The Busan International Film Festival, Asia's largest, will this year posthumously honour late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun with the Korea Cinema Award, organisers said Friday.

Lee, best known globally for his starring role in Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead in an apparent suicide in December 2023 after a two-month police investigation over suspected drug use, sparking industry outcry and widespread public concern.

The festival's Korea Cinema Award&nbsp;is "presented to filmmakers who have elevated the status of Korean cinema and contributed to its global growth," BIFF organisers said in a statement.

This year, the award "will be given to the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, who won the hearts of both domestic and international film fans through his diverse works," it said, adding the award ceremony will be held during the opening of the next BIFF on October 2.

This year's festival will also feature a special screening of the actor's six film and television works, including "Parasite", "Our Sunhi" (2013) and a portion of TV series "My Mister" (2018).

The programme also includes Lee's last work, released posthumously, "Land of Happiness" (2024), in which the late actor played a military solider during South Korea's authoritarian period in the 1970s.

A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee had won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles since his debut in the early 2000s, including a charismatic chef and a genius neuroscientist who is incapable of empathy.

Lee received widespread critical acclaim for his performance in the 2018 TV drama series "My Mister", for his portrayal of a diligent architectural engineer, while globally, he is best known for his role as the wealthy and shallow patriarch in Bong's "Parasite".

"We aim to reflect on the acting career and achievements of the late actor Lee, ... who has represented South Korea through his ... profound performances, while also creating a meaningful memorial space," BIFF said.

Following Lee's death, a police officer has come under investigation for allegedly leaking confidential details of Lee's case, which critics claim led to intense mainstream media coverage and a surge of damaging and unverified videos on social media platforms like YouTube.

Previous winners of the Korea Cinema Award include late South Korean acclaimed actress&nbsp;Yoon Jeong-hee, French film critic Charles Tesson and&nbsp;Goran Topalovic, the co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival.

This year's BIFF will be held in South Korea's port city of Busan from Oct 2 to 11th.

The Busan International Film Festival, Asia's largest, will this year posthumously honour late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun with the Korea Cinema Award, organisers said Friday.

The Busan International Film Festival, Asia's largest, will this year posthumously honour late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun with the Korea Cinema Award, organisers said Friday. Lee, best known globally for his starring role in Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead in an apparent suicide in December 2023 after a two-month police investigation over suspected drug use, sparking industry outcry and widespread public concern. The festival's Korea Cinema Award is "presented to filmmakers who have elevated the status of Korean cinema and contributed to its global growth," BIFF organisers said in a statement. This year, the award "will be given to the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, who won the hearts of both domestic and international film fans through his diverse works," it said, adding the award ceremony will be held during the opening of the next BIFF on October 2. This year's festival will also feature a special screening of the actor's six film and television works, including "Parasite", "Our Sunhi" (2013) and a portion of TV series "My Mister" (2018). The programme also includes Lee's last work, released posthumously, "Land of Happiness" (2024), in which the late actor played a military solider during South Korea's authoritarian period in the 1970s. A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee had won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles since his debut in the early 2000s, including a charismatic chef and a genius neuroscientist who is incapable of empathy. Lee received widespread critical acclaim for his performance in the 2018 TV drama series "My Mister", for his portrayal of a diligent architectural engineer, while globally, he is best known for his role as the wealthy and shallow patriarch in Bong's "Parasite". "We aim to reflect on the acting career and achievements of the late actor Lee, ... who has represented South Korea through his ... profound performances, while also creating a meaningful memorial space," BIFF said. Following Lee's death, a police officer has come under investigation for allegedly leaking confidential details of Lee's case, which critics claim led to intense mainstream media coverage and a surge of damaging and unverified videos on social media platforms like YouTube. Previous winners of the Korea Cinema Award include late South Korean acclaimed actress Yoon Jeong-hee, French film critic Charles Tesson and Goran Topalovic, the co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival. This year's BIFF will be held in South Korea's port city of Busan from Oct 2 to 11th.

Busan film festival to posthumously honour Parasite actor Lee

In a rare case, doctors found that a mass, which was believed to have been growing in a woman's eye for two years, was actually a parasite that sometimes enters the human body through the consumption of reptiles.

In a rare case, doctors found that a mass, which was believed to have been growing in a woman's eye for two years, was actually a parasite that sometimes enters the human body through the consumption of reptiles. Contaminated crocodile meat is believed to be the reason behind the rare infection. This has emerged as the first case of its kind in the history of medical literature and was reported in JAMA Ophthalmology on Thursday (April 11). The woman was diagnosed by the authors with an infection called "ocular pentastomiasis". This is a rare eye infection which occurs because of parasites known as "pentastomids". In the woman's case, the parasite had embedded itself below the conjunctiva or the clear outer membrane of the left eye of the patient and had grown to about 0.4 inches (10 millimetres) long. According to the doctors, the 28-year-old from Basankusu in Congo did not show any other symptoms apart from the outgrown mass in the corner of her eye, reported her doctors. Also Read: We are the infectors: Humans pass on viruses to animals twice than the other way around! After the examination, the doctors found that the mass could be removed by surgery. It was during the surgery that a pale, C-shaped larva was revealed. The parasite was sent for further analysis and the scientists discovered that it was part of a species called Armillifer grandis. How do such parasites enter the human body? It is known that snakes are used by Armillifer parasites as their hosts when they enter the final stage of their life cycle. In the respiratory tracts of different pythons and vipers, these parasites lay their eggs. Eventually, the eggs move from the lungs and enter the environment through the mouth or the digestive tract of the snake. They are generally picked by small mammals like rodents, which a snake is likely to eat. In these hosts, they generally develop into larvae before getting eaten by a snake, which completes the life cycle of the parasite. The parasite enters the human body when they eat or drink food or water which is contaminated with its eggs or by coming in close contact with infected snakes, wrote the case report authors. Watch: Are Humans giving more viruses to animals than they give us? However, in this case, the woman said that she had never handled or eaten any snakes. "However, she was used to eating crocodile meat. No case of Armillifer ocular infection has ever been reported in individuals who eat crocodile meat, but crocodiles can be infected by pentastomids," said her doctors. Hence, there is a chance that the woman contracted the infection when she consumed crocodile meat containing parasite eggs. "This meat could also have been contaminated via infected snake meat on a market stall," said the doctors. (With inputs from agencies)

A parasite lived and grew in a woman's eye for two years. Doctors believe contaminated...

A dog-killing parasite has been spotted for the first time in the Colorado Rover in Southern California. he parasite, called Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm more commonly known as a liver fluke.

Dog-killing 'Liver fluke' parasite discovered in Southern California

Oscar-winning Parasite&nbsp;filmmaker Bong Joon-ho and other South Korean stars called for an investigation on Friday into police and media conduct in the days leading to actor Lee Sun-kyun's death.

Lee, best known globally for his starring role in Bong's 2019 film Parasite, was&nbsp;found dead in a car in Seoul last month, after a two-month police investigation over suspected drug use.&nbsp;

Following his death, police were accused of leaking confidential details of their probe, triggering frenzied mainstream media coverage and a flurry of damaging social media content on YouTube and beyond.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sag-aftra-investigates-vincent-gallo-for-alleged-inappropriate-remarks-during-casting-for-the-policeman-679224">SAG-AFTRA investigates Vincent Gallo for allegedly making sexual remarks during casting for The Policeman</a>

"We urge a thorough investigation by the authorities to ascertain whether there were any lapses in police investigative security," Bong said Friday at a press conference attended by South Korean cineastes and industry figures.

He added officials should also examine "whether any unauthorised disclosures" originated from police officers involved in the Lee drugs investigation improperly communicating with the media.

Bong was reading a statement, signed by around 30 organisations in South Korea's booming entertainment industry, including film festivals, actors' unions, and the local screenwriters' guild.

Actor Kim Eui-sung, who was also at the press event Friday, said Lee's death was due to a "character assassination."

"I hope that such tragedies will never be repeated in the investigation of pop culture artists," he said.

Once celebrated for his wholesome image, Lee's reputation suffered a significant blow when news of the police drugs probe became public in October.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-musician-yoshiki-honoured-unveils-his-handprints-at-tcl-chinese-theater-world-dna-678835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sundance-2024-robert-downey-jr-jodie-foster-to-present-on-opening-night-679233">Sundance 2024: Robert Downey Jr., Jodie Foster to present on opening night</a>

He was quickly dropped from television, film and commercial projects, incurring damages media reports estimated at up to 10 billion won ($7.8 million).

'Responsible reporting' -

Bong and others called for strengthened legislation to better protect artists and entertainers and urged the media to do better in future.

They specifically singled out South Korea's national broadcaster KBS for their coverage of the case. In November, KBS released audio recordings purportedly of Lee's private phone conversations.

"Can KBS promise... their coverage on the private conversations of the deceased, unrelated to the allegations, was solely for the sake of the public's right to know?" the joint statement said.

"We urge all media outlets, including KBS, to promptly remove any content that does not align with the purpose of responsible reporting," it added.

Lee had tested negative for drugs twice, during police investigations and in a lab test in November, according to the Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;

He had also sat for three lengthy sessions of police questioning, with the last one starting December 23 lasting for 19 hours. Lee's body was found December 27.

Incheon Metropolitan Police chief Kim Hui-jung said last month that the "entire investigation process" was carried out "in accordance with legal procedures" and that no leaks had occurred.

South Korea has extremely strict drug laws, and public opinion is typically supportive of police probes into illegal use and critical of people found to be breaking the law.

