Bong Joon-ho

Date of Birth: September 14, 1969

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Bong Joon-ho is a renowned South Korean film director, screenwriter, and producer, acclaimed for his distinctive storytelling and masterful blending of genres. Born in Daegu, South Korea, Bong Joon-ho’s career took off with the release of his first feature film, *Barking Dogs Never Bite* (2000). However, it was his second film, *Memories of Murder* (2003), that truly established him as a leading figure in world cinema. This film, based on a true story of Korea’s first serial murders, was both a critical and commercial success. Bong continued to gain international recognition with films like *The Host* (2006), a monster movie that became the highest-grossing South Korean film at the time, and *Mother* (2009), a gripping thriller that further showcased his talent. His venture into English-language cinema with *Snowpiercer* (2013), starring Chris Evans, was met with widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a global filmmaker. In 2019, Bong Joon-ho achieved unprecedented success with *Parasite*, a dark comedy-thriller that explores class disparity. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and made history at the 92nd Academy Awards by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Bong also won Oscars for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.

5 Interesting Facts about Bong Joon-ho

1. Bong Joon-ho is known for his meticulous storyboarding, often drawing detailed sketches for every scene before shooting.

2. He attended the prestigious Korean Academy of Film Arts, where he honed his filmmaking skills.

3. *Memories of Murder* was based on the true story of Korea’s first serial killer, who was caught after the film’s release.

4. Bong Joon-ho’s *The Host* was inspired by a real incident involving toxic chemicals being dumped into the Han River.

5. *Parasite* was the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival and the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bong Joon-ho

1. “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

2. “The most personal is the most creative.”

3. “I love to overturn people’s expectations.”

4. “For me, films are like a tool to explore human nature.”

5. “When I make films, I want to create something that’s like a roller coaster ride.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of 2023, Bong Joon-ho’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.

Children

Bong Joon-ho has one son, Bong Hyo-min, who is a graduate of the Korean Academy of Film Arts and has shown interest in following his father’s footsteps in the film industry.