Bong Joon Ho Biography: Wife, Education, TV Shows, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Children, Instagram, Awards

Bong Joon Ho is a highly acclaimed South Korean filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling style, which seamlessly blends genres, incorporates dark humor, and features sudden tonal shifts.

His notable films include Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Snowpiercer (2013), Okja (2017), and Parasite (2019), the latter of which won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Profile

• Full Name: Bong Joon Ho
• Stage Name: Bong Joon Ho
• Born: 14, September 1969
• Age: 55 years old
• Birthplace: South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Filmmaker
• Height: 1.83m
• Parent: Bong Sang-gyun and Park So-young
• Siblings: Bong Joon-soo and Bong Ji-hee
• Spouse: Jung Sun-young
• Children: Bong Hyo-min
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $30 million

Early Life And Education

Bong Joon Ho was born on September 14, 1969, in Daegu, South Korea. He was raised by his parents, Bong Sang-gyun and Park So-young, and grew up having three older siblings, including Bong Joon-soo and Bong Ji-hee.

He studied sociology at Yonsei University before attending the Korean Academy of Film Arts to further his passion for filmmaking. Ethnically Korean, Bong Joon Ho follows Christianity.

Career

Bong Joon Ho‘s filmmaking career began in the early 1990s, initially working on short films and contributing to various projects. He gained early industry experience as a screenwriter for the anthology film Seven Reasons Why Beer is Better Than a Lover (1996) and as an assistant director on Motel Cactus (1997).

His feature-length directorial debut, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), a dark comedy, struggled commercially but later developed a cult following, showcasing his distinctive storytelling approach.

He quickly established himself as a versatile and acclaimed filmmaker with Memories of Murder (2003), a gripping crime thriller, and The Host (2006), a monster film that garnered widespread praise.

Bong continued to experiment with different genres, directing the psychological drama Mother (2009) and the sci-fi action film Snowpiercer (2013), his first English-language project. His films are known for blending genres and exploring complex social themes, making his work both thought-provoking and accessible to international audiences.

Bong reached new heights of global recognition with Parasite (2019), which made history as the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, alongside Best Director and other accolades. This success cemented his status as a leading figure in world cinema.

He continues to push creative boundaries with upcoming projects, including Mickey 17 (2025), further expanding his collaborations with international talent. His influence extends beyond filmmaking, as he was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in 2020, reflecting his impact on global cinema.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @bong_joon_ho

Personal Life

Bong Joon Ho has been married to Jung Sun-young, a screenwriter, since 1995. The couple first met during their university years at a college movie club, and their relationship grew stronger as they pursued their respective careers in the film industry, eventually leading to marriage.

Together, they have one child, Bong Hyo-min, who has followed in his parents’ footsteps and is actively involved in filmmaking.

Net Worth

Bong Joon Ho‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $30 million, largely derived from his accomplished career as a filmmaker and screenwriter.

His financial success has been significantly bolstered by acclaimed films such as Parasite, which not only earned critical recognition but also achieved substantial commercial success worldwide