Bong Joon-ho is a master storyteller, blending dark humor, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable visuals. His films, like Parasite and Snowpiercer, challenge audiences while entertaining them. His quotes reveal his wit, wisdom, and unique perspective on filmmaking and life.
Here’s a collection of his best quotes—funny, profound, and always thought-provoking.
Bong Joon-ho on Filmmaking
Bong’s approach to cinema is bold and unapologetic. He doesn’t follow rules—he rewrites them.
🔹 “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
🔹 “I think films are very personal. You have to be honest with yourself.”
🔹 “A film is like a train. Once it starts moving, you can’t stop it.”
🔹 “The best way to make a film is to not think about the audience.”
🔹 “I don’t make films to send messages. I make films because I have questions.”
His advice? Trust your instincts. Don’t chase trends.
Bong Joon-ho on Society and Class
His films often expose inequality. His words cut just as deep.
🔥 “We all live in the same country now: capitalism.”
🔥 “The poor are always more ingenious than the rich.”
🔥 “The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer—that’s not just a cliché. It’s a brutal truth.”
🔥 “Money is an iron. It smooths out all the wrinkles.”
🔥 “The system is designed to keep people in their place. My job is to show how absurd that is.”
Ever notice how his films make you laugh before punching you in the gut? That’s intentional.
Bong Joon-ho on Creativity
He doesn’t believe in waiting for inspiration.
🎯 “Ideas don’t come from the sky. You have to dig for them.”
🎯 “If you’re stuck, watch bad movies. They’ll remind you what not to do.”
🎯 “A good script is like a Swiss watch—every piece has to fit perfectly.”
🎯 “The weirder the idea, the more I like it.”
His secret? Embrace the weird.
Bong Joon-ho on Success
After Parasite won the Palme d’Or and Oscars, he stayed grounded.
🏆 “Awards are great, but they don’t change who you are.”
🏆 “Success is just a moment. The real work is what comes next.”
🏆 “I’m just a guy who likes to tell stories. The rest is noise.”
He never let fame go to his head.
Bong Joon-ho’s Humor and Wit
His interviews are as entertaining as his films.
💡 “I’m not a genius. I just work hard and steal from the best.”
💡 “If my movies make you uncomfortable, good. That means they’re working.”
💡 “I love Hitchcock, but my films have more body odor.”
Classic Bong—always keeping it real.
Bong Joon-ho on Life Lessons
His wisdom goes beyond cinema.
📌 “The world is unfair. The sooner you accept that, the freer you’ll be.”
📌 “Curiosity is more important than talent.”
📌 “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.”
Simple truths, delivered with a smirk.
Final Thoughts
Bong Joon-ho’s quotes are as layered as his films—funny, sharp, and deeply human. Whether he’s talking about art, money, or life, he makes you think.
Which quote hit you the hardest? Let it sit with you. Then go watch one of his movies. You’ll see exactly what he means.
