The gap between rich and poor in korean society through the movie parasite = khoảng cách giàu nghèo trong xã hội hàn quốc qua bộ phim parasite
Introduction
Korea is renowned for its nutritious ginseng, kimchi, cosmetics, and the global spread of Hallyu culture The country boasts a rapidly growing economy, recognized as one of the four Asian dragons Historically an agricultural nation, Korea has transformed through heavy industry and significant investments in electronics and technology, giving rise to giants like Samsung and Hyundai This economic evolution has propelled Korea to become a developed nation with the 4th largest GDP in Asia and the 10th largest globally Despite improvements in living standards comparable to Western European countries, severe income inequality persists, creating a significant gap between the rich and the poor, which poses various societal challenges.
The ongoing struggle between social classes is a central theme in Korean cinema, as exemplified by Lee Chang Dong's 2018 film "Burning," which highlights the challenges faced by young individuals in a society marked by extreme wealth disparity Similarly, the popular TV series "Penthouse" (2020) explores the complexities of the upper class and the oppression of the impoverished Hwang Dong Hyuk's 2021 film "Squid Game" further illustrates this dynamic, showcasing how the wealthy manipulate those at the bottom of society into participating in deadly games However, the film that most effectively captures the rich-poor divide is Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite," which offers a profound commentary on class struggle.
Released in 2019, "Parasite" made history as the first Korean film to win three prestigious Oscars: "Best Director," "Best Original Screenplay," and "Best Foreign Language Film," earning an impressive IMDb score of 8.6/10 In just over two hours, the film effectively highlights the stark contrast between the upper and lower classes, delivering profound lessons and hidden values.
This study analyzes the factors contributing to the income disparity between the rich and the poor, exploring the relationship between these two social classes in the context of income inequality in Korea.
Income inequality has been a persistent issue in South Korea, affecting authorities for years The film Parasite not only highlights the causes and consequences of this disparity but also explores the complex relationship between the wealthy and the poor My fascination with Parasite and my eagerness to understand Korean society led me to focus on the theme of the socioeconomic divide depicted in the movie.
Income inequality remains a significant challenge for the Korean government, despite numerous studies and proposed solutions This article seeks to explore the intricate relationship between the wealthy elite and the working class in Korea, using the acclaimed 2019 film by Bong Joon Ho as a lens for analysis As an artist with extensive life experience, I view this issue as both sensitive and realistic Through this research, I aim to provide a unique perspective that may serve as a valuable reference for future studies on income disparity.
This thesis explores the stark contrasts between the wealthy and the impoverished as depicted in Bong Joon Ho's film, Parasite The narrative highlights the affluent Park family, symbolizing the rich class, and the struggling Kim family, representing the poor.
This article examines income inequality in Korean society by analyzing the film "Parasite" alongside various sources, including online newspapers, theses, and research articles on Korean socio-economics It employs data collection and processing methods to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the findings.
How did the movie "Parasite" show the problem of income inequality in Korean society?
Numerous studies have examined income inequality globally, including in Korea A notable example is Kwang Yeon Shin's 2020 research, "A New Approach to Social Inequality: Inequality of Income and Wealth in South Korea," which identifies income and debt as primary contributors to this issue The study analyzes both income and wealth inequality, while also exploring the interrelationship between these two dimensions through linked administrative data and survey findings.
My research paper explores the rich-poor disparity depicted in the film "Parasite," directed by Bong Joon Ho, and connects this theme to the real-life issues of socioeconomic inequality in Korean society.
Development
The film Parasite
Set in contemporary Korean society, the film follows the impoverished Kim family, consisting of father Kim Ki Taek, mother Chung Sook, and their children, Kim Ki-woo and Kim Ki Jung, who reside in a cramped basement apartment and earn a meager living folding pizza boxes Their fortunes change when Ki-woo is introduced to a tutoring job for the wealthy Park family's daughter, prompting him and his sister to devise a plan to secure jobs for their entire family within the affluent household They successfully manipulate the situation, allowing Kim Ki Jung to pose as an art teacher for the Park's youngest son, Chung Sook to replace the longtime housekeeper, and Kim Ki Taek to become the family's private driver For a time, they enjoy a comfortable life at the expense of their wealthy employers.
The film's climax reveals the escalating tensions between the Kim and Park families, culminating in a violent confrontation at the Park family's youngest son's birthday party The old housekeeper's husband attacks Ki Woo, fatally stabs Ki Jung, and assaults Mrs Chung Sook, who ultimately defends herself Amidst the chaos, Kim Ki Taek is struck by the self-absorption of the wealthy guests, particularly Mr Park's dismissive reaction to his body odor, highlighting the deep class divide and the underlying conflicts that have been brewing throughout the narrative.
