Robert Pattinson Makes First Visit to Korea for Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’
Hollywood star Robert Pattinson made his first-ever visit to Korea, marking a meaningful moment for fans and the film industry alike. The occasion? The highly anticipated release of director Bong joon-ho’s latest sci-fi masterpiece, Mickey 17.
On January 20, a special screening of Mickey 17 footage and a press conference were held at CGV I’park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Pattinson, alongside director Bong, captivated the audience with insights into the film and their collaboration.
“Hello. Is this how you pronounce it right? I’ve probably been here before, but this is my first time. I wanted to meet Korean people. I also wanted to meet the directors,” Pattinson shared, expressing his excitement about the visit.
Mickey 17, Bong’s first feature since the Oscar-winning Parasite (2019), is a science fiction film based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7. The story follows cloned humans deployed to colonize an ice-covered planet, with Pattinson playing the titular character, an “expendable” who must die and be reborn multiple times.
Pattinson described the script as “really fun” yet deceptively complex. “When I first read it, it felt simple. In fact, it was a very crazy and speedy read. I actually got to look into the mentality behind it and think about why Mickey looks like this. When I did that, it became elaborate,” he explained.
The actor delved into the nuances of his character, Mickey, describing him as “an easy person to look at” but far from simple. “He has no confidence at all, but there is no pity. He is a different character. I don’t think he is stupid,” Pattinson said. He likened Mickey to a dog with bad habits, repeating the same actions despite consequences.
Director Bong revealed that Pattinson was his first choice for the role. “When I was writing the script, I had to think of Robert Pattinson from the beginning. He was always good at acting, so I was constantly interested in him. I think he wanted to do something strange,” Bong shared.
pattinson praised Bong’s unique vision,calling him “a brave director.” “It’s not easy to find a character like this. Even on such a huge scale, he doesn’t lose his humor. in a way,I worked on a set that looked like star Wars,and I shot light and fun scenes there,which I think is rare in science fiction movies,” he said.The actor also expressed deep admiration for Bong,placing him among the world’s top filmmakers.“I think there are four or five people in the world who are at the same level as Director Bong. He is a director that all actors want to work with,” Pattinson stated.
Reflecting on Bong’s previous works, Pattinson highlighted their emotional depth and genre-defying nature.“If you look at Director Bong’s movies, the world view is very special. It makes sense.There are parts that touch a very personal and emotional line,” he said.
Mickey 17 is set to premiere worldwide in Korea on February 28, followed by a North American release on March 7.
| Key Details | information |
|——————|—————–|
| Director | Bong Joon-ho |
| Lead Actor | Robert Pattinson |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Based On | Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton |
| Release Date (Korea) | February 28, 2025 |
| Release Date (North America) | March 7, 2025 |
As the countdown to the release begins, Mickey 17 promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Bong Joon-ho’s illustrious career, with Robert Pattinson’s performance set to captivate audiences worldwide.
Robert Pattinson’s first Visit to Korea for Bong joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’: A Star-Studded Event
Table of Contents
Hollywood star Robert Pattinson recently made his first-ever visit to Korea, marking a significant moment for fans and the film industry. The occasion was the highly anticipated release of director Bong Joon-ho’s latest sci-fi masterpiece, Mickey 17. Joined by director Bong, Pattinson participated in a special screening and press conference at CGV I’park Mall in yongsan-gu, Seoul, offering insights into the film and their collaboration. We sat down with film critic and Bong Joon-ho expert, Sarah Kim, to discuss this landmark event and what makes Mickey 17 a must-watch.
The Meaning of Pattinson’s First Visit to Korea
Senior Editor: Sarah, Robert Pattinson’s first visit to Korea has been a major talking point. Why do you think this visit is so significant for Korean fans and the film industry?
sarah Kim: It’s a huge deal because it highlights the growing global influence of Korean cinema. After Parasite, Bong Joon-ho has become a household name internationally, and having a star like Pattinson come to Korea for his film underscores the country’s importance in the global film landscape. It’s a moment of cultural exchange and recognition.
Insights from the Press Conference and Special Screening
Senior Editor: At the press conference, Pattinson and Bong shared some interesting insights about Mickey 17. What stood out to you from their discussion?
Sarah Kim: what stood out most was Pattinson’s enthusiasm for the project. He described the script as “really fun” yet deceptively complex, which is classic Bong Joon-ho. pattinson’s deep dive into his character, Mickey, was also intriguing. He likened Mickey to a dog with bad habits, which gives us a sense of the character’s complexity and depth.
Exploring the Character of Mickey
senior Editor: Pattinson shared some interesting thoughts about his character, Mickey. Can you elaborate on what makes Mickey such a unique role?
Sarah Kim: Mickey is essentially an “expendable” clone, someone who dies and is reborn multiple times. Pattinson described him as having no confidence but also no pity, which makes him a deeply flawed yet fascinating character. The idea of someone repeating the same actions despite the consequences adds a layer of tragedy and dark humor to the role.
Bong Joon-ho’s Vision and Pattinson’s Admiration
Senior Editor: Bong Joon-ho mentioned that Pattinson was his first choice for the role.What does this say about their collaboration?
Sarah Kim: it speaks volumes about the mutual respect and creative synergy between them. Bong has always been known for his unique vision, and having Pattinson, who is willing to embrace the strange and unconventional, is a perfect match. Pattinson’s praise for Bong, placing him among the world’s top filmmakers, also highlights the director’s immense influence and respect in the industry.
What to expect from mickey 17
Senior Editor: With the release dates approaching, what can audiences expect from Mickey 17?
Sarah Kim: Audiences can expect a thought-provoking sci-fi film that combines Bong Joon-ho’s signature wit with Pattinson’s compelling performance. The film promises to explore deep existential themes while maintaining a sense of humor— a rare feat in the sci-fi genre. It’s set to be a groundbreaking addition to Bong’s illustrious career.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these insights. We’re eagerly looking forward to the release of Mickey 17!