But since Lee's death, criticism of police and media treatment of the late star has erupted online.

Oscar-winning Parasite filmmaker Bong Joon-ho and other South Korean stars called for an investigation on Friday into police and media conduct in the days leading to actor Lee Sun-kyun's death.

Oscar-winning Parasite filmmaker Bong Joon-ho and other South Korean stars called for an investigation on Friday into police and media conduct in the days leading to actor Lee Sun-kyun's death. Lee, best known globally for his starring role in Bong's 2019 film Parasite, was found dead in a car in Seoul last month, after a two-month police investigation over suspected drug use. Following his death, police were accused of leaking confidential details of their probe, triggering frenzied mainstream media coverage and a flurry of damaging social media content on YouTube and beyond. Also read: SAG-AFTRA investigates Vincent Gallo for allegedly making sexual remarks during casting for The Policeman "We urge a thorough investigation by the authorities to ascertain whether there were any lapses in police investigative security," Bong said Friday at a press conference attended by South Korean cineastes and industry figures. He added officials should also examine "whether any unauthorised disclosures" originated from police officers involved in the Lee drugs investigation improperly communicating with the media. Bong was reading a statement, signed by around 30 organisations in South Korea's booming entertainment industry, including film festivals, actors' unions, and the local screenwriters' guild. Actor Kim Eui-sung, who was also at the press event Friday, said Lee's death was due to a "character assassination." "I hope that such tragedies will never be repeated in the investigation of pop culture artists," he said. Once celebrated for his wholesome image, Lee's reputation suffered a significant blow when news of the police drugs probe became public in October. Also read: Sundance 2024: Robert Downey Jr., Jodie Foster to present on opening night He was quickly dropped from television, film and commercial projects, incurring damages media reports estimated at up to 10 billion won ($7.8 million). 'Responsible reporting' - Bong and others called for strengthened legislation to better protect artists and entertainers and urged the media to do better in future. They specifically singled out South Korea's national broadcaster KBS for their coverage of the case. In November, KBS released audio recordings purportedly of Lee's private phone conversations. "Can KBS promise... their coverage on the private conversations of the deceased, unrelated to the allegations, was solely for the sake of the public's right to know?" the joint statement said. "We urge all media outlets, including KBS, to promptly remove any content that does not align with the purpose of responsible reporting," it added. Lee had tested negative for drugs twice, during police investigations and in a lab test in November, according to the Yonhap news agency. He had also sat for three lengthy sessions of police questioning, with the last one starting December 23 lasting for 19 hours. Lee's body was found December 27. Incheon Metropolitan Police chief Kim Hui-jung said last month that the "entire investigation process" was carried out "in accordance with legal procedures" and that no leaks had occurred. South Korea has extremely strict drug laws, and public opinion is typically supportive of police probes into illegal use and critical of people found to be breaking the law. But since Lee's death, criticism of police and media treatment of the late star has erupted online.

Parasite director Bong Joon-ho slams police, S. Korean media over star's death

Days after Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in his car, his co-star from the film Cho Yeo-jeong paid tribute to the late actor. Cho played Choi Yeon-gyo, the Park family matriarch, wife to Lee's character in Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning&nbsp;film.&nbsp; 
 
"I will never forget the honour of being together (with you). I will never forget (your) cheerfulness of always making everyone smile. I will be a warm and good actor like you. I'll embrace a new year that is not pleasant. I'll try to do well," she wrote in the caption.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hgJZYR7yt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hgJZYR7yt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hgJZYR7yt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hgJZYR7yt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 조여정 Cho Yeo Jeong (@lightyears81)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lee Sun-kyun death news 
 
Lee, 48, was found dead last Wednesday in Seoul by South Korean authorities following a report that he had gone missing. Initial investigations indicate the actor died by suicide amid a drug case against the actor.&nbsp; 
 
The actor had faced investigation over accusations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown in which police questioned him three times. 
 
Lee attained global stardom after he featured in Parasite which won an Oscar in 2019. His performance as Bong Joon Ho in the Academy Award–winning movie earned him and his co-star Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also known for his work in hit films like Coffee Prince, A Hard Day, and All About My Wife. 
 
Earlier, popular Korean stars like Kim Go-eun, Lee Je-hoon and Kim Nam-gil also paid homage to Lee.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-actor-lee-sun-kyun-dead-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-drug-case-against-the-star-674067">Parasite actor Lee Sun Kyun dead: All you need to know about the drug case against the star</a>

Days after Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in his car, his co-star from the film Cho Yeo-jeong paid tribute to the late actor. Cho played Choi Yeon-gyo, the Park family matriarch, wife to Lee's character in Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning film.

Days after Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in his car, his co-star from the film Cho Yeo-jeong paid tribute to the late actor. Cho played Choi Yeon-gyo, the Park family matriarch, wife to Lee's character in Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning film. "I will never forget the honour of being together (with you). I will never forget (your) cheerfulness of always making everyone smile. I will be a warm and good actor like you. I'll embrace a new year that is not pleasant. I'll try to do well," she wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 조여정 Cho Yeo Jeong (@lightyears81) × Lee Sun-kyun death news Lee, 48, was found dead last Wednesday in Seoul by South Korean authorities following a report that he had gone missing. Initial investigations indicate the actor died by suicide amid a drug case against the actor. The actor had faced investigation over accusations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown in which police questioned him three times. Lee attained global stardom after he featured in Parasite which won an Oscar in 2019. His performance as Bong Joon Ho in the Academy Award–winning movie earned him and his co-star Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also known for his work in hit films like Coffee Prince, A Hard Day, and All About My Wife. Earlier, popular Korean stars like Kim Go-eun, Lee Je-hoon and Kim Nam-gil also paid homage to Lee. Also read: Parasite actor Lee Sun Kyun dead: All you need to know about the drug case against the star

Lee Sun-kyun's Parasite co-star Cho Yeo-jeong pays a sweet tribute to the late actor

South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun's family and friends mourn his demise and the public criticism of police and media conduct during the investigation of his alleged drug use is now on the rise. Lee who was best known for his performance in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite was found dead in a car earlier this week. While celebrities continue to mourn his demise the actor's reputation has suffered a blow.

Seoul: South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun found dead in a car amid drug case

News of Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun's death has left everyone in shock. The Parasite actor was found dead inside his car on December 27. Initial investigations seem to have suggested that the actor died by suicide amid an ongoing drug investigation against him. The actor had been facing a probe despite testing negative three times for alleged marijuana consumption.&nbsp; 
 
Who was Lee Sun Kyun? 
 
Born on March 2, 1975, Lee Sun Kyun is a South Korean actor. Lee attained global stardom after he featured in Parasite which won an Oscar in 2019. His performance as Bong Joon Ho in the Academy Award–winning movie earned him and his co-star Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also known for his work in hit films like Coffee Prince, A Hard Day, and All About My Wife. 
 
Lee Sun Kyun’s alleged involvement in a drug case&nbsp; 
 
On October 20, actor Lee Sun Kyun's alleged use of illegal drugs was officially confirmed. Investigations started against the actor soon after and his agency Hodu Entertainment stated that they were evaluating the charges brought against him. 
 
On October 25, another report surfaced citing K-pop idol and BIGBANG member G-Dragon's involvement in the same case. The rapper instantly refuted all the reports. Later, police confirmed that both the cases are being investigated separately with no connection to each other. 
 
Both G-Dragon and Lee Sun Kyun were prohibited from leaving South Korea because of an ongoing investigation related to the drug usage as of October 27. 
 
On October 28, the actor issued a public apology referring to the case he was involved in. He said “I would like to bow my head in apology to everyone who has trusted me and supported me all this time. As I delivered through my agency, my position is that I will faithfully participate in the investigation with an honest attitude. I feel very sorry for my family, who is suffering a lot at the moment. I will sincerely and truthfully answer (the questions)&nbsp;during the investigation.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-actor-lee-sun-kyun-found-dead-at-48-673879">Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead at 48 amid drug investigations</a> 
 
Lee Sun Kyun tested negative 
 
Despite careful examination to address drug use queries, it was proven on November 3 that actor Lee Sun Kyun's hair was clean of drug residues. This suggested that he hadn't taken any of these drugs in the prior 10 months. The actor subsequently tested negative in two other tests.&nbsp; 
 
Before the news of his suspected involvement in the drug case went viral, the actor was set to take up a major role in Korean film No Way Out. As his name appeared on the case, he chose to withdraw from the film, despite director, Lee Sang Yong's request to wait until the investigation concluded.&nbsp; 
 
Throughout the probe, the actor denied consuming hard drugs, asserting that he was deceived. He reportedly told investigators, “I had taken it through the nose, using a straw, but I thought they were sleeping pills. I did not know that they were drugs." 
 
The actor was also subjected to three rounds of police interrogation as it was suspected that he took illegal drugs in an elite club in Seoul's Gangnam neighborhood.&nbsp;

News of Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun's death has left everyone in shock. The Parasite actor was found dead inside his car on December 27. Initial investigations seem to have suggested that the actor died by suicide amid an ongoing drug investigation against him.

