Korean director reflects on Korean cinema’s slump and his Korean roots

Japanese live-action film National Treasure, directed by Sang-il Lee, is approaching a box-office milestone as it surpasses 12.07 million admissions in Japan. The film has become a major talking point as it edges toward what could be the highest-grossing live-action title in Japanese cinema history.

Lee described a moment when he recently met with Bong Joon-ho and celebrated the film’s success in Japan. He recalled asking Bong how he should respond if asked about being number one, and Bong reportedly advised him to say he beat James Cameron’s movie. Lee joked that he would keep his answer brief.

In the interview, Lee discussed why he directed National Treasure and his reflections as a third-generation Korean living in Japan. He emphasized, “My roots are Korean,” noting how his background informs his perspective. He also acknowledged a sentiment: he feels sadness about the current slump in Korean cinema, saying that when he started making films in his twenties, Korean cinema’s energy was rising across Asia.

Lee pointed out that the shifting landscape in Japan—where diverse genres are finding audiences—has influenced perceptions of genre appeal, hinting at a broader cultural exchange between Korean and Japanese cinema.