Mr Kim, filled with rage, fatally attacked Mr Park, leading to tragic consequences for his family After the incident, he sought refuge in a hidden basement beneath the Park family's mansion, while his son, Kim Ki Woo, faced a life-altering brain surgery Years later, Ki Woo discovers his father's letter encoded in Morse code through the mansion's lights, inspiring him with a plan to earn enough money to buy the house, rescue his father, and reunite their family However, the harsh reality remains that he and his mother continue to live in a semi-basement, facing an uncertain future that mirrors their past struggles.
2 The details showing contrasting between rich and poor classes in the movie
The Park family, comprising four members, is led by Park Dong Ik, a successful director of a technology company who has received numerous national and international awards He enjoys a high social status and a happy family life His wife, Choi Yeon Kyo, is a homemaker with a trusting and naive personality, dedicated to caring for her husband and children Their daughter, Park Da Hye, is a high school student, while their youngest son, Park Da Song, has a reserved nature and a fascination with Native American culture.
The family enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a spacious, contemporary villa, indulging in gourmet meals and fine foreign wines They employ a housekeeper for household management and a private driver for transportation Additionally, they provide their daughter with a private tutor and purchase imported toys for their son, reflecting their affluence and commitment to quality.
The Kim family consists of four members facing various challenges The father, Kim Ki Taek, is currently unemployed after working as a driver, while the mother, Chung Sook, was once a skilled stone thrower Their son, Kim Ki Woo, has a gentle and shy demeanor but has struggled academically, failing the university entrance exam four times despite being a good high school student Meanwhile, their daughter, Kim Ki Jung, is talented in art but remains at home due to financial constraints preventing her from attending school; she is known for her intelligence and agility.
Four individuals reside in a cramped, old semi-basement, earning a meager income by folding pizza boxes Their meals consist of bread and bottled water due to financial constraints, and they struggle to pay for electricity, resulting in frequent outages To access the internet, they resort to sneaking free Wi-Fi from nearby shops or upstairs neighbors.
Mrs Gook Moon Gwang has been the dedicated housekeeper for Mr Park's family for many years, presenting a carefree exterior while being the most diplomatic member of the household Despite her allergy to peaches, she refrains from buying them, respecting the owner's preferences, which ultimately becomes a vulnerability exploited by the Kims, leading to her dismissal Her husband, Oh Geun-sae, a former owner of a Taiwanese bakery, has lived secretly in the basement of Mr Park's house to evade creditors, expressing his gratitude through Morse code via the light bulb, despite the dark and cramped conditions.
Figure 1 The residence of Mr Park's family (left) and Mr Kim's family (right)
Mr Kim's family resides in a damp semi-basement apartment, a common choice for low-income residents in Seoul Originally constructed during the Cold War for protection against potential invasions, these semi-basements are prone to mold and dust, posing health risks Although the government previously prohibited renting such apartments, the ban has been relaxed due to economic growth and population increase, leaving many impoverished families with no choice but to live in these conditions.
In the movie, we can see the Kim family's residence surrounded by gray concrete walls, cluttered and full of bugs The cramped space is filled with pizza boxes Hanging
The toilet, situated on a high step beside a small ventilation door, features underwear hanging on the wall Outside the main window, a view of garbage bags and dust from passing vehicles is visible, along with the disturbing sight of intoxicated individuals vomiting and urinating at night Heavy rains cause water to overflow and flood the house, while the insecticide sprays hired by the residential area allow smoke to seep indoors.
Mr Park's family resides in a spacious and modern villa, designed by renowned architect Mr Nam Goong, showcasing Western-style architecture Unlike the Kim family's small, barred windows that evoke a prison-like atmosphere, the Park family's expansive glass windows offer stunning views of their well-maintained garden, allowing natural light to fill the home The villa features a minimalist interior that exudes elegance, with notable furnishings such as a large refrigerator, an upscale sofa set, and a display cabinet filled with valuable porcelain and aged wines The youngest son, Park Da Song, enjoys a vibrant room filled with toys, artwork, and a wall-sized bookcase, complemented by a durable tent imported from the US In stark contrast to the cramped Kim family's bathroom, which has a toilet built on the stairs, Mr Park's bathroom is luxurious, featuring a bathtub, a wall-mounted TV, and ample storage The Park family's tall, floor-to-ceiling windows provide ventilation, while a dedicated room for Ms Park's designer clothes and handbags adds to the villa's sophistication.
In the film, the recurring imagery of stairs serves as a profound metaphor crafted by the director From the outset, the eldest son, Kim Ki Woo, ascends a flight of stairs to reach the main entrance, symbolizing his journey into the outside world Conversely, to access the hidden basement of the Park family's mansion, the housekeeper descends numerous narrow, dark stairs, highlighting the contrasting themes of ascent and descent within the narrative.