News of Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun's death has left everyone in shock. The Parasite actor was found dead inside his car on December 27. Initial investigations seem to have suggested that the actor died by suicide amid an ongoing drug investigation against him. The actor had been facing a probe despite testing negative three times for alleged marijuana consumption. Who was Lee Sun Kyun? Born on March 2, 1975, Lee Sun Kyun is a South Korean actor. Lee attained global stardom after he featured in Parasite which won an Oscar in 2019. His performance as Bong Joon Ho in the Academy Award–winning movie earned him and his co-star Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also known for his work in hit films like Coffee Prince, A Hard Day, and All About My Wife. Lee Sun Kyun’s alleged involvement in a drug case On October 20, actor Lee Sun Kyun's alleged use of illegal drugs was officially confirmed. Investigations started against the actor soon after and his agency Hodu Entertainment stated that they were evaluating the charges brought against him. On October 25, another report surfaced citing K-pop idol and BIGBANG member G-Dragon's involvement in the same case. The rapper instantly refuted all the reports. Later, police confirmed that both the cases are being investigated separately with no connection to each other. Both G-Dragon and Lee Sun Kyun were prohibited from leaving South Korea because of an ongoing investigation related to the drug usage as of October 27. On October 28, the actor issued a public apology referring to the case he was involved in. He said “I would like to bow my head in apology to everyone who has trusted me and supported me all this time. As I delivered through my agency, my position is that I will faithfully participate in the investigation with an honest attitude. I feel very sorry for my family, who is suffering a lot at the moment. I will sincerely and truthfully answer (the questions) during the investigation.” Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead at 48 amid drug investigations Lee Sun Kyun tested negative Despite careful examination to address drug use queries, it was proven on November 3 that actor Lee Sun Kyun's hair was clean of drug residues. This suggested that he hadn't taken any of these drugs in the prior 10 months. The actor subsequently tested negative in two other tests. Before the news of his suspected involvement in the drug case went viral, the actor was set to take up a major role in Korean film No Way Out. As his name appeared on the case, he chose to withdraw from the film, despite director, Lee Sang Yong's request to wait until the investigation concluded. Throughout the probe, the actor denied consuming hard drugs, asserting that he was deceived. He reportedly told investigators, “I had taken it through the nose, using a straw, but I thought they were sleeping pills. I did not know that they were drugs." The actor was also subjected to three rounds of police interrogation as it was suspected that he took illegal drugs in an elite club in Seoul's Gangnam neighborhood.

Parasite actor Lee Sun Kyun dead: All you need to know about the drug case against the star

Toxoplasma gondii, notorious for its transmission through cats, is under scrutiny for its potential role in increased frailty among older adults. With an estimated 11-15 per cent of the US population having encountered this parasite, a new study sheds light on overlooked health consequences associated with T. gondii.

In a study comprising&nbsp;601 Spanish and Portuguese adults over 65, blood tests were conducted to assess frailty indicators such as unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and cognitive decline.

While no direct link was established between T. gondii infections and frailty, individuals exhibiting a robust immune response, marked by elevated antibodies, showed signs of heightened frailty in their later years, according to Science Alert.&nbsp;

Researchers investigated the potential connection between T. gondii and 'inflammaging,' the persistent inflammation linked to age-related frailty.

Those with a vigorous immune response to T. gondii displayed elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers. While causation isn't confirmed, a correlation emerged between an intensified immune reaction to the parasite and an increased likelihood of frailty in older age.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pet-ownership-doesnt-impact-your-well-being-new-study-debunks-perception-657724">Also read |&nbsp;Pet ownership doesn’t impact your well-being, new study debunks perception</a>

<h2>Preventive measures&nbsp;</h2>

Given the rising infection rates with age and T. gondii's ability to lie dormant for decades, researchers advocate for heightened precautions to prevent infection. Transmission avenues include exposure to T. gondii eggs in cat litter or contaminated water and the consumption of undercooked meat carrying the parasite. Encouraging practices such as keeping cats indoors and avoiding contact with strays becomes crucial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/melting-sea-ice-causing-heavier-snowfall-in-antarctica-staving-off-high-sea-levels-657519">Also read |&nbsp;Melting sea ice causing heavier snowfall in Antarctica, staving off high sea levels</a>

Beyond frailty, T. gondii has previously been linked to skeletal muscle damage and even schizophrenia, revealing the parasite's multifaceted impact on health.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Toxoplasma gondii, notorious for its transmission through cats, is under scrutiny for its potential role in increased frailty among older adults. With an estimated 11-15 per cent of the US population having encountered this parasite, a new study sheds light on overlooked health consequences associated with T.

Toxoplasma gondii, notorious for its transmission through cats, is under scrutiny for its potential role in increased frailty among older adults. With an estimated 11-15 per cent of the US population having encountered this parasite, a new study sheds light on overlooked health consequences associated with T. gondii. In a study comprising 601 Spanish and Portuguese adults over 65, blood tests were conducted to assess frailty indicators such as unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and cognitive decline. While no direct link was established between T. gondii infections and frailty, individuals exhibiting a robust immune response, marked by elevated antibodies, showed signs of heightened frailty in their later years, according to Science Alert. Researchers investigated the potential connection between T. gondii and 'inflammaging,' the persistent inflammation linked to age-related frailty. Those with a vigorous immune response to T. gondii displayed elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers. While causation isn't confirmed, a correlation emerged between an intensified immune reaction to the parasite and an increased likelihood of frailty in older age. Also read | Pet ownership doesn’t impact your well-being, new study debunks perception Preventive measures Given the rising infection rates with age and T. gondii's ability to lie dormant for decades, researchers advocate for heightened precautions to prevent infection. Transmission avenues include exposure to T. gondii eggs in cat litter or contaminated water and the consumption of undercooked meat carrying the parasite. Encouraging practices such as keeping cats indoors and avoiding contact with strays becomes crucial. Also read | Melting sea ice causing heavier snowfall in Antarctica, staving off high sea levels Beyond frailty, T. gondii has previously been linked to skeletal muscle damage and even schizophrenia, revealing the parasite's multifaceted impact on health. (With inputs from agencies)

Cat parasite could be responsible for fragility in some older adults, says study

'Zombies' may still be a thing of fiction. Yet certain pathogens essentially convert their victims into walking dead. Scientists believe they have discovered a new parasitic fungus. They prey on trapdoor spiders in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest.

Parasitic fungus that infects and kills spiders like ZOMBIE discovered in Brazil

Prime Video offers an exciting and scrumptious treat for all K-drama fans in the form of an upcoming cooking reality show. Jinny’s Kitchen follows five Korean celebs who play the roles of restaurant staff and serve mouthwatering Korean cuisine to diners in the exotic town of Bacalar, Mexico.

Serving popular takeout meals and Korean street cuisine, including kimbap, tteokbokki, and more are popular Korean celebrities Lee Seo-jin, Jung Yu Mi, Park Seo Joon, Choi Woo Shik and boy band BTS’ V.&nbsp;

Parasite actor Choi Woo-Shik shares his experience of working on the show. He says, “Being in a popular travel destination, it was really fun. There were all kinds of people from all over the world, some of that I became friends with. A lot of them were there just for vacation. As everyone was there for vacation, they were open to trying new things, willing to meet new people and rated our food very positively. So I think I felt encouraged by all of that.”&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/a-look-at-paula-yatess-extra-marital-affairs-her-chaotic-life-with-bob-geldof-michael-hutchence-net-worth-571899">A look at Paula Yates's extra-marital affairs, her chaotic life with Bob Geldof &amp; Michael Hutchence, net worth</a>

The actor also talks about K-pop heartthrob, Korean boy-band BTS’ singer V, who is the youngest of the lot, “The four of us have already spent a lot of time together, but since V is new, when we gave him a task he would put his best foot forward. I got to see a new side of him. I’ve always thought he was really young, just a dongsaeng (like a younger brother). He exceeded my expectations. It was a sight to see.”&nbsp;

Starring Lee Seo Jin as the restaurant‘s President, Jung Yu Mi as the Director, Park Seo Joon as General Manager, Choi Woo Shik and the idol star V as Interns, the first four episodes will be available from 17th March followed by weekly releases until May 12th, only on Prime Video.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Prime Video offers an exciting and scrumptious treat for all K-drama fans in the form of an upcoming cooking reality show. Jinny’s Kitchen follows five Korean celebs who play the roles of restaurant staff and serve mouthwatering Korean cuisine to diners in the exotic town of Bacalar, Mexico.

Prime Video offers an exciting and scrumptious treat for all K-drama fans in the form of an upcoming cooking reality show. Jinny’s Kitchen follows five Korean celebs who play the roles of restaurant staff and serve mouthwatering Korean cuisine to diners in the exotic town of Bacalar, Mexico. Serving popular takeout meals and Korean street cuisine, including kimbap, tteokbokki, and more are popular Korean celebrities Lee Seo-jin, Jung Yu Mi, Park Seo Joon, Choi Woo Shik and boy band BTS’ V. Parasite actor Choi Woo-Shik shares his experience of working on the show. He says, “Being in a popular travel destination, it was really fun. There were all kinds of people from all over the world, some of that I became friends with. A lot of them were there just for vacation. As everyone was there for vacation, they were open to trying new things, willing to meet new people and rated our food very positively. So I think I felt encouraged by all of that.” Also read: A look at Paula Yates's extra-marital affairs, her chaotic life with Bob Geldof & Michael Hutchence, net worth The actor also talks about K-pop heartthrob, Korean boy-band BTS’ singer V, who is the youngest of the lot, “The four of us have already spent a lot of time together, but since V is new, when we gave him a task he would put his best foot forward. I got to see a new side of him. I’ve always thought he was really young, just a dongsaeng (like a younger brother). He exceeded my expectations. It was a sight to see.” Starring Lee Seo Jin as the restaurant‘s President, Jung Yu Mi as the Director, Park Seo Joon as General Manager, Choi Woo Shik and the idol star V as Interns, the first four episodes will be available from 17th March followed by weekly releases until May 12th, only on Prime Video. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Parasite fame Choi Woo Shik opens up about working with BTS singer V in Jinny’s Kitchen

Oscar-winning director Bong Joo-ho has announced his new film; a sci-fi which will star Robert Pattinson in the lead and produced by Warner Bros.

