"He basically said BTS paved the way" — Netizens celebrate after Director Bong Joon-ho mentions BTS in recent interview

Director Bong Joon-ho recently drew attention for highlighting the role of K-Pop boyband BTS, aka Bangtan Sonyeondan, in shaping South Korea’s global image during an interview about his upcoming film Mickey 17.

In an interview with South Korean broadcasting channel YTN, director Bong Joon-ho spoke about the December 3 martial law incident and the country’s reputation. Bong mentioned how the K-Pop group had become synonymous with South Korea’s cultural identity on the world stage.

According to a report of Asia Economy from January 22, 2025, Bong shared that many of his colleagues overseas associate South Korea with the success of Bangtan Sonyeondan and global sensations like Squid Game.

“The image of Korea as a country was engraved in the minds of those who work with me as the group BTS and the squid game,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the December 3 martial law incident, Bong expressed his reaction, stating that it felt as though "the national dignity had fallen."

He addressed the emergence of martial law, which stood in contrast to South Korea's global image, shaped by Bangtan Sonyeondan and other cultural exports according to the director.

Nevertheless, ARMYs quickly celebrated Bong Joon-ho’s acknowledgment of Bangtan. They interpreted his words as a recognition of Bangtan’s influence in promoting South Korea internationally. Comments flooded online platforms, with fans emphasizing,

"he basically said bts paved the way."

"#BTS paved the way by introducing people to Korea with a fresh perspective so their interest grew exponentially to appreciate all that Korea has to offer feeding the economy. I came back in November and look forward to going next year. There is much to see and do.💜," shared a fan.

"BTS make people look South Korean in a different way, give another korean to get appreciated as a main character in international scale. Bangtan Sonyeondan open that door to Parasite or Squid Game got appreciated. SK produce good movie since a long ago, but until Bangtan Sonyeondan era world see it," said another fan on X.

"Everyone and their mama acknowledges and admits that BTS paved the way 🫶," stated an X user.

Fans took to social media to highlight how the Oscar-winning director’s comments emphasize the 5-time Grammy nominated group’s role as cultural ambassadors, enhancing South Korea’s global reputation as a driving force behind Hallyu (the Korean wave) worldwide.

"one of the best and most important directors of our times btw," said a netizen.

"legend recognize legend, BTS really set the standard high and their impact is just crazy," commented another netizen.

"in pop terms : BTS paved the way. BTS and Squid Game sit together on the same table called The image of korea," stated an X user.

"thee Bong Joonho saying this about BTS, do you understand the level of respect in this statement? i feel so much pride for having put my support behind a talented genuine respectable artist like bts. BTS truly paved the way," added another X user.

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Bong Joon-ho highlights BTS's influence in consistent praise

This isn’t the first time Director Bong Joon-ho has praised Bangtan Sonyeondan. Back in 2020, while attending the Golden Globes, where his film Parasite won Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language, Bong openly acknowledged the group’s immense global impact. Speaking on the red carpet, he said,

“Although I’m here at the Golden Globes, BTS has 3,000 times the amount of power and influence that I have.”

He went on to explain that South Korea’s artistic success stems from its emotionally dynamic culture, a sentiment that resonated deeply with fans who shared his remarks widely on social media.

During the global press conference for the release of their album Map of the Soul: 7, the boyband member Suga responded to praise from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho. Suga shared his admiration for the filmmaker, saying,

"I’ve watched all of Bong Joon-ho’s films as a fan."

Reflecting on the director’s comments about Bangtan, Suga added,

"I think it was generous praise. I’m embarrassed because I’m still not sure we have that big of an influence."

He also expressed gratitude for Bong Joon-ho ’s statement, highlighting the dynamism of Korean culture.

Previous to Golden Globes, Bong also mentioned the K-Pop group during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Reflecting on his favorite episodes of the show, he shared that he "particularly enjoyed" the episode that the K-Pop group featured in.

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Mickey 17: Bong Joon-ho returns with a Sci-Fi starring Robert Pattinson

Director Bong Joon-ho is set to make his much-anticipated return with Mickey 17, his first feature film since the Oscar-winning Parasite in 2019. Slated for release in South Korea on February 28, 2025, Mickey 17 is a science-fiction epic that promises to blend Bong’s signature style of dark humor and social commentary with a gripping and unpredictable narrative.

Adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7, the film delves into the dystopian world of “expendables”—cloned workers sent on dangerous missions in a harsh, ice-covered colony. The story follows Mickey, an expendable who is resurrected each time he dies, as he faces a new existential crisis.

After narrowly surviving his 17th mission, Mickey discovers that a new clone, Mickey 18, has already been created, leading to a tense confrontation and questions about identity, mortality, and survival.

Bong Joon-ho, who also wrote and produced the film, described his approach to the adaptation as a departure from the novel’s focus on science and technology.

“Instead of the original’s depiction of science and technology, I filled the film with the content of the working class that ‘smells like sweat’ and 'feet odor,'” he explained.

The film stars Robert Pattinson in the titular role, marking his first collaboration with the Korean director. Joining Pattinson is an impressive cast that includes Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, all of whom bring depth to the ensemble.

Mickey 17 will premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, generating global excitement ahead of its theatrical release. Warner Bros. Pictures will distribute the film, with its worldwide debut set for March 7, 2025, following its South Korean release.