Interpreter Bong Joon Ho, Sharon Choi Writes Award Season Travel Essay

Sharon Choi and Bong Joon Ho (Screenshot of the Golden Globes)

JAKARTA - Maybe someone has ever wondered, who is the woman who stands next to Bong Joon Ho every time he receives an award? Apparently, he is Sharon Choi, Joon Ho's interpreter who always translates the director's speeches. This time, Variety gave him the opportunity to write an essay about his journey to the Parasite film awards ceremony.

Sharon was first present when Parasite attended the Cannes film festival and became the center of attention when this film got the Palme d'Or. Sharon's journey following the Parasite process to win various awards inspired her to write an essay. This article is published exclusively through Variety.

Choi said that he first met Bong in April 2019 when he became the director's interpreter for a mobile interview. Choi, who was a film activist at the time, was trying to write a new story. But he decided to take the job.

This is not the first time Choi has become an interpreter for an outdoor event, he has served as an interpreter for director Lee Chang Dong during a press tour for the film Burning.

According to him, coming back to the festival revives Choi's memories of living in America and cultural life can be seen through the festival. Even though he did not participate in the production of Parasite, Choi also felt excited every time he attended the award ceremony. Choi's job as an interpreter looks easy, but he actually tries to translate each of Bong's sentences in a familiar way so that everyone can understand.

Choi's short essay at Variety wrote about Choi's feelings as an interpreter. He started the essay feeling Parasite was awarded four Oscars. In recent months, Choi's life has been filled with microphones and honey lemon tea to protect his voice. He is also grateful to meet the filmmaker he often sees his work with.

“This trip is a privilege. I first witnessed the loud laughter of the duo that made Bong and Song Kang Ho, a standing ovation for the cast of Parasite when they won the award at the SAG (Screen Actor Guild) Awards. "

Slowly, Choi received considerable attention. He admitted that he saw his name combined with a Viagra ad. In fact, he heard an offer for a beauty product ad. "I can't wait to watch my minutes end so the next time my name comes up with a spam ad, that's with a self story."

Choi's journey accompanies Parasite's victory for him to study the world of cinema. He is also open to the broader language of cinema and becomes the inspiration for his films.

This essay is published by Variety in English and can be accessed publicly here.