The filmmaker will write and direct a yet-untitled film, with Pattinson in talks to star, states report.&nbsp;

The project will be based on 'Mickey7', a forthcoming novel by author Edward Ashton.

'Mickey7' is described as Andy Wier's The Martian meets Blake Crouch's, Dark Matter. It centres on Mickey7, a man on an expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim.

This expendable employee takes jobs too risky for anyone else, and when he dies, he regenerates as a clone with most of his memories intact.

When Mickey7 is presumed dead, he returns to the mission's base only to see that a new clone, Mickey8, has taken his place. The book will be published in the first quarter of this year by St. Martin, an imprint of Macmillan.

Bong will produce via his Offscreen with Dooho Choi for Kate Street Picture Company and Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B, which produced his Netflix film, 'Okja'. Peter Dodd will oversee the studio.

Pattinson will next appear in theatres in March with the anticipated 'The Batman', also for Warner Bros. 
 
This will be Joon-ho's first film since 'Parasite' which was released in 2019 and won almost all international awards in early 2020.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Oscar-winning director Bong Joo-ho has announced his new film; a sci-fi which will star Robert Pattinson in the lead and produced by Warner Bros. The filmmaker will write and direct a yet-untitled film, with Pattinson in talks to star, states report.

Oscar-winning director Bong Joo-ho has announced his new film; a sci-fi which will star Robert Pattinson in the lead and produced by Warner Bros. The filmmaker will write and direct a yet-untitled film, with Pattinson in talks to star, states report. The project will be based on 'Mickey7', a forthcoming novel by author Edward Ashton. 'Mickey7' is described as Andy Wier's The Martian meets Blake Crouch's, Dark Matter. It centres on Mickey7, a man on an expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim. This expendable employee takes jobs too risky for anyone else, and when he dies, he regenerates as a clone with most of his memories intact. When Mickey7 is presumed dead, he returns to the mission's base only to see that a new clone, Mickey8, has taken his place. The book will be published in the first quarter of this year by St. Martin, an imprint of Macmillan. Bong will produce via his Offscreen with Dooho Choi for Kate Street Picture Company and Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B, which produced his Netflix film, 'Okja'. Peter Dodd will oversee the studio. Pattinson will next appear in theatres in March with the anticipated 'The Batman', also for Warner Bros. This will be Joon-ho's first film since 'Parasite' which was released in 2019 and won almost all international awards in early 2020.

Bong Joon Ho, Robert Pattinson teaming for sci-fi movie

South Korean actress Park So-dam, best known for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.&nbsp; 
 
Park So-dam played the character of Kim Ki-jung (Jessica), the daughter of the Kim family who is hired as Da-song's art therapist in 'Parasite'.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports, the 30-year -old star's talent agency Artist Company released a statement to the media revealing that Park had been diagnosed with cancer following a &nbsp;regular health check.&nbsp; 
 
She reportedly put a break to the ongoing promotional activities of her upcoming film 'Special Delivery' and underwent immediate surgery.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-stars-jo-yeo-jeong-park-so-dam-choi-woo-shik-in-unseen-oscars-photos-280548">'Parasite' stars Jo Yeo Jeong, Park So Dam, Choi Woo Shik in unseen Oscars photos</a> 
 
The statement revealed that she is now taking rest and recovering and will also be skipping the promotional tour of her film 'Special Cargo'.&nbsp; 
 
The statement read, "Actress Park So Dam was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer from her regular health examination, and she completed surgery following the doctor’s recommendation. As the long-awaited 'Special Delivery' is soon premiering, actress Park So Dam is very disappointed that she cannot be together with fans who have waited and shown support." 
 
It further added, "Although actress Park So Dam cannot participate in Special Delivery promotions, she is cheering on the 'Special Delivery' premiere. We once again express gratitude to the 'Special Delivery' actors and production team who are also overcoming a difficult situation together with everyone who supports 'Special Delivery' and actress Park So Dam." 
 
It is also speculated that filming on Park's next film, 'Ghost' might also get delayed.&nbsp;

South Korean actress Park So-dam, best known for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.

South Korean actress Park So-dam, best known for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. Park So-dam played the character of Kim Ki-jung (Jessica), the daughter of the Kim family who is hired as Da-song's art therapist in 'Parasite'. According to reports, the 30-year -old star's talent agency Artist Company released a statement to the media revealing that Park had been diagnosed with cancer following a regular health check. She reportedly put a break to the ongoing promotional activities of her upcoming film 'Special Delivery' and underwent immediate surgery. 'Parasite' stars Jo Yeo Jeong, Park So Dam, Choi Woo Shik in unseen Oscars photos The statement revealed that she is now taking rest and recovering and will also be skipping the promotional tour of her film 'Special Cargo'. The statement read, "Actress Park So Dam was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer from her regular health examination, and she completed surgery following the doctor’s recommendation. As the long-awaited 'Special Delivery' is soon premiering, actress Park So Dam is very disappointed that she cannot be together with fans who have waited and shown support." It further added, "Although actress Park So Dam cannot participate in Special Delivery promotions, she is cheering on the 'Special Delivery' premiere. We once again express gratitude to the 'Special Delivery' actors and production team who are also overcoming a difficult situation together with everyone who supports 'Special Delivery' and actress Park So Dam." It is also speculated that filming on Park's next film, 'Ghost' might also get delayed.

'Parasite' star Park So-dam undergoes surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer

Malaria is still a deadly disease in many parts of the world. It claims more lives in poorer continents like Africa where even basic medical facilities are not available in many countries. As per World Health Organisation (WHO) more than 400,00 deaths were recorded across the world due to Malaria in the year 2019 alone.

Now it appears that primary parasite responsible for the disease, Plasmodium falciparum, is able to mutate to avoid common ways of detection we use.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/before-chickens-early-humans-reared-one-of-the-most-dangerous-birds-study-417744">Before chickens, early humans reared one of the most dangerous birds: Study</a>

A study by an immunologist at Ethiopian Public Health Institute has shed more light on this. Sindew Feleke, the immunologist says that about 10 per cent of Malaria cases escaped detection&nbsp;around Ethiopia's border region because of at least one mutation. This is allowing the parasite to evade rapid diagnostic testing (RDT).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/37-per-cent-patients-have-long-covid-symptoms-months-post-recovery-oxford-study-416740">37 per cent patients have long Covid symptoms months post recovery: Oxford study</a>

Ability to hide from the testing may give the parasite an extra advantage to spread more.

The parasite Plasmodium falciparum infests human blood cells to clone itself. These cells then burst, which sends a flood of parasites within the body. This causes waves of fever and other symptoms.

For their study, Feleke and his colleagues studied blood samples of over 12,500 patients along Ethiopian borders with Eritrea and Sudan. They found that a false negative had been reported in about 10 per cent of the cases.

Malaria is still a deadly disease in many parts of the world. It claims more lives in poorer continents like Africa where even basic medical facilities are not available in many countries.

Malaria is still a deadly disease in many parts of the world. It claims more lives in poorer continents like Africa where even basic medical facilities are not available in many countries. As per World Health Organisation (WHO) more than 400,00 deaths were recorded across the world due to Malaria in the year 2019 alone. Now it appears that primary parasite responsible for the disease, Plasmodium falciparum, is able to mutate to avoid common ways of detection we use. Also Read | Before chickens, early humans reared one of the most dangerous birds: Study A study by an immunologist at Ethiopian Public Health Institute has shed more light on this. Sindew Feleke, the immunologist says that about 10 per cent of Malaria cases escaped detection around Ethiopia's border region because of at least one mutation. This is allowing the parasite to evade rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). Also Read | 37 per cent patients have long Covid symptoms months post recovery: Oxford study Ability to hide from the testing may give the parasite an extra advantage to spread more. The parasite Plasmodium falciparum infests human blood cells to clone itself. These cells then burst, which sends a flood of parasites within the body. This causes waves of fever and other symptoms. For their study, Feleke and his colleagues studied blood samples of over 12,500 patients along Ethiopian borders with Eritrea and Sudan. They found that a false negative had been reported in about 10 per cent of the cases.

Malaria parasite found to undergo mutations evading detection

Oscar-winning director Bong Joon- ho feels that directors and creators should be bolder when dealing with issues like Anti-Asian violence

Addressing questions remotely from his Korea home at&nbsp;Chapman University’s Dodge College in Orange, California,&nbsp;the Parasite director admitted that being so far away, he had an outsider’s perspective. 
 
“But as someone who is a part of mankind, as a person, it’s quite fearful to watch the hate crimes against Asian-Americans and the BLM movement,” he said. “I do think about what the film industry can do at this time. With films, creating a film takes a lot of time and a lot of money; it’s a big unit that can’t really respond quickly to issues that are currently happening in society.”

However, he added, “But ironically, because of that, I think creators and filmmakers can be bolder with dealing with issues and they shouldn’t be afraid to confront them. I’m currently thinking of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.”

Bong said the Spike Lee film was an example of the role creators and artists can play to confront social issues, not necessarily to predict what will happen in society but to use your insight to portray the issues that are currently boiling underneath the surface of society that can explode later on.

