“My films are ironic. I don't feel anger though I don't accept corruption, naturally. But this strange acceptance of the Korean people raises questions for me. I really wanted to depict the typical Korean attitude in my film.”

“I like putting these characters in impossible situations that they can't deal with. That's what makes powerful drama. When you have a superhero going on a mission, the outcome is too predictable.”

Born into an artistic family - father a designer and grandfather an author, Joon-ho Bong decided at an early age - middle high school - that a career in film was for him.  Nevertheless he majored in sociology at University but was very involved in the student film club.  After university he enrolled in the two year course at Korea’s top film school where he made several shorts, two of which were invited to screen at Vancouver and Hong Kong film festivals.  The next five years were spent working in various capacities on other people’s films.  His first film was well-received but achieved only modest success.  His second film was much more successful though, both at home and abroad but it was with The Host that he finally became a director to watch.

Both of the quotations are from the Cineaste interview.