Joon-ho Bong

Bong Joon-ho (b. 1969, Seoul, South Korea) studied sociology and graduated from the Korean Film Academy. He debuted in features with Barking Dogs Never Bite (Peullandaseueui gae, 2000). Although the film went fairly unnoticed at domestic cinemas, at foreign festivals there was talk of a talent to be reckoned with. His next film, Memories of Murder (Sarinui chueok, 2003), was presented in the Another View section at KVIFF 2004. Soon even at home the director joined the ranks of the most vital and original Korean directors of the new millennium. His third film, The Host (Goimool, 2006), became a major domestic box-office success, with dozens of foreign engagements (festival and distribution). Bong's films competently combine generic constructs with social and political agendas. After premiering at Cannes, his drama Mother (2009) took nearly 20 awards.

MFF Karlovy Vary