“For me, Parasite was a film where I tried to take that approach… [the film] talks about the haves and have-nots of our current society. It began with a question of ‘what does it mean to be poor or rich in our current times?’ As creators and artists, you sort of have to see through the essence and the central questions in our society through the days that you live through and send a reply to those questions through your work.”

Oscar-winning director Bong Joon- ho feels that directors and creators should be bolder when dealing with issues like Anti-Asian violence Addressing questions remotely from his Korea home at Chapman University’s Dodge College in Orange, California, the Parasite director admitted that being so far away, he had an outsider’s perspective.

Oscar-winning director Bong Joon- ho feels that directors and creators should be bolder when dealing with issues like Anti-Asian violence Addressing questions remotely from his Korea home at Chapman University’s Dodge College in Orange, California, the Parasite director admitted that being so far away, he had an outsider’s perspective. “But as someone who is a part of mankind, as a person, it’s quite fearful to watch the hate crimes against Asian-Americans and the BLM movement,” he said. “I do think about what the film industry can do at this time. With films, creating a film takes a lot of time and a lot of money; it’s a big unit that can’t really respond quickly to issues that are currently happening in society.” However, he added, “But ironically, because of that, I think creators and filmmakers can be bolder with dealing with issues and they shouldn’t be afraid to confront them. I’m currently thinking of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.” Bong said the Spike Lee film was an example of the role creators and artists can play to confront social issues, not necessarily to predict what will happen in society but to use your insight to portray the issues that are currently boiling underneath the surface of society that can explode later on. “For me, Parasite was a film where I tried to take that approach… [the film] talks about the haves and have-nots of our current society. It began with a question of ‘what does it mean to be poor or rich in our current times?’ As creators and artists, you sort of have to see through the essence and the central questions in our society through the days that you live through and send a reply to those questions through your work.”

'Parasite' director Bong Joon-Ho addresses anti-Asian violence

&nbsp;A year after South Korean satire 'Parasite'&nbsp;took Hollywood by storm, another Korean-language movie, 'Minari',&nbsp;is making waves during awards season. Yet the two films could not be more different. 
 
'Parasite',&nbsp;which made history in 2020 by becoming the first film in a foreign language to win the best picture Oscar, is a dark satire about class and contemporary society in South Korea.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/oscars-2021-predictions-a-look-at-the-frontrunners-355994" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners</a> 
 
'Minari', now in U.S. movie theatres and arriving in South Korea in March, is a tender, quintessentially American story about an immigrant family in the 1980s trying to better themselves by starting a farm in Arkansas. Unlike 'Parasite',&nbsp;it was conceived, produced and filmed in the United States. 
 
"They speak Korean and it`s about a family and there`s some Korean culture involved, but I think this film speaks a lot to what America is. It contains a lot of people doing many different things, many different walks of life, and in that way, it`s quite different from 'Parasite'," said director Lee Isaac Chung.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/da-5-bloods-bridgerton-golden-globe-2021-snubs-find-mention-in-sag-award-nomination-list-361518" hreflang="en">'Da 5 Bloods', Bridgerton': Golden Globe 2021 snubs find mention in SAG Award nomination list</a>

An intensely personal story, the film is based partly on Chung`s own life as a boy growing up in Arkansas, but there is no satire and barely any mention of racism. Instead the film, which has already won multiple awards nominations, including the Golden Globes, has been widely embraced for its universal humanity. Nominations for the Oscars have not yet been announced. 
 
Korean-American actor Steven Yeun, who plays the father, said he was terrified at taking on the role. "It was scary to approach my father`s generation on a level that isn`t just caricatured but really just trying to get into their humanity. It opened my own eyes into the ways in which I might misunderstand my own father and that generation as well," Yeun said.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/asian-descents-to-black-artists-golden-globes-2021-nominee-list-is-diverse-361315" hreflang="en">Asian descents to black artists: Golden Globes 2021 nominee list is diverse</a> 
 
Yeun, best known for his TV role in 'The Walking Dead',&nbsp;is joined by Korean actors Yeri Han as his stressed wife and Yuh- Jung Youn as his idiosyncratic mother-in-law, who all live together in a sweltering trailer in a remote and unforgiving field. 
 
Chung said the warm response to the film so far has been more than he hoped for. "I do feel hopeful and glad that it seems like audiences are willing to read subtitles, and to watch films that don`t reflect their own experiences," he said. "It seems like they identify with what they`re seeing, and they`re looking more to this shared humanity."

A year after South Korean satire 'Parasite' took Hollywood by storm, another Korean-language movie, 'Minari', is making waves during awards season. Yet the two films could not be more different.

A year after South Korean satire 'Parasite' took Hollywood by storm, another Korean-language movie, 'Minari', is making waves during awards season. Yet the two films could not be more different. 'Parasite', which made history in 2020 by becoming the first film in a foreign language to win the best picture Oscar, is a dark satire about class and contemporary society in South Korea. Oscars 2021 Predictions: A look at the frontrunners 'Minari', now in U.S. movie theatres and arriving in South Korea in March, is a tender, quintessentially American story about an immigrant family in the 1980s trying to better themselves by starting a farm in Arkansas. Unlike 'Parasite', it was conceived, produced and filmed in the United States. "They speak Korean and it`s about a family and there`s some Korean culture involved, but I think this film speaks a lot to what America is. It contains a lot of people doing many different things, many different walks of life, and in that way, it`s quite different from 'Parasite'," said director Lee Isaac Chung. 'Da 5 Bloods', Bridgerton': Golden Globe 2021 snubs find mention in SAG Award nomination list An intensely personal story, the film is based partly on Chung`s own life as a boy growing up in Arkansas, but there is no satire and barely any mention of racism. Instead the film, which has already won multiple awards nominations, including the Golden Globes, has been widely embraced for its universal humanity. Nominations for the Oscars have not yet been announced. Korean-American actor Steven Yeun, who plays the father, said he was terrified at taking on the role. "It was scary to approach my father`s generation on a level that isn`t just caricatured but really just trying to get into their humanity. It opened my own eyes into the ways in which I might misunderstand my own father and that generation as well," Yeun said. Asian descents to black artists: Golden Globes 2021 nominee list is diverse Yeun, best known for his TV role in 'The Walking Dead', is joined by Korean actors Yeri Han as his stressed wife and Yuh- Jung Youn as his idiosyncratic mother-in-law, who all live together in a sweltering trailer in a remote and unforgiving field. Chung said the warm response to the film so far has been more than he hoped for. "I do feel hopeful and glad that it seems like audiences are willing to read subtitles, and to watch films that don`t reflect their own experiences," he said. "It seems like they identify with what they`re seeing, and they`re looking more to this shared humanity."

A year after 'Parasite', Korean-language movie 'Minari' is talk of Hollywood

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite'&nbsp;movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

"I'm ready to admire and applaud all the great films selected by the festival. I'm filled with genuine hope and excitement," Bong said in a statement issued by festival organisers.&nbsp;

Festival director Alberto Barbera said Bong would be the first South Korean jury president, and saluted him as "one of the most authentic and original voices in worldwide cinema."

'Parasite,'&nbsp;a dark comedy about the gap between rich and poor, made history as the first non-English-language movie to win an Oscar for Best Picture.&nbsp;

It also picked up three other statuettes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling with Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite' movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite' movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival. "I'm ready to admire and applaud all the great films selected by the festival. I'm filled with genuine hope and excitement," Bong said in a statement issued by festival organisers. Festival director Alberto Barbera said Bong would be the first South Korean jury president, and saluted him as "one of the most authentic and original voices in worldwide cinema." 'Parasite,' a dark comedy about the gap between rich and poor, made history as the first non-English-language movie to win an Oscar for Best Picture. It also picked up three other statuettes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling with Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho to head Venice film festival jury

Yearender 2020: As we get closer to the end of the year, Google’s Year in Search for 2020 reveals that Oscar-winning South Korean film ‘Parasite’ and Netflix’s show ‘Tiger King’ are the most searched movie and TV shows of 2020.&nbsp;

Bong Joon-Ho’s ‘Parasite’ had a whirlwind romance at the Oscars when it won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature along with Best Film in the 2019 Oscar ceremony. It was a sensation in 2020 after it was released in 2019.&nbsp;

Another of Google’s search results indicate that Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ really swept the audience. The docuseries follows the intrigue and drama surrounding a group of eccentric exotic animal traders. It happened to have been released at the time when the world went into lockdown phase due to the pandemic chaos.&nbsp;

Both ‘Parasite’ and ‘Tiger King’ dominated entertainment headlines in 2020 and became the most searched TV shows and movies of the year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dil-bechara-bigg-boss-and-amitabh-bachchan-were-most-tweeted-in-india-in-2020-348289">'Dil Bechara', 'Bigg Boss' and Amitabh Bachchan were most tweeted in India in 2020</a>

‘Parasite’ beat Sam Mendes’ ‘1917’ to the top of the movie list, with ‘Black Panther’ coming in third. ‘365 Days’ was fourth and ‘Contagion’ was fifth. On the TV show list, ‘Tiger King’ beat out’ Big Brother Brasil’ for the number one spot, while ‘Money Heist’, ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’ were third, fourth and fifth most searched respectively.

Yearender 2020: As we get closer to the end of the year, Google’s Year in Search for 2020 reveals that Oscar-winning South Korean film ‘Parasite’ and Netflix’s show ‘Tiger King’ are the most searched movie and TV shows of 2020.

