Bong Joon Ho’s Secret Movie Obsessions Revealed

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Ever since Bong Joon Ho’s groundbreaking “Parasite” took home the Best Picture Oscar in 2020, I, as a movie enthusiast, have watched with anticipation as his global fanbase has expanded and transformed. Now that his latest work, the biting capitalistic satire “Mickey 17” featuring Robert Pattinson, has hit the screens, it feels like the perfect moment to honor his unique and genre-defying filmmaking journey over the years.

This coming Sunday in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum will unveil its inaugural exhibit centered on director Bong Joon Ho: “Director’s Inspiration: A Tribute to Bong Joon Ho.” The collection boasts over 100 unique items belonging to Bong himself, such as the suseok rock from “Parasite,” the original slate utilized during the filming of “The Host,” and advertisements for the movie club Bong founded at Yonsei University, where he showcased films like “Paris, Texas,” “Tokyo Story,” and “Raging Bull.”

The “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho Exhibit” at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles will debut this Sunday. It is the museum’s first exhibit dedicated entirely to the acclaimed director, featuring more than 100 personal items from his collection, including the suseok rock from “Parasite,” the original slate used during the production of “The Host,” and advertisements for the film club he created at Yonsei University where he screened films such as “Paris, Texas,” “Tokyo Story,” and “Raging Bull.”)

While working on the display for the last two years and incorporating Bong’s unique elements, exhibition curator Michelle Puetz eagerly watched as Bong’s artistic style transformed, moving away from his initial sketches in the ’80s and ’90s.

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Over the past two years, while collaborating with Bong on specific details for the exhibit, Michelle Puetz, the curator, was thrilled to notice a transformation in Bong’s style from his earlier drawings in the ’80s and ’90s.

Puetz shares with EbMaster that it all began with the comics he created as an undergraduate student at Yonsei University. He considers these early works to be like a continuous thread running through every storyboard he’s designed for his films.

At the exhibition, the Academy will also be showcasing Bong’s films. On March 23, there will be a special screening of “Okja,” featuring the presence of Bong Joon Ho and Steven Yeun. Additionally, screenings of “Snowpiercer,” “Parasite,” “Memories of Murder” in 4K resolution, as well as “The Host” and “Mother” in 35mm prints, are scheduled for future dates.

Preview of the upcoming exhibit at the Academy Museum, scheduled from March 23 to June 10, 2027, gives you a glimpse of what you’ll encounter during your visit.

Posters and Art Featured in ‘Parasite’ (2019)

In this depiction, we have a replica of the Park family portrait as seen in “Parasite”, which is designed to reflect a typical Korean middle-class family. Director Bong Joon-ho collaborated with artist Zibezi to produce all the artwork that Park Da-song sketches in the movie, leading to one of the film’s most humorous scenes.

Prop suseok from ‘Parasite’ (2019)

In the movie “Parasite,” the suseok, traditionally considered a sign of good fortune, stood out as a striking (and ironic) visual. It symbolized the transformation of the Park family’s aspirations and upward mobility into their tragic descent and violent act. Suseok stones have been gathered in Korea since the 14th century and are also recognized as “viewing” or “scholar’s stones.”

The suseok, often associated with good luck, was a poignant (and ironic) scene in “Parasite.” It reflected the shift of the Park family from aspirations and social mobility to their downfall and violent act. Suseok rocks have been collected in Korea since the 14th century and are also known as “viewing” or “scholar’s stones.

Bullets and Props From ‘Snowpiercer’ (2013)

In the display at the museum, you’ll find the ammunition from “Snowpiercer” similar to what was seen on Minister Mason’s (Tilda Swinton) uniform, as well as military medals, all reminiscent of a photo of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The museum also emphasizes that Swinton drew inspiration for her character’s mannerisms from authoritarian leaders like Benito Mussolini and Kim Il-sung.

‘Mother’ (2009) Storyboards and Sketchbooks

Bong Joon-ho is recognized for his careful attention to detail in storyboarding, and the gallery showcases artwork from his work on “Mother” (2009) such as drawings and sketches. The exhibit also includes his original script, along with illustrations and storyboards for “Memories of Murder” (2003).

Bong’s Early Love of Comic Books

From an early age, Bong developed a deep love for comic books, discovering them among his father’s collection. This passion preceded his renowned career in film. While attending Yonsei University, Bong showcased his distinctive artistic flair by publishing comics in the school newspaper, hinting at his early talent.

Bong’s 20 Most Influential Films, Including Personal ‘Psycho’ Poster

During his Academy Award acceptance speech, Bong Joon Ho expressed deep respect for filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese who have significantly impacted his career. It’s only fitting that the exhibit dedicated to him highlights his most significant mentors. When Puetz initially visited Bong in his office, she was taken aback by the memorabilia he kept from his favorite movies. Working together on the poster wall, Bong selected 20 films that have had the greatest influence on his work, including “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Barton Fink,” “Zodiac,” and “Psycho.” The “Psycho” poster displayed is actually a part of Bong’s personal collection.

Yellow Door Film Club Original Poster

Following his mandatory military duty, Bong established the Yellow Door Film Club at Yonsei University. Here, he showcased various classics and engaged in critical discussions during seminars. Bong also designed the original poster you see here, providing details for the club’s gatherings.

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2025-03-22 01:47