Kim Hye-Ja in Mother. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

By Jaeki Cho

Bong Joon-ho is known for synthesizing various genres to create films that critique both the political and cultural landscape of Korea. In Mother, the South Korean filmmaker’s first feature since The Host (2006), Bong’s strange but captivating blend of comedy, drama, suspense and mystery unveils a mother’s love for her son—a slow, socially awkward adult who is accused of a heinous crime (played by Won Bin). The stunning portrayal of the title character by Kim Hye-ja, one of Korea’s most respected veteran actresses, shocked many spectators; the actress, known for playing frail motherly roles, takes on a much more complex, desperate and disturbing persona. As a result, the film has made significant noise in Korea and beyond. Recently, filmmaker Bong was in New York City and discussed with KoreAm his “maniacal” lead actress, James Cameron’s Avatar, and why Olympian Kim Yu-na makes him feel useless.

What were your thoughts on Kim Yu-na’s Olympic free skate?
I feel like making all these films is useless. The level of excitement she created within those four minutes is untouchable. But, I hope everybody—TV, press—leaves her alone. She doesn’t get as much financial support as Japan’s Asada Mao. So she basically makes her own money to pay for Brian Orser (her coach), David Wilson (her choreographer) and all her other expenses. If you look at it, she’s not a Korean player; she’s Kim Yu-na, an individual. What has Korea done for her?

These days, my mother has abandoned me for her.
So did the rest of Korea’s mothers.