story" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" are up for best original screenplay.

   

In the best non-English language film category, "Parasite" will contend with "The Farewell" by Lulu Wang, "Pain and Glory" by Pedro Almodovar, "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" by Celine Sciamma and "For Sama" by Waad Al-Khateab.

   

"Joker" earned 11 nods, including best film, followed by "The Irishman" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" with 10 each.

   

In the 2018 BAFTA awards, South Korean director Park Chan-wook's "The Handmaiden" won the best film not in the English language.

   

"Parasite," Bong's seventh feature film depicts class inequality. It has been collecting prestigious accolades since it clinched the Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

   

It won the best foreign language film honor at the Golden Globes Awards on Sunday, following a series of trophies bestowed by US film critics associations.

   

The BAFTA awards ceremony, which is seen as an important indicator for the Oscars, will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Feb. 2. (Yonhap)

Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' Nominated for British Academy Film Awards

 

Source: The ChosunIlbo via HanCinema.net

Director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" has been nominated for the British Academy Film Awards, also known as the BAFTAs.

 

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts on Tuesday announced the nominees for the annual awards, which will be presented in London in February.

 

"Parasite" received four nominations including best film, best director, best original screenplay and best film not in the English language.

 

"Parasite" will compete with Sam Mendes' war film "1917", Martin Scorsese's gangster epic "The Irishman", Quentin Tarantino's radiant Los Angeles fable "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and Todd Phillips' psychological thriller "Joker".