Yearender 2020: As we get closer to the end of the year, Google’s Year in Search for 2020 reveals that Oscar-winning South Korean film ‘Parasite’ and Netflix’s show ‘Tiger King’ are the most searched movie and TV shows of 2020. Bong Joon-Ho’s ‘Parasite’ had a whirlwind romance at the Oscars when it won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature along with Best Film in the 2019 Oscar ceremony. It was a sensation in 2020 after it was released in 2019. Another of Google’s search results indicate that Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ really swept the audience. The docuseries follows the intrigue and drama surrounding a group of eccentric exotic animal traders. It happened to have been released at the time when the world went into lockdown phase due to the pandemic chaos. Both ‘Parasite’ and ‘Tiger King’ dominated entertainment headlines in 2020 and became the most searched TV shows and movies of the year. 'Dil Bechara', 'Bigg Boss' and Amitabh Bachchan were most tweeted in India in 2020 ‘Parasite’ beat Sam Mendes’ ‘1917’ to the top of the movie list, with ‘Black Panther’ coming in third. ‘365 Days’ was fourth and ‘Contagion’ was fifth. On the TV show list, ‘Tiger King’ beat out’ Big Brother Brasil’ for the number one spot, while ‘Money Heist’, ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’ were third, fourth and fifth most searched respectively.

'Parasite', 'Tiger King' are most searched movie & TV show of 2020

Comedy thriller flick `Parasite` took four more awards home, dominating the 14th Asian Film Awards on Wednesday. Earlier, the dark comedy won Cannes 2019 and four Oscars, including best film and best screenplay. 
 
According to Variety, the AFA event this year shifted from its previous base in Hong Kong and Macau to Busan. And it moved its dates from March to October to coincide with the Busan International Film Festival.&nbsp; 
 
But the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions meant that the 14th AFA ceremony was an online one.`Parasite` also claimed prizes for Yang Yinmo`s editing and for Lee Ha-jun`s production design, as per Variety. 
 
"Every member of `Parasite,` no matter how big or small the role is, deserves to make a speech here with me because we made it together. I strongly believe that we will meet in person next year at the Asian Film Awards, shake hands, and enjoy talking with one another without masks. Nothing can stop us from continuing to make films," said Bong. 
 
The only other film to pick up more than one prize was Derek Yee`s China-Hong Kong co-production `Better Days` which earned a best actress prize for Zhou Dongyu and&nbsp;best newcomer award for Jackson Yee.

Comedy thriller flick `Parasite` took four more awards home, dominating the 14th Asian Film Awards on Wednesday. Earlier, the dark comedy won Cannes 2019 and four Oscars, including best film and best screenplay.

Comedy thriller flick `Parasite` took four more awards home, dominating the 14th Asian Film Awards on Wednesday. Earlier, the dark comedy won Cannes 2019 and four Oscars, including best film and best screenplay. According to Variety, the AFA event this year shifted from its previous base in Hong Kong and Macau to Busan. And it moved its dates from March to October to coincide with the Busan International Film Festival. But the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions meant that the 14th AFA ceremony was an online one.`Parasite` also claimed prizes for Yang Yinmo`s editing and for Lee Ha-jun`s production design, as per Variety. "Every member of `Parasite,` no matter how big or small the role is, deserves to make a speech here with me because we made it together. I strongly believe that we will meet in person next year at the Asian Film Awards, shake hands, and enjoy talking with one another without masks. Nothing can stop us from continuing to make films," said Bong. The only other film to pick up more than one prize was Derek Yee`s China-Hong Kong co-production `Better Days` which earned a best actress prize for Zhou Dongyu and best newcomer award for Jackson Yee.

'Parasite'' dominates 14th edition of Asian Film Awards

Last year's festival favourite, Korean drama 'Parasite' dominates the nomination list of this year's Asian Film Awards. The film which created history earlier this year at the Oscars by becoming the first non-English film to win the Best Picture award has earned 10 nominations at Asian Film Awards. 
 
Interestingly, in the Best Film category, Bollywood film 'Thappad' featuring Taapsee Pannu will compete with 'Parasite' for the coveted prize. The two films have been also nominated in the Best Editing category. 
 
Wang Xiaoshuai`s drama `So Long, My Son` and Taiwan drama `A Sun` by Chung Mong-hong, have bagged seven nominations at the awards this year. 
 
Other Indian films that have been nominated include 'Gully Boy' and 'Jallikattu'. Both these films have been nominated in the Best Original Music category along with 'Parasite'. 
 
For the forthcoming award, a total of 39 films from 11 countries and regions will be competing. 
 
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the AFAs will be held virtually this time. They will be hosted from Busan, but the only place they will be accessed live is the AFA Academy`s YouTube channel. The presentations will be made on October 14. 
 
"Despite the limitations due to the global pandemic, we anticipate sharing the joyful moments with all award winners," Variety quoted Lee Yong-Kwan, chairman of the Busan festival, as saying. 
 
The film also bagged the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, and Best Director. 
 
Out of the six nominations, the movie managed to win four honours at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards -- Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Film Editing. 
 
The movie has garnered international acclaim and has managed to win awards at Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Writers Guild Awards.The movie stars Song Kang-Ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong, Choi Woo-Shik, and Park So-dam.

Last year's festival favourite, Korean drama 'Parasite' dominates the nomination list of this year's Asian Film Awards. The film which created history earlier this year at the Oscars by becoming the first non-English film to win the Best Picture award has earned 10 nominations at Asian Film Awards.

Last year's festival favourite, Korean drama 'Parasite' dominates the nomination list of this year's Asian Film Awards. The film which created history earlier this year at the Oscars by becoming the first non-English film to win the Best Picture award has earned 10 nominations at Asian Film Awards. Interestingly, in the Best Film category, Bollywood film 'Thappad' featuring Taapsee Pannu will compete with 'Parasite' for the coveted prize. The two films have been also nominated in the Best Editing category. Wang Xiaoshuai`s drama `So Long, My Son` and Taiwan drama `A Sun` by Chung Mong-hong, have bagged seven nominations at the awards this year. Other Indian films that have been nominated include 'Gully Boy' and 'Jallikattu'. Both these films have been nominated in the Best Original Music category along with 'Parasite'. For the forthcoming award, a total of 39 films from 11 countries and regions will be competing. Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the AFAs will be held virtually this time. They will be hosted from Busan, but the only place they will be accessed live is the AFA Academy`s YouTube channel. The presentations will be made on October 14. "Despite the limitations due to the global pandemic, we anticipate sharing the joyful moments with all award winners," Variety quoted Lee Yong-Kwan, chairman of the Busan festival, as saying. The film also bagged the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, and Best Director. Out of the six nominations, the movie managed to win four honours at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards -- Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Film Editing. The movie has garnered international acclaim and has managed to win awards at Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Writers Guild Awards.The movie stars Song Kang-Ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong, Choi Woo-Shik, and Park So-dam.

Indian film 'Thappad' to compete alongside Korean hit 'Parasite' at Asian Film Awards; 'Gully Boy' and 'Jallikattu' too find a mention

From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home

Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite' may have impressed viewers world over but in India, filmmaker SS Rajamouli did not have too many great things to say about the film. 
 
During a recent interview, the 'Baahubali' director was asked to comment on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-winning-film-parasite-to-release-digitally-in-india-on-this-date-287138">Oscar winning film.</a> Rajamouli admitted that he slept through the first of the film before turning it off. The filmmaker stated that he did not like the film. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">Read 'Parasite' review here. </a>

South Korean comedy-drama 'Parasite' created history at the Oscars earlier this year by becoming the first non-English film to win the Best Film award. The film also fetched the Best Screenplay and Best Director Oscar. 
 
Bong Joon-Ho's film also won the prestigious Palm D'Ore at the Cannes Film Festival last year. 
 
The film, set in South Korea narrated the story of two families from different strata of society. How their paths collide and lives change drastically after one rainy night forms the rest of the story.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-brings-cheer-in-time-of-self-isolation-shares-the-motion-poster-of-his-next-rrr-288411">SS Rajamouli brings cheer in time of self-isolation, shares the motion poster of his next 'RRR'</a>

The film was not only lauded for its technical brilliance and screenplay but also for its performances.

Meanwhile, Rajamouli is prepping for his new film 'RRR' which stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR. Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Samuthirakani, Alison Doody and Ray Stevenson are also part of the cast.

Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite' may have impressed viewers world over but in India, filmmaker SS Rajamouli did not have too many great things to say about the film.

Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite' may have impressed viewers world over but in India, filmmaker SS Rajamouli did not have too many great things to say about the film. During a recent interview, the 'Baahubali' director was asked to comment on the Oscar winning film. Rajamouli admitted that he slept through the first of the film before turning it off. The filmmaker stated that he did not like the film. Read 'Parasite' review here. South Korean comedy-drama 'Parasite' created history at the Oscars earlier this year by becoming the first non-English film to win the Best Film award. The film also fetched the Best Screenplay and Best Director Oscar. Bong Joon-Ho's film also won the prestigious Palm D'Ore at the Cannes Film Festival last year. The film, set in South Korea narrated the story of two families from different strata of society. How their paths collide and lives change drastically after one rainy night forms the rest of the story. SS Rajamouli brings cheer in time of self-isolation, shares the motion poster of his next 'RRR' The film was not only lauded for its technical brilliance and screenplay but also for its performances. Meanwhile, Rajamouli is prepping for his new film 'RRR' which stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR. Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Samuthirakani, Alison Doody and Ray Stevenson are also part of the cast.

