Here are the review and casting behind of the K-movie, Parasite.
K-movie ‘Parasite’ Review
I saw the famous K-movie ‘Parasite’ a while back and recently watched it again. Even on the second viewing, I still think it’s a well-made film. The story revolves around two families, one led by Song Kang-ho and the other by Lee Sun-kyun. The movie does a great job weaving their stories together, creating a lot of empathy. It stuck with me for a long time after watching.
Lately, I’ve noticed that the movies I watch make me think more. “Parasite” by Director Bong is one such film. It connects directly to real-life issues in our society, blending artistry and commercial appeal in a fresh and enjoyable way. I understand why it won awards. The way it reveals the divide between the rich and the poor is masterful. Seeing family members struggling to make plans hit me hard. In “Snowpiercer,” the class differences on the train are powerfully portrayed.
The metaphor of the parasite in both films reflects the harsh reality of the rich-poor gap, the struggles of the less privileged, and the difficulty of upward mobility. It’s both funny and bitter. What surprised me the most was Jo Yeo-jung’s performance. She acted even better than I expected. The rest of the cast, being great actors, are now my favorites. Watching it, I discovered a different side of Jo Yeo-jung, and she was fantastic.
Casting Backstories
Song Kang-ho (Ki-taek)
Song Kang-ho, who played Ki-taek, the driver of the wealthy Park family and the main figure in the poor Kim family in the movie “Parasite,” is a well-known actor who has collaborated with Director Bong Joon-ho in various films. In the case of “Parasite,” Song Kang-ho’s casting was confirmed even before the script was fully completed. This was possible due to the strong bond and trust between Director Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho.
Back when Song Kang-ho was an unknown actor struggling financially, he auditioned for a minor role in a movie. Despite not getting the part, Director Bong, who was in charge of that audition, showed unusual kindness by leaving a voicemail expressing his regret and hope for future collaborations. This gesture left a lasting impression on Song Kang-ho. Later, when Director Bong sent him the script for “Memories of Murder,” Song Kang-ho readily agreed to join, acknowledging Bong’s talent. This collaboration marked the beginning of a successful partnership, leading to iconic films like “Memories of Murder,” “The Host,” “Snowpiercer,” and ultimately, “Parasite.”
Lee Sun-kyun (Mr. Park, Dong-ik)
Lee Sun-kyun, who portrayed Mr. Park, the affluent head of the Park family, had expressed his admiration for Director Bong Joon-ho before being cast in “Parasite.” The casting process involved a unique connection. While working on the movie “Villain and Widow,” where Lee Sun-kyun was the lead actor, a team member hinted that Director Bong would contact him. Despite the positive news, Lee Sun-kyun remained reserved until the confirmation, not sharing any details with his agency or wife.
When the meeting with Director Bong finally happened, Lee Sun-kyun felt a sense of excitement reminiscent of his early days as a rookie actor. During their conversation, Director Bong subtly mentioned that the character Mr. Park’s daughter in the movie was a high school senior, hinting at Lee Sun-kyun’s mature appearance. To this, Lee Sun-kyun responded humorously, reassuring the director that he had recently dyed his hair, dispelling any concerns about his age. Interestingly, the role initially intended for the late actor Kim Joo-hyuk was eventually played by Lee Sun-kyun.
Choi Woo-shik (Ki-woo)
Choi Woo-shik, who played Ki-woo, the son of the Kim family, was cast early in the process, even before the completion of the “Parasite” script. Director Bong Joon-ho explained that Choi Woo-shik’s soft and seemingly lethargic image aligned well with the portrayal of a young generation character.
Choi Woo-shik had previously worked with Director Bong in the film “Okja.” During the casting process for “Parasite,” Director Bong requested Choi Woo-shik to maintain a lean physique, reflecting his dedication to the role. Notably, Choi Woo-shik and Song Kang-ho, who played father and son in the film, shared a strong resemblance, contributing to the believability of their on-screen relationship.
Park So-dam (Ki-jung)
Park So-dam, who portrayed Ki-jung, the daughter of the Kim family, initially auditioned for the movie “Okja” but did not get the role. However, her memorable performance during the audition left a lasting impression on Director Bong Joon-ho. Their connection formed during this audition, leading to future discussions about working together. For “Parasite,” Director Bong requested Park So-dam to attend the initial meeting without any makeup.
This decision aimed to capture a natural and unfiltered look for the character. Park So-dam’s resemblance to Choi Woo-shik, who played her brother in the film, was considered a significant factor in her casting.
Lee Jung-eun (Moon-gwang)
Lee Jung-eun, who played the housekeeper Moon-gwang, gained recognition through her role in the movie “Ode to the Goose.” Director Bong Joon-ho had noticed her acting skills during a musical titled “Laundry” and began casting her in his films. When offered the role in “Parasite,” Lee Jung-eun was shown a storyboard depicting a scene of Moon-gwang in a bizarre posture against a wall. Director Bong Joon-ho asked her to clear her schedule for the following year, hinting at her involvement in his next project.
Despite initial concerns about portraying such a challenging character, Lee Jung-eun’s trust in the director and her ability to convey the character’s unique traits contributed to her successful casting.
Cho Yeo-jeong (Yeon-kyo)
Cho Yeo-jeong, who portrayed Yeon-kyo, the wife of Mr. Park, was cast after Director Bong Joon-ho was impressed by her performance in the movie “The Servant.” Cho Yeo-jeong, being a fan of Director Bong’s work, was initially skeptical when she received the casting offer, questioning whether it was a mistake. However, her admiration for the director and the opportunity to work on his next project outweighed any reservations.
During the casting process, Director Bong showed Cho Yeo-jeong a concept art piece of her character, featuring Yeon-kyo holding a sculpture. This visual representation aimed to convey the elegance and sophistication required for the role. Cho Yeo-jeong appreciated the director’s unique approach and gladly accepted the challenge, leading to her notable performance in “Parasite.”
Jang Hye-jin (Chung-sook)
Jang Hye-jin, who played Chung-sook, the mother of the Kim family, had been a preferred choice for Director Bong Joon-ho since the movie “Memories of Murder.” However, her involvement in the film didn’t materialize at that time due to various reasons. Director Bong admired Jang Hye-jin’s naturalistic acting and, despite her not being a well-known face, believed she would bring authenticity to the role.
The character of Chung-sook was initially conceptualized as the father of Ki-woo in the Kim family. However, due to unforeseen circumstances with the original cast choice, the character’s gender was changed, and Jang Hye-jin was ultimately cast as the mother. This decision not only contributed to the film’s success but also showcased Jang Hye-jin’s versatility as an actor.
Park Myung-hoon (Geun-sae)
Park Myung-hoon, who portrayed Geun-sae, the former housekeeper’s husband living in the basement, was initially more active in independent films. Director Bong Joon-ho had noticed Park Myung-hoon’s talent in the movie “Jae-kot” and proposed the casting for “Parasite.” Originally, the role of Geun-sae was intended for another actor, Bae Hae-sun, who had worked with Director Bong on previous projects. However, due to health reasons, Bae Hae-sun had to withdraw, leading to Park Myung-hoon’s casting.
