About Bong Joon-Ho

Bong Joon-Ho is a film director born in Daegu, South Korea. He graduated from the Korean Academy of Film and Arts. Bong is known for his very unique combinations of genre and storytelling in his movies. His films usually explore social commentary and political ideology. He is known for visual storytelling, detailed approach and dark comedy.

Here are some interviews with the directer and co-writer Bong Joon-Ho, in which he describes his motivation for creating this film.

How was this movie produced?

What is Parasite? Why is it so notable?

The film Parasite by Bong Joon-Ho is a comedy thriller touching on the class divide in South Korea. This film was nominated for various top awards and is regarded as one of the best movies to be produced in the last ten years.

The standing ovation was so long that all he could say for his speech is "Thank you, lets go home"

Significance of the opening scene

In this video, Bong Joon-Ho explains his choices made in the opening scene.

Tim's review


The twisted and dark comedy film named Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-Ho is a very well known film which exposes and sheds light on social class divide. Bong Joon-Ho is well recognised in South Korea for his work in the film industry, producing many top notch films which all shed light on social and political issues through the use of storytelling and dark comedy. The film Parasite received multiple academy awards and was the first non-English film to take home the Best Picture Oscar award.


Parasite follows the highly impoverished Kim family and their fight to climb up the financial ladder. They devise a plan to get into the Park family home one by one thorough working for them, leeching off of the house like parasites, only for the plot to take an evil turn.


The film is recognised for its reflection of capitalism, class conflict, social inequality and financial inequality. The Kim family represents the standard working class who are struggling to live comfortably in the rising housing prices in South Korea, and the Park family is meant to represent the wealthy elite who live in a bubble.


The fact that Parasite sheds light on the problem of income inequality, which is a major issue around the world, is a reason that the film is so recognised and significant. The film portrays how the working class must take extreme measures to survive whilst the wealthy are able to live comfortably without stress.


In addition, the film Parasite sheds light on the inequalities of class structure and how it contributes to the poverty loops. The film demonstrates that those at the bottom of the social hierarchy often have to resort to unethical and illegal means of providing income and surviving, whilst those at the top of the financial ladder are compelled to employ legal means. It also shows the harsh socioeconomic reality is, and encourages people to look around and think about their society. This film is very relatable to many parts of the world and that is another reason as to why it is so recognised.