SS Rajamouli 'fell asleep' while watching 'Parasite', admits he did not like it

For those who haven't been able to watch Bong Joon-Ho's critically acclaimed film 'Parasite' yet, there is good news. The Oscar-winning film will soon be available on a digital platform.&nbsp; 
 
Amazon Prime Video will be releasing the film digitally in India and it will be available for streaming from March 27 onwards.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">Read WION's review of 'Parasite' here.</a> 
 
The film that is set in South Korea and highlights the class divide in the country was one of the most talked-about films of 2019. Directed and co-written by Bong, the film follows the lives of a poor family, the Kims as they con their way into becoming the servants of a rich family, the Parks. But their easy life gets complicated when their deception is on the verge of being exposed.

The film won the prestigious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cannes-2019-south-korean-social-satire-parasite-directed-by-bong-joon-ho-wins-palme-dor-award-221942">Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/92nd-academy-awards-showcases-diversity-as-south-koreas-parasite-wins-top-honours-creates-history-279723">created history at Oscars </a>earlier this year as it became the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award. 
 
The film will be available in Hindi dubbed version as well on the platform to reach to a wider audience.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-netizens-think-oscar-winning-film-parasite-is-a-copy-of-1999-indian-film-minsara-kanna-280463">Also read:&nbsp;Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'</a> 
 
Due to the present Coronavirus pandemic, a lot of offices have requested their employees to work from home. Most people are staying indoors and studios are taking the extraordinary step of funnelling recently released films onto OTT platforms.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports, Universal Pictures will now make its current and upcoming films available for on-demand rental, becoming the first major studio to break the tradition of releasing on theatre first and waiting for 90 days before digitally releasing it.&nbsp; 
 
The studio said it will put movies currently in theatres — ' Invisible Man', 'The Hunt', 'Emma' &nbsp;up for rental as early as Friday.&nbsp;

For those who haven't been able to watch Bong Joon-Ho's critically acclaimed film 'Parasite' yet, there is good news. The Oscar-winning film will soon be available on a digital platform.

For those who haven't been able to watch Bong Joon-Ho's critically acclaimed film 'Parasite' yet, there is good news. The Oscar-winning film will soon be available on a digital platform. Amazon Prime Video will be releasing the film digitally in India and it will be available for streaming from March 27 onwards. Read WION's review of 'Parasite' here. The film that is set in South Korea and highlights the class divide in the country was one of the most talked-about films of 2019. Directed and co-written by Bong, the film follows the lives of a poor family, the Kims as they con their way into becoming the servants of a rich family, the Parks. But their easy life gets complicated when their deception is on the verge of being exposed. The film won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival and created history at Oscars earlier this year as it became the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award. The film will be available in Hindi dubbed version as well on the platform to reach to a wider audience. Also read: Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna' Due to the present Coronavirus pandemic, a lot of offices have requested their employees to work from home. Most people are staying indoors and studios are taking the extraordinary step of funnelling recently released films onto OTT platforms. According to reports, Universal Pictures will now make its current and upcoming films available for on-demand rental, becoming the first major studio to break the tradition of releasing on theatre first and waiting for 90 days before digitally releasing it. The studio said it will put movies currently in theatres — ' Invisible Man', 'The Hunt', 'Emma' up for rental as early as Friday.

Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' to release digitally in India on this date

This year’s Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’ continues with its winning streak as the film that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/92nd-academy-awards-showcases-diversity-as-south-koreas-parasite-wins-top-honours-creates-history-279723">hauled up key awards at The Academy Award</a>s is now UK’s highest-grossing non-English film.&nbsp;

‘Parasite’ has taken home a total of £11.5m at the box office in the UK since it released in theatres on February 7, 2020. The South Korean film ended the reign of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ which had held the top spot with £11.1m since 2004. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-netizens-think-oscar-winning-film-parasite-is-a-copy-of-1999-indian-film-minsara-kanna-280463">Also read:&nbsp;Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'</a>

‘Parasite’ came later in the UK than the other countries and was able to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-global-box-office-trend-parasite-281258"> cash in on the Academy Awards buzz.&nbsp;</a>

In overall global collections, the film made &nbsp;$257m (£197m).&nbsp;

Here is the list of UK's top 10 highest-grossing non-English language films:

1. Parasite: £11.5m*, released 2020

2. The Passion of the Christ: £11.1m, released 2004

3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: £9.4m, released 2001

4. Amélie: £5m, released 2001

5. Apocalypto: £4.1m, released 2007

6. Hero: £3.8m, released 2004

7. House of Flying Daggers: £3.8m, released 2004

8. Life is Beautiful: £3.1m, released 1999

9. Volver: £2.9m, released 2006

10. The Motorcycle Diaries: £2.8m, released 2004

As for the Oscars 2020, the South Korean film made history as the first international film to win the best picture Oscar. It won four major Oscars in the categories of best director, best international film and best original screenplay. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-stars-jo-yeo-jeong-park-so-dam-choi-woo-shik-in-unseen-oscars-photos-280548">Also see:&nbsp;'Parasite' stars Jo Yeo Jeong, Park So Dam, Choi Woo Shik in unseen Oscars photos</a>

This year’s Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’ continues with its winning streak as the film that hauled up key awards at The Academy Awards is now UK’s highest-grossing non-English film.

This year’s Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’ continues with its winning streak as the film that hauled up key awards at The Academy Awards is now UK’s highest-grossing non-English film. ‘Parasite’ has taken home a total of £11.5m at the box office in the UK since it released in theatres on February 7, 2020. The South Korean film ended the reign of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ which had held the top spot with £11.1m since 2004. Also read: Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna' ‘Parasite’ came later in the UK than the other countries and was able to cash in on the Academy Awards buzz. In overall global collections, the film made $257m (£197m). Here is the list of UK's top 10 highest-grossing non-English language films: 1. Parasite: £11.5m*, released 2020 2. The Passion of the Christ: £11.1m, released 2004 3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: £9.4m, released 2001 4. Amélie: £5m, released 2001 5. Apocalypto: £4.1m, released 2007 6. Hero: £3.8m, released 2004 7. House of Flying Daggers: £3.8m, released 2004 8. Life is Beautiful: £3.1m, released 1999 9. Volver: £2.9m, released 2006 10. The Motorcycle Diaries: £2.8m, released 2004 As for the Oscars 2020, the South Korean film made history as the first international film to win the best picture Oscar. It won four major Oscars in the categories of best director, best international film and best original screenplay. Also see: 'Parasite' stars Jo Yeo Jeong, Park So Dam, Choi Woo Shik in unseen Oscars photos

'Parasite' becomes UK's most successful international film

Among a lot of news coming from the Hollywood industry, the top trending stories include 'Parasite' becoming&nbsp;&nbsp;UK's most successful international film and Harvey Weinstein's shocking letter that made the most noise.&nbsp;

Read our top 5 picks today:&nbsp;

'Jennifer Aniston should be killed' wrote Harvey Weinstein in a 2017 email

Harvey Weinstein had once written an email that “Jennifer Aniston should be killed” when a reporter asked him about allegations that he had harassed the Hollywood actor.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-should-be-killed-wrote-harvey-weinstein-in-a-2017-email-285599">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-should-be-killed-wrote-harvey-weinstein-in-a-2017-email-285599</a>

'Parasite' becomes UK's most successful international film

This year’s Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’ continues with its winning streak as the film that hauled up key awards at The Academy Awards is now UK’s highest-grossing non-English film.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-becomes-uks-most-successful-international-film-285563">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-becomes-uks-most-successful-international-film-285563</a>

'Mulan' goes on, James Bond waits as Hollywood tracks virus spread

Walt Disney Co held a red carpet premiere for its action epic 'Mulan' on Monday, pushing ahead with the movie`s rollout even though the coronavirus spread will keep the film out of China, the second-largest film market, indefinitely.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mulan-goes-on-james-bond-waits-as-hollywood-tracks-virus-spread-285559">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mulan-goes-on-james-bond-waits-as-hollywood-tracks-virus-spread-285559</a>

Billie Eilish strips at Miami concert to address online body shaming

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish stripped during a concert in Miami on Monday to address online body shaming. The Grammy award-winning singer made a bold statement with a monologue at the concert where a video was played out on the big screen that had her removing her top and getting into a pool of black water.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-strips-at-miami-concert-to-address-online-body-shaming-285600">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-strips-at-miami-concert-to-address-online-body-shaming-285600</a>

Coachella music festival postponed until October over coronavirus

The Coachella music festival in the Southern California desert has been postponed for six months until October because of concerns over the coronavirus, organizer Goldenvoice said on Tuesday.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coachella-music-festival-postponed-until-october-over-coronavirus-285638">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coachella-music-festival-postponed-until-october-over-coronavirus-285638</a>

Among a lot of news coming from the Hollywood industry, the top trending stories include 'Parasite' becoming UK's most successful international film and Harvey Weinstein's shocking letter that made the most noise.

