In the years since Bong Joon Ho made Oscar history with “Parasite”s best picture victory in 2020, the Korean director’s fanbase continued to grow and evolve around the world. And with the recent release of his capitalistic satire “Mickey 17” starring Robert Pattinson, the time feels right to celebrate his genre-defying work over the years.
Opening this Sunday in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum‘s “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho Exhibit” marks the first exhibit fully dedicated to the beloved director’s filmography. The collection features over 100 original objects from Bong, including the suseok rock from “Parasite,” the original slate used during filming “The Host” and an advertisement for the film club Bong formed while enrolled at Yonsei University, where he screened classics like “Paris, Texas,” “Tokyo Story” and “Raging Bull.”
When working on the exhibit over the past two years and collaborating with Bong on personal touches, exhibition curator Michelle Puetz was excited to see Bong’s style evolve from his early drawings in the ’80s and ’90s.
“It starts with the comics that he drew when he was an undergraduate student at Yonsei University, and thinking about those as really tracing a line through all the storyboards he’s made for his films,” Puetz tells Variety.
As part of the exhibition, the Academy is also screening Bong’s work, with Bong and Steven Yeun appearing for an “Okja” screening on March 23, along with upcoming screenings of “Snowpiercer,” “Parasite,” “Memories of Murder” in 4K and both “The Host” and “Mother” with 35mm prints.
Here’s a preview of what to expect when visiting the new Academy Museum exhibit, which runs March 23-June 10, 2027.
Posters and Art Featured in ‘Parasite’ (2019)
The Park family picture featured in “Parasite” is recreated here, with the portrait mirroring a typical middle-class family in Korea. Bong worked with artist Zibezi to create all the artwork that Park Da-song draws in the film, resulting in one of the film’s funniest scenes.
Prop suseok from ‘Parasite’ (2019)
The suseok, typically seen as a symbol of good luck, was one of the most memorable (and ironic) images in “Parasite.” It represented the Park family’s shift from hope and upward mobility to their ultimate downfall and act of violence. Suseok rocks have been collected in Korea since the 14th century and are also known as “viewing” or “scholar’s stones.”
Bullets and Props From ‘Snowpiercer’ (2013)
The bullet props featured in “Snowpiercer” are on display, along with other military medals shown on Minister Mason’s (Tilda Swinton) suit, based on a photograph of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The museum also highlights how Swinton was inspired by authoritarian leaders Benito Mussolini and Kim Il-sung to nail her mannerisms.
‘Mother’ (2009) Storyboards and Sketchbooks
Bong is known for his meticulous detail with storyboarding, and the gallery features drawings and sketches from his work on “Mother” (2009). The exhibit also features his original shooting script, drawings and storyboards for “Memories of Murder” (2003).
Bong’s Early Love of Comic Books
While Bong is primarily known for his work in film, comic books were his first passion due to the books he found as a kid in his father’s library. While enrolled at Yonsei University, Bong published comics in the school newspaper, showing his unique visual style from an early age.
Bong’s 20 Most Influential Films, Including Personal ‘Psycho’ Poster
In his Oscar speech, Bong showed reverence for filmmakers like Martin Scorsese who have shaped his work, so it’s fitting that the exhibit itself celebrates Bong’s biggest mentors. When Puetz first visited Bong in his office, she was “struck” by the mementos he keeps from his favorite films. She collaborated with Bong on the poster wall and asked him to choose the 20 most influential films in his work, including “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Barton Fink,” “Zodiac” and “Psycho.” The “Psycho” poster actually comes from Bong’s own collection.
Yellow Door Film Club Original Poster
After Bong completed his required military service, he helped start the Yellow Door Film Club at Yonsei University, where he screened numerous classics and participated in analytical seminars. Bong drew the original poster pictured above, detailing information about the organization’s meetings.