In Bong Joon Ho's film, the use of stairs symbolizes societal rank and status, with the Park family positioned at the top, representing the affluent upper class, while the Kim family and the housekeeper's couple occupy the ground level, signifying the impoverished lower class Despite their efforts to ascend, the Kims ultimately fail and are pulled back down, mirroring the film's conclusion where they briefly parasitize the Parks before returning to their destitute neighborhood Mr Kim's fate of hiding in the basement underscores the harsh realities of class struggle.
The staircase serves as a powerful metaphor for life's journey, symbolizing the ascent to happiness and success Wealthy individuals ascend to their homes, experiencing brightness and openness, akin to entering paradise In contrast, the Kim family descends into their cramped, dusty living space, representing the struggles of the less fortunate At the lowest point of society lies Mr Park's secret basement, a dark and suffocating place where light is absent, embodying the most painful and cowardly descent for the characters involved.
Figure 2 Mr Park and Mr Kim's wife's food
Food plays a crucial role in life and serves as a significant symbol of social class in films The disparity in food quality highlights the divide between the wealthy, who indulge in exquisite meals, and the less fortunate, who struggle to meet basic needs The Kim family's culinary journey reflects their socioeconomic ascent; during their impoverished days, they often resorted to eating bread and drinking bottled water As they began earning money from folding pizza boxes, their meals improved slightly, allowing them to purchase inexpensive snacks and Filite beer A poignant moment occurs when Chung Sook's mother emphasizes that the gift of food holds more value than material possessions, underscoring the importance of sustenance in their lives.
Linking the movie Parasite to the problem of Korea's rich-poor gap
1 The gap between rich and poor in Korea
The rich-poor gap (also known as economic inequality, income inequality) is the difference in wealth, wealth or income between individuals, groups in a society or between countries
Based on the economic inequality situation in Korea, the concept of spoon class
The classification of a person's social status based on their parents' assets and income has gained significant popularity The term "golden spoon" describes individuals born into wealthy families, who benefit from optimal conditions and abundant career opportunities In contrast, "dirt spoon" refers to those lacking financial or relational support from their families These concepts highlight the stark divide between the rich and the poor in society Additionally, "silver spoons" denote the well-to-do class, while "copper spoons" represent ordinary individuals.
Korea is a developed nation characterized by a high average income and an elevated standard of living Nonetheless, there exists a significant disparity in living standards between the upper class and the working class.
1.2.1 Wealthy class in Korean society
Chaebols, including major corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, have a significant historical presence in South Korea These conglomerates wield considerable influence over the nation's economy and politics, controlling over 50% of the country's GDP and serving as essential pillars of economic stability Their extensive holdings of valuable assets further underscore their importance in the South Korean economic landscape.
Wealthy individuals possess significant financial resources, social status, and influence, making them prime targets for service industries As we advance into an era characterized by scientific and technological integration, the affluent elite continue to amass even greater wealth.
1.2.2 The working class in Korean society
Korea has the 4th highest relative poverty rate in the OECD at 16.7%, indicating that 1 in 6 individuals earn less than 50% of the average standard of living While wealth is concentrated among high-level positions like managers and executives, the lower-income population primarily holds low to moderate paying jobs in manual, service, or office sectors.
1.2.3 The gap between rich and poor between the two classes
According to Statistics Korea data on two groups of people between the ages of
In South Korea, individuals in their 20s and 30s experienced a significant wealth disparity in 2020, with the wealthiest 20 percent amassing 35 times more wealth than the poorest 20 percent According to Kim Hyo-jae from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, the wealth gap widened from 776 million won in 2019 to 846 million won in 2020 Wealthy young individuals saw their total assets rise by 8.8% to 874 million won, while those in the lower class only increased their assets by 2.6% to 25 million won Notably, the wealth gap is more pronounced among those in their 20s compared to their peers in their 30s.
320 million won and a lower income gap of 31 million won
Real estate serves as a significant indicator of wealth, with property ownership directly correlating to an individual's financial status In South Korea, the housing market is experiencing unprecedented price increases, despite government attempts to stabilize it Currently, the average apartment price in Seoul is approximately 1 billion Won (around 800,000 USD), highlighting the challenges faced by those unable to invest in real estate and move into higher social classes.
In South Korea, the cost of an apartment can reach up to 2 billion Won, while the Bank of Korea reported a gross national income (GNI) per capita of 35,168 USD per year in 2021 If an individual with this income saves diligently without spending, they could afford to purchase an apartment in Seoul within 23 years Traditionally, when couples marry, the groom's family typically buys a house, while the bride's family provides furniture An adult male, after completing college and military service, is usually around 24 years old when entering this phase of life.
At 50 years old, many individuals struggle to afford a home, facing high living expenses and significant interest payments on mortgages This financial burden has made homeownership unattainable for most, leading many to opt for monthly rentals instead Consequently, a lack of confidence in their ability to support a family has resulted in many young couples choosing to cohabit without marriage or children.
