The South Korean President Moon Jae In congratulated the cast and crew of "Parasite" for their historic achievements.
This February 20, President Moon Jae In requested the actors and staff involved in the production and distribution of the film to a luncheon at the Blue House. The South Korean president expressed that he was proud that "Parasite" made history in the Korean film industry as well as the Academy Awards.
He said that the Oscars is the world's most reputable and great film festival but as director Director Bong Joon Ho indicates that it has been criticized for being a local film festival. Nevertheless, the film and the director were so outstanding; that they were able to break down the barrier faced by non-English language films and be recognized as the best film and best director. This makes him (the president) more proud.
President Moon Jae In recognized that there is the unevenness of power in the production as well as the distribution system of the film industry and said that he truly understands the social message delivered by the film 'Parasite'.
With regards to the film industry, the president made a promise to execute a standard working hour system, improve welfare policies for those working in the industry, with no delay implement a cap on the number of screenings at theaters by certain distributors to prevent a monopoly and give support for film academies to help the film industry grow.
The people present at the luncheon were able to get a taste of the chapaguri that was specially cooked by the first lady Kim Jung Sook.
"Parasite" Director Bong Joon Ho shared that he is thankful and honored to be gathered at the luncheon. He described that he felt in shock seeing the president speak right next to him. From congratulating the film, touching on Korean mass culture and the film industry, and eventually reaching the topic of chapaguri, the president's speech was almost like two pages of scenic discussion.
It seems like the president was able to resolve all of his thoughts since he has constantly thought about these issues, so it makes Director Bong Joon Ho wonder how he does it. The director added that as someone who also writes, he is surprised after hearing the president speak so
As someone who writes, I am in shock after hearing you speak so expressively using a well-organized flow of logic and making perfect usage of words to complete a well-developed speech.
As the director continued, he said that from the release of the film at the Cannes Film Festival last year and releases in Korea, France, and many other countries to the Oscars, it was a long journey for them. He is very glad to wrap up the long journey so honorably at the Blue House with the president and the first lady.
Once again, Congratulations to Director Bong Joon Ho and the cast and crew of "Parasite" for making history in the Korean Film Industry!
