The Duality of Parasitism: Analyzing the Kim and Park Families in Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite

Bong Joon-Ho’s critically acclaimed film Parasite delves deeply into the intricate dynamics of class-based parasitism. Through the narratives of the Kim and Park families, the film offers a nuanced exploration of economic disparity, societal structures, and the moral complexities within them. This analysis will delve into the portrayal of both families as parasites, examining their behaviors and motivations, and consider the broader implications of Bong’s societal critique.

What are the Parasites in Parasite?

Traditionally, the term ‘parasite’ refers to an individual or group who benefits from another’s labor without reciprocating, much like a parasite that feeds off a host. In Parasite, both the Kim and Park families can be seen as embodying this concept, albeit in different contexts.

The Kim Family: A Comprehensive Look at Parasitic Behavior

The Kim family is introduced with several stereotypical characteristics associated with those facing economic hardship. Their portrayal as lazy, treacherous, and ungrateful can be seen as a form of parasitism:

Laziness: In one scene, the Kim family, attempting to do chores, fails to fold pizza boxes properly, leading to a dispute over a minor discount. This behavior is seen as a reflection of their parasitic tendency to benefit from others' labor without action. Treachery: Their creation of a full farce involving false documents and conspiracy to dismiss the prior chauffeur and housekeeper demonstrates a willingness to manipulate and harm others, in line with parasitic behavior. Exploitation: Mr. Kim, when posing as a tutor, takes advantage of his position to coerce increased compensation, further emphasizing their parasitic nature.

The Kim family’s mindset is depicted as one driven by selfishness and a desire to gain benefit without corresponding effort.

The Park Family: A Contrasting Depiction

In contrast, the Park family is often portrayed in a more positive light, though the film subtly critiques their behavior:

Benefit and Labor Dependency: The Park family is also shown as parasitic, benefiting from the labor of the Kims, particularly in tasks such as household chores and tutoring. Kindness and Benevolence: During the birthday party, the daughter Da-hye, despite her privileged upbringing, shows a willingness to help a fallen Mr. Kim, indicating a kinder, more human side to the upper class. Social Prejudices: While the Parks do exhibit some prejudices, they largely keep them to themselves, not ostracizing or humiliate the Kim family.

Bong Joon-Ho, when interviewed, suggested that the Parks are also parasites, benefiting from the labor of the Kims without reciprocating. However, this argument is challenged by the film’s nuanced portrayal of both families.

The Societal Structures and Parasitism

Parasite not only critiques the economic system but also the societal structures that allow such parasitic relationships to persist. The film highlights the underlying economic system and structures that foster dependency and exploitation:

Economic Dependency: The Kims exploit their skills and labor to gain benefits, while the Parks indulge in a lifestyle that relies on such exploitation. Social Inequality: The film portrays how societal structures, particularly economic and class-based systems, perpetuate inequality and parasitic behavior. Naivety and Ignorance: The Parks’ naivety and accommodation of the Kims’ behavior without proper oversight also contribute to the parasitic dynamics.

Bong Joon-Ho’s use of the term ‘parasite’ for both families aims to provoke a deeper reflection on dependency and exploitation within society, challenging viewers to question the complexities of societal roles and behaviors.

The Broader Context: Parasitism in South Korea

In the broader context of South Korea, a long history of parasitic behavior among the upper class is well-documented. Issues such as Nut Rage (Gapjil) – a term coined to describe behavior where members of the upper class exhibit verbal, emotional, and even physical abuse towards those lower in the social hierarchy – exemplify the societal tension and potential for parasitism. However, the film Parasite takes a nuanced approach, presenting both families as complex entities rather than one-dimensional villains.

By depicting the Kims as benefiting from the Parks’ wealth and the Parks as benefiting from the Kims’ labor, Bong Joon-Ho encourages viewers to critically evaluate the concept of parasitism and explore the broader economic and social factors that contribute to such dynamics.

In conclusion, while both the Kim and Park families are depicted as parasitic in Parasite, the film’s nuanced portrayal and its broader critique of societal structures offer a profound reflection on the complexities of economic and social relationships. The term ‘parasite’ serves as a powerful symbol for Bong Joon-Ho, challenging viewers to confront the realities of parasitic behavior in all walks of life.