Raising a child until college graduation is a significant financial burden for married couples planning to have children According to the Donga Ilbo newspaper, families with an income below 2.99 million Won face a loss of approximately 175 million Won (around 152,000 USD) per child In contrast, families earning 6 million Won or more can expect to spend about 994 million Won (approximately 830,000 USD), a sum comparable to the price of an apartment in Seoul.
Figure 4 Expenditures on children by household income level
In addition to daily living expenses, children's school fees represent a significant financial burden for families While South Korea's social welfare system allows children to attend school without tuition fees, many parents still prioritize saving for extra classes A survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Education highlights this trend among families.
In 2013, the private tutoring industry in Korea surged, with families spending between 18 to 20 billion USD on educational support for their children Parents of school-age children allocate approximately 25% of their income to education, with 12% specifically for private tutoring This trend stems from a cultural emphasis on prestigious degrees, making it challenging for individuals without degrees from top schools to secure high-paying jobs Consequently, numerous cram schools have emerged, transforming education into a lucrative business rather than a mere teaching endeavor Notably, successful educators, like English tutor Kim Ki Hoon, earned up to 4 million USD in 2013 through online tutoring By 2018, public protests arose over the exorbitant costs of tuition at private centers, which often far exceed those of traditional schools.
Figure 5 Text in the picture: Tuition for 1 month at the center = 5 months of learning English after school
Despite successfully passing the university entrance exam, students in Korea face significant expenses akin to those of adults This financial burden arises from the cultural emphasis on relationships, such as those between teachers and students, as well as seniors and juniors Consequently, students must allocate funds for gatherings, gifts, and appropriate attire.
1.3.2 Fierce competition leads to high unemployment rate
As human life expectancy rises and urban areas become increasingly crowded, young individuals seeking high-paying jobs must obtain degrees from prestigious universities to secure positions in major companies Despite Korean students dedicating an average of 14-16 hours daily to their studies, the intense competition makes admission to elite institutions uncertain Families with better resources often provide their children with additional classes from skilled educators, while those from less fortunate backgrounds struggle to keep pace This disparity highlights the inherent inequality in education from the outset, creating a significant divide between wealthy and underprivileged students.
The development of science and technology increases the demand for high- skilled workers and gradually replaces or eliminates low-skilled workers Although
Many university graduates in Korea are facing challenges as large and medium-sized enterprises increasingly shift jobs and capital to countries with lower labor costs, such as Vietnam Consequently, a significant number of these educated young individuals are forced to accept low-skilled positions in sectors like service and sales, or even in cleaning roles, where competition is fierce, with a 1:6 ratio in the qualifying rounds.
Conclusion
The film Parasite made history as the first foreign-language film to win the Best Picture award at the 2020 Oscars, captivating millions with its unique narrative It offers a poignant critique of the pressing issues of education and inequality that persist in contemporary Korean society.
The disparity between the rich and poor can be attributed to three main factors: rising prices, intense competition leading to high unemployment, and the growing influence of Chaebol corporations These issues have resulted in various consequences, including increased social evils, distorted lifestyles, and moral values, as well as population challenges The film "Parasite" effectively illustrates the relationship and conflict between the affluent and impoverished classes in Korea, showcasing a dynamic that is both contradictory and symbiotic Director Bong Joon Ho cleverly uses the common Korean surnames Kim and Park to symbolize the many families facing similar struggles Income inequality is a challenge that all developed countries will encounter as capital and jobs increasingly shift abroad, further widening the gap between the wealthy and the underprivileged.
This study acknowledges its limitations in practical knowledge, theoretical foundations, and research duration, which restricts a deeper exploration of various issues Nevertheless, it successfully addresses the research question and provides some subjective assessments.
1 KBS World Vietnamese (2021) Chênh lệch giàu nghèo theo thu nhập tại
Hàn Quốc gia tăng Retrieved from http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?Seq_CodeH865&lang=v
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대서특필 Retrieved from https://news.jtbc.joins.com/article/article.aspx?news_id=NB10320584
3 Jeong Song Min (2021) [소통광장-사회갈등]② “빈부격차 심화되면
성장저해, 대책마련시급” Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3QS4doj
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어찌하라고” Retrieved from https://www.news1.kr/articles/?3219088
5 Kim Yoo Young (2019) 아이 낳아 대학까지 보내려면 직장인 10년치
연봉 쏟아부어야 Retrieved from https://www.donga.com/news/Society/article/all/20191010/97803147/1
The average transaction price of apartment sales in South Korea can be accessed through KOSIS, a statistical database For detailed information, visit the official KOSIS website at the provided link.
7 Lee Kyung Won (2014) 지구촌커지는 빈부격차 … ‘ 잿빛그늘 ’ 짙어지는