Parasite director Bong Joon-ho gets a hero's welcome

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South Korea's Bong Joon-ho arrived home to cheers and applause on Sunday (February 16) after his historic four-Oscar win for the film 'Parasite' - and the director sounded glad to be back.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) FILM DIRECTOR, BONG JOON-HO, SAYING:

"It was a long journey in the U.S., but I'm glad that it finished well. I am glad that I can go back to my real job which is about creation. Thank you for the applause."

'Parasite' became the first foreign-language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards.

It was awarded four Oscars earlier this month - also picking up best director, original screenplay and international feature film.

But amid the coronavirus epidemic, Bong returned the praise to his well-wishers.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) FILM DIRECTOR, BONG JOON-HO, SAYING:

"I would like send a round of applause back to you all for coping so well with the coronavirus. I have only watched the news in the U.S., so now I will join the effort to overcome the coronavirus by washing my hands diligently. Happy to be home."

'Parasite' is a tale of two South Korean families - the wealthy Parks and the poor Kims - that mirrors the deepening disparities in Asia's fourth-largest economy and has struck a chord with global audiences.