Among a lot of news coming from the Hollywood industry, the top trending stories include 'Parasite' becoming UK's most successful international film and Harvey Weinstein's shocking letter that made the most noise. Read our top 5 picks today: 'Jennifer Aniston should be killed' wrote Harvey Weinstein in a 2017 email Harvey Weinstein had once written an email that “Jennifer Aniston should be killed” when a reporter asked him about allegations that he had harassed the Hollywood actor. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-should-be-killed-wrote-harvey-weinstein-in-a-2017-email-285599 'Parasite' becomes UK's most successful international film This year’s Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’ continues with its winning streak as the film that hauled up key awards at The Academy Awards is now UK’s highest-grossing non-English film. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-becomes-uks-most-successful-international-film-285563 'Mulan' goes on, James Bond waits as Hollywood tracks virus spread Walt Disney Co held a red carpet premiere for its action epic 'Mulan' on Monday, pushing ahead with the movie`s rollout even though the coronavirus spread will keep the film out of China, the second-largest film market, indefinitely. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mulan-goes-on-james-bond-waits-as-hollywood-tracks-virus-spread-285559 Billie Eilish strips at Miami concert to address online body shaming Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish stripped during a concert in Miami on Monday to address online body shaming. The Grammy award-winning singer made a bold statement with a monologue at the concert where a video was played out on the big screen that had her removing her top and getting into a pool of black water. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-strips-at-miami-concert-to-address-online-body-shaming-285600 Coachella music festival postponed until October over coronavirus The Coachella music festival in the Southern California desert has been postponed for six months until October because of concerns over the coronavirus, organizer Goldenvoice said on Tuesday. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coachella-music-festival-postponed-until-october-over-coronavirus-285638

Top 5 Hollywood news today: 'Parasite' makes another record, Harvey Weinstein's shocking letter

US President Donald Trump has hit out at the Academy for awarding an Oscar to Parasite. @palkisu tells you why the American President was ranting against the Oscars.

Gravitas: Donald Trump jabs at Parasite's Oscar win

President Donald Trump on Thursday (February 20) ridiculed the historic best-picture Oscar win for South Korean film "Parasite".

Trump blasts best-picture Oscar for South Korean film 'Parasite'

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/92nd-academy-awards-showcases-diversity-as-south-koreas-parasite-wins-top-honours-creates-history-279723"> first non-English language film </a>to win the coveted Best Picture award.&nbsp;

Since then, the film has been a point of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-global-box-office-trend-parasite-281258">discussion across the world.</a> Filmmaker<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-director-bong-jun-ho-gets-heros-welcome-in-south-korea-280939"> Bong Joon Ho's film</a> effectively showed the wide gap that exists between the rich and the poor and now the film has lead to authorities in Seoul to take note of those living in the city's semi-basement apartments similar to how the poor family lived in Bong's film.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">Read 'Parasite' film review here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
According to a report in the Korea Herald, the Seoul City government will financially support 1,500 households living in semi-basement apartments and help them to improve their living conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Semi-basement apartments are in fact quite common in the city of Seoul as they are affordable options for the urban population. According to reports, nearly 78 per cent of those living in such apartments are from the low-income bracket.&nbsp; 
 
There were approximately 383,000 semi-basement apartments in South Korea, with 59.5 per cent of them in the capital itself.&nbsp; 
These spaces are cramped, damp and smelly due to lack of ventilation and sunlight. In summers, these dwellings get majorly affected due to floods- a fact that was accurately depicted in 'Parasite'.&nbsp; 
 
The government aid is part of the city’s ongoing project to repair old apartments. Authorities reportedly will be giving priority to improve these semi-basement apartments first.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-director-bong-joon-ho-reveals-martin-scorsese-said-he-is-eagerly-waiting-for-his-next-film-281658">'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho reveals Martin Scorsese said he is eagerly waiting for his next film</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-netizens-think-oscar-winning-film-parasite-is-a-copy-of-1999-indian-film-minsara-kanna-280463">Also see:&nbsp;Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'</a>

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the first non-English language film to win the coveted Best Picture award.

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the first non-English language film to win the coveted Best Picture award. Since then, the film has been a point of discussion across the world. Filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's film effectively showed the wide gap that exists between the rich and the poor and now the film has lead to authorities in Seoul to take note of those living in the city's semi-basement apartments similar to how the poor family lived in Bong's film. Read 'Parasite' film review here. According to a report in the Korea Herald, the Seoul City government will financially support 1,500 households living in semi-basement apartments and help them to improve their living conditions. Semi-basement apartments are in fact quite common in the city of Seoul as they are affordable options for the urban population. According to reports, nearly 78 per cent of those living in such apartments are from the low-income bracket. There were approximately 383,000 semi-basement apartments in South Korea, with 59.5 per cent of them in the capital itself. These spaces are cramped, damp and smelly due to lack of ventilation and sunlight. In summers, these dwellings get majorly affected due to floods- a fact that was accurately depicted in 'Parasite'. The government aid is part of the city’s ongoing project to repair old apartments. Authorities reportedly will be giving priority to improve these semi-basement apartments first. 'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho reveals Martin Scorsese said he is eagerly waiting for his next film Also see: Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'

'Parasite' effect: Seoul city government to help families living in semi-basement apartments

Feeling proud and grateful, Cesar Bonilla, 87, is still baffled by a surge in demand for his canned potato chips after a tin briefly appeared in the award-sweeping Korean film "Parasite", making his small company in northwestern Spain hire more staff.

How Oscar-winning 'Parasite' caused a surge in Spanish crisp maker's sales

South Korean President Moon Jae-in invited cast and crew members of the film 'Parasite' led by director Bong Joon-ho to a luncheon meeting at the presidential compound on Thursday (February 20) to congratulate the country's historic wins at the Academy Awards.

'Parasite' director meets South Korean president in Seoul

You’d think that after sweeping Oscars with the most number of awards, ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon Ho would take some rest before he starts work on any other film but the filmmaker recently revealed that Martin Scorsese has asked him to rest “but only a little”.&nbsp;

It became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/92nd-academy-awards-showcases-diversity-as-south-koreas-parasite-wins-top-honours-creates-history-279723">first film in the history of Academy Awards to have won Best Picture even though it was a non-English film.&nbsp;</a>

After a successful Oscars campaign, back in South Korea, Bong Joon Ho said at a press conference that American director Martin Scorsese pleaded that he get back to work quickly. "I just read his letter a few hours ago and it was an honor. He said I did a good job and should rest, but only a little because he and everyone else was eagerly waiting for my next film."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-oscars-2020-the-complete-list-of-winners-for-the-92nd-academy-awards-279700">See full list of winners here</a>

Bong Joon Ho had mentioned his admiration for Martin Scorsese and his brand of cinema after he mentioned him in his acceptance speech after winning Best Director award.&nbsp;

He announced that he is currently in talks for a TV adaptation of ‘Parasite’ with HBO. American director and screenwriter Adam McKay has reportedly agreed to be a writer on the series that could last five or six episodes.

"We have smoothly taken the first step with HBO," Bong said, while denying reports that Mark Ruffalo and Swinton have been finalised as cast members.

"The TV adaptation of Snowpiercer is planned to air in May, but since we started talking about it in 2014 or 2015, it took about five years. (The TV version of) Parasite might take quite a while too," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-global-box-office-trend-parasite-281258">Also read:&nbsp;'Parasite' ticket sales go up in US and UK post its historic Oscar win</a>

You’d think that after sweeping Oscars with the most number of awards, ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon Ho would take some rest before he starts work on any other film but the filmmaker recently revealed that Martin Scorsese has asked him to rest “but only a little”.

You’d think that after sweeping Oscars with the most number of awards, ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon Ho would take some rest before he starts work on any other film but the filmmaker recently revealed that Martin Scorsese has asked him to rest “but only a little”. It became the first film in the history of Academy Awards to have won Best Picture even though it was a non-English film. After a successful Oscars campaign, back in South Korea, Bong Joon Ho said at a press conference that American director Martin Scorsese pleaded that he get back to work quickly. "I just read his letter a few hours ago and it was an honor. He said I did a good job and should rest, but only a little because he and everyone else was eagerly waiting for my next film." See full list of winners here Bong Joon Ho had mentioned his admiration for Martin Scorsese and his brand of cinema after he mentioned him in his acceptance speech after winning Best Director award. He announced that he is currently in talks for a TV adaptation of ‘Parasite’ with HBO. American director and screenwriter Adam McKay has reportedly agreed to be a writer on the series that could last five or six episodes. "We have smoothly taken the first step with HBO," Bong said, while denying reports that Mark Ruffalo and Swinton have been finalised as cast members. "The TV adaptation of Snowpiercer is planned to air in May, but since we started talking about it in 2014 or 2015, it took about five years. (The TV version of) Parasite might take quite a while too," he said. Also read: 'Parasite' ticket sales go up in US and UK post its historic Oscar win

'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho reveals Martin Scorsese said he is eagerly waiting for his next film

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around.

I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.&nbsp;

And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had&nbsp;seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre.

If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho.

Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost.

Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor &amp; jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know.

But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it.

My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that!&nbsp;It was a wallop of movie experience!

'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least.

I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history.

FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go.

But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again.

Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced.

That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody.

It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society.

The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones.

And there are no easy resolutions to it.&nbsp;

Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next.

Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted.

Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well.

I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it.

But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night.

Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck!

'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay.

The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too.

That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another.

My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure.

Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years.

Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars.

From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it.

Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture.

And just last year black &amp; white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director.

However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award.

But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies.

South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history.

And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was&nbsp;- "We were just making a movie".

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards? These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around. I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre. If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho. Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost. Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor & jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know. But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it. My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that! It was a wallop of movie experience! 'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least. I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history. FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go. But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again. Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced. That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody. It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society. The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones. And there are no easy resolutions to it. Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next. Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted. Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well. I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it. But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night. Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck! 'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay. The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too. That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another. My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure. Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years. Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars. From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it. Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture. And just last year black & white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director. However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award. But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies. South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history. And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was - "We were just making a movie". 'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of privileged ones

parasite

Parasite, News on Parasite, stories on Parasite, articles on Parasite, Parasite stories at Wion, Parasite news, Parasite latest news