By Lee Kyoung Mi 

Photos = CJ ENM

"Everybody in Korea knows the word inyeon (destiny) but most people in the world don't. With the global release of 'Past Lives,' I'm so happy lots of people understand, accept and feel inyeon."

Korean Canadian director Celine Song on the morning of Feb. 6 sounded like a shy yet bright woman in an online interview with Korea.net about her film.

"Past Lives" is about Na-young (played by actor Greta Lee) and Hae-sung (Teo Yoo), two people revisiting their inyeon after reuniting for the first time in 24 years in New York since being childhood friends in Seoul. Song's debut feature film is nominated for the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Most of the dialogue is in Korean and landscapes of Korea frequently appear. "By telling a personal and autobiographical story, I ended up making a film using so many Korean elements," the director said. "I consider the movie to not be superficially Korean, but one containing deep Korean elements of philosophy and ideology."

Given the extensive Korean dialogue, the film's editions overseas have subtitles.

"Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' paved the way," Song said. "Since 'Parasite,' foreign films with subtitles have grown popular overseas. There are really no more cases of something rejected abroad just because it has many Korean elements. Global audiences have embraced without resistance 'Past Lives' thanks the path blazed by 'Parasite,' K-pop and K-dramas."

On how she felt after learning about the Oscar nominations for her debut film, she said she wanted to say something fun and special. With a smile, she said, "I just feel good, happy and proud, that's it."

"Past Lives" covers decades between Korea and the U.S. on two continents to explore what inyeon is. Its premiere in Korea is set for March 6.

km137426@korea.kr