President Moon Jae-in, right, and "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho laugh during a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. The President congratulated Bong and the cast of the film for winning four Oscars and pledged to provide stronger support for the film industry. Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



President Moon Jae-in vowed to provide more government support for the film and culture industry during a meeting with Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday.



The director was invited with some 20 staff and actors of the film "Parasite" which has gained numerous global accolades for dealing with the universal theme of social divide.



"I am very proud that the film left a mark on the 100 years of Korea's film industry. I am also proud of the fact that the film made history at the Oscars," Moon said during a lunch with the film's director and team, according to press pool reports. Bong swept up four Oscars and has emerged as an international star with the film becoming the first non-English movie to win the best picture award.



Moon lauded the filmmaker for providing a source of joy amid the difficulties felt from the spread of the new coronavirus. "The Oscars have given a great deal of courage for the Korean people, who are having a hard time due to the coronavirus epidemic. I am particularly grateful for that. The film has reaffirmed our outstanding achievements in various cultural fields. Many people around the world are already fascinated by K-pop, including BTS, and many Korean dramas have been loved by many people in the world for a long time. Korea is one of the most successful countries in the world's leading classical music competitions."



The President also praised Bong for addressing some of the chronic problems in the film industry, such as the poor working conditions of production staff. "There are some elements of deep-rooted inequality that are still rampant in the cultural and arts sectors," Moon said. "I want to pay tribute to director Bong and his production company for observing the standard work hours and 52-hour workweek. The government will do its utmost to ensure the well-being of those who work in the film industry."



Bong was one of the filmmakers that was included on a so-called blacklist of anti-government artists allegedly compiled during the Park Geun-hye administration. Moon vowed that although he will provide his utmost support for the cultural sector, there will not be political interference.



One of the lunch menu items was "chapaguri," a combination of two kinds of Korean instant noodles that garnered some interest after it was featured in the film. U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris recently posted a Twitter message watching the Academy Awards and enjoying the noodle dish which was translated in the film as "ramdon."

