By Honorary Reporeter Magdalena Krisnawati from Indonesia

Photos= Thariq Hafidz

Videos=  Febrina Gita Grahita

On Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), I attended a screening of the Korean film "Parasite" sponsored by the Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Center in Jakarta. In addition to media representatives, public figures and influencers from both Indonesia and Korea, diplomatic officials were invited to the event that celebrated the movie's winning of four Oscars.

The huge success of "Parasite" at the Academy Awards has attracted commendation and glory for Korea from foreign media and critics. By the time the announcement of the Best Picture award came out, my social media feeds were full of talk on the movie's success. As Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Kim Chang-beom said at the screening, "I was personally quite touched by this wonderful news coming from the Academy Awards. It's a blessing for all film lovers not only in Korea, but also in Indonesia and other parts of the world."

This screening was my second time to see "Parasite"; when I saw it for the first time, I was impressed by both the film's concept and storyline. I think director Bong Joon–ho highlighted the social gap in Korean society in an ingenious way. The film showed how the wide gap between the rich and the poor sometimes causes dangerous jealousy within people. When people get too greedy and treat others improperly, their actions -- good or bad -- will serve as karma. "Parasite" is a reminder to people that they must be more sensitive to society and other people's feelings.

This is also what the ambassador said when asked for his opinion on the film's plot.

"I am a film critic but I think the economic gap and the social divide between the rich and the poor are everywhere. I think that's why the Academy Awards picked this specific film, 'Parasite', to receive the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director because the movie reflects a universal phenomenon and trend that everyone is faced with in reality, that is, the big gap and divide, but people still live their lives despite these difficulties. So I think that's the message director Bong Joon-ho tried to deliver to viewers."

The Oscar victory of "Parasite" has had a positive impact on movie lovers in Indonesia and reconfirmed how Korean cinema can compete with Hollywood in the Indonesian market.

Dian Sunardi, marketing director of the Indonesian branch of the Korean multiplex chain CGV, said at the screening that "Parasite" attracted 500,000 viewers in Indonesia. "And the number of viewers seems to continue growing as CGV is putting back 'Parasite' in our cinema network in Indonesia," she added.

So as a moviegoer, I hope I can see more quality Korean movies to learn more about Korean culture and lifestyle.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean