Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho has expressed pride in how South Koreans have handled the aftermath of the political turmoil triggered by the brief imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3. The declaration, which marked the country’s most significant political crisis in decades, lasted around six hours before lawmakers defied military and police efforts to block access, scaling the walls of the National Assembly to vote it down.
Speaking at a press event in Seoul for his upcoming sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, Bong acknowledged that while the legal proceedings surrounding Yoon’s actions are ongoing, life in South Korea has managed to return to a sense of normalcy. The director emphasized that the continuation of daily life, including cultural events like film and music, reflects the resilience and determination of the South Korean people. Bong, who had joined fellow film industry professionals in condemning the martial law declaration, remarked that the nation’s ability to overcome this moment of crisis is a testament to its citizens’ strength and unity.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, now suspended from office, is currently on trial for alleged insurrection related to his attempt to suppress political activity, control the media, and block parliamentary functions through martial law.
Bong also shared a personal anecdote during the event, revealing that actor Mark Ruffalo, who stars in Mickey 17, had emailed him shortly after hearing the news of martial law to check on his well-being. Bong reassured Ruffalo that the situation was under control. He described the surreal nature of learning about the declaration, as it interrupted a moment of watching entertainment news about BLACKPINK’s Rose achieving a new chart milestone.
The director noted that while Mickey 17 doesn’t carry an explicit political message, the character of the villain—a demagogic politician played by Ruffalo—was inspired by historical dictators rather than current figures. However, Bong acknowledged that the themes might resonate with viewers, as “history always repeats itself.”
An adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel, Mickey 17 aims to offer empathy and consolation to audiences, allowing them to reflect on broader human experiences while enjoying a compelling cinematic journey.
READ MORE: