Bong Joon-ho: "The Essence of Storytelling Remains Unchanged Despite Netflix's Giant Wave"

On the rise of AI: "It shakes everything related to video... I feel both fear and excitement."

On the K-culture craze with BTS, Blackpink, and Kadéshon: "It's something to applaud... I'm happily watching it unfold."

Director Bong Joon-ho answers a question. (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Jae-hee = Director Bong Joon-ho answers a question at the press conference for the movie 'Mickey 17' held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 20th. 2025.2.20 scape@yna.co.kr

 "It's not about relying on the theatrical structure; creators must make content so engaging that viewers can't stop watching, even if they're on their phone on the subway, to the point where they miss their stop and have to go around the entire subway line."

Bong Joon-ho emphasized on the 18th, regarding the video market's reorganization, primarily around streaming OTT (Online Video Service) represented by Netflix, that "the essence of film, the audience's desire for visually beautiful and captivating storytelling, remains unchanged."

He made these remarks during a dialogue with Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, on "From Creator to Architect: Building a World That Breaks Boundaries" held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the same day.

Director Bong diagnosed that "the giant wave created by Netflix is flowing at a rapid pace, as seen in 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'."

He mentioned his role in directing 'Okja' (2017), South Korea's first Netflix film, and said, "When that film was released, I received many questions (related to Netflix). Even at the Cannes Film Festival, no one asked about the film's story; they only asked about streaming-related matters."

Bong Joon-ho [Provided by Busan International Film Festival. Reproduction and DB prohibited]

Director Bong pointed out that there have been constant threats to cinema, such as TV, the internet, cable, and streaming, and that the focus should be on the essence of cinema. From a creator's perspective, theaters are appealing because viewers cannot arbitrarily press 'pause,' but creators must produce content that is so compelling that viewers don't want to press the pause button.

Director Bong also shared his honest thoughts on AI (Artificial Intelligence), a recent hot topic in the cultural industry.

He said, "Filmmakers are always talking about AI, even while eating, drinking coffee, or on their way home. AI has shaken everything we believe in and are fascinated by in the realm of video, so I feel both fear and excitement."

He noted that the irony that AI technology was used in his film 'Mickey 17,' which delves into the essence of humanity, well illustrates this point.

Director Bong explained, "In 'Mickey 17,' there is a scene where two Mickeys, meaning two Robert Pattinsons, appear on screen. Ironically, AI was used for the visual effects in that scene. It's a case where AI was used for visuals. It is our reality that in a film dealing with how humanity is threatened by technological advancements, yet human warmth and resilience remain, we use AI technology as a tool."

He added, "However, South Korean society is so dynamic that things that would take 50 years in a rural Canadian village happen in five days. No matter how realistic or political we make our films, it's hard to keep up with a single news segment. Because of this, I find myself contemplating the unchanging essence of human beings."

Having directed eight feature films over the past 25 years, he is currently working on his ninth project, an animated film. He explained his creative drive by saying, "I make each work driven by my personal urge to see stories unfold on a big screen."

Regarding K-culture, which has taken the world by storm, Director Bong stated, "People like Blackpink and BTS are simply pop stars who don't need the letter 'K.' It's something to applaud—a collaboration between exceptionally talented players and the industry surrounding them."

He specifically commented on the success of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' saying, "While there is director Maggie Kang (of Korean descent), the company, production team, and studio that created it are not Korean. We've reached a point where foreign companies are naturally creating (Korean-related content). There's a saying that 'Mr. Kim Gu would wake up in his sleep,' and that's exactly the situation. I'm happily watching it unfold. However, I don't feel any personal responsibility to do something about it." Yonhap News