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South Korean director Bong Joon-ho will serve as jury president of the 78th International Venice Film Festival.

This will be the first time that a South Korean director will sit as a top juror for the oldest film festival in the world.

The Parasite director issued a statement about this latest honor.

“The Venice International Film Festival carries with it a long and varied history, and I'm honored to be woven into its beautiful cinematic tradition,” the message reads and as relayed by festival organizers.

“As president of the jury - and more importantly as a perpetual cinephile - I'm ready to admire and applaud all the great films selected by the festival. I'm filled with genuine hope and excitement.”

Festival organizers expressed gratitude to the South Korean director for accepting the invitation.

Artistic director, Alberto Barbero, highlighted this milestone as a testament to the festival's high regard for diversity and inclusiveness.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to be able to share the joy of this moment with the countless admirers, throughout the world, of his extraordinary movies.”

TOP OF THE CLASS

Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the oldest global event dedicated to movies.

It is part of the so-called “Big Three” of film festivals, alongside Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival.

All mentioned festivals are known for upholding artistic and creative freedom to allow filmmakers to express their work without fear of censorship or cinematic restrictions.

Last year's edition, the festival's 77th, was held from September 2 to 12, in Venice, Italy.

The Golden Lion, which is the festival's highest prize given to participating films, was awarded to Nomadland, directed by Chloé Zha.

DARLING OF THE INDUSTRY

Born in Daegu, South Korea, Bong is a veteran in the South Korean movie scene.

The 51-year-old director has gained a steady following since making his directorial debut in the 2000 black comedy film, Barking Dogs Never Bite.

This was followed by more critically acclaimed films, namely, Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), and Snowpiercer (2013).

His biggest film, however, is the 2019 black comedy and social-thriller, Parasite.

The movie was a massive hit both commercially and critically, winning awards and praises from around the world.

Parasite achieved history when it became the first foreign-language film to bag an Oscars for Best Picture last year.

The movie also took home the awards Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.

Parasite is also the first South Korean film to win the prestigious Palme d'Or after screening in the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.