Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Emily Carman

Abstract

Bong Joon Ho utilizes techniques derived from Hollywood cinema to transcend borders globally, informing viewers about the socio-politics in South Korea while engaging them as well. Based on Film Scholar Andrew Higson’s theory that Hollywood is everywhere, I argue that by analyzing three of Bong Joon Ho’s films, Memories of Murder (2003), Mother (2009), and Parasite (2019), it is understood that through the language of imagery, South Korean socio-politics can be understood. Comprehensive literature reviews of the film's commentary on socio-political circumstances that reflect South Korea’s past or current struggles, and comparisons of the cinematography of critical scenes in the films that parallel famous Hollywood scenes, allow proper deduction of how incorporating Hollywood can be achieved. Therefore, by understanding the mechanics of the relationship of how global cinema can complement one another, Hollywood integration can bridge the gap in understanding global socio-political context altogether through universal imagery, expanding on Higson’s point.

Comments

Presented at the Spring 2026 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

Download

Share

COinS