Abstract
This study examines the main spaces and localities represented in films of Bong Joon Ho, who is regarded as world-master since he won best picture and best director at the Academy Awards for Parasite (2019). “Space” is a very important component in Bong’s films, and his films always have a unique and specific “locality.” Locality refers to regionality, which includes physical spatiality and particular temporality. In Bong’s films, the locality tends to focus on suburbs rather than centrals, and marginality rather than familiarity. This study aims to explore the impact of such local characteristics on Bong’s characters and themes. Focusing on the main spaces and localities, this study analyzes Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), and Parasite: farmlands, Han river, semi-basement room and stairs for spaces, Hwasung in the 1980s, Seoul in the 2000s, and Metropolis in the 2010s for locality. It also interprets the relation between these elements and Bong’s subject matters, including the class issue. Furthermore, it explores how the most Korean local devices could get gain a great worldly universalities. The insights gained from the results of this research will help Korean films and other popular culture commodities find more effective ways to harmonize locality and universality and succeed in the world market in the future.
Published Version
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