Filmmaker Bong Joon-ho's movie, Parasite won the Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded for best film at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, the first for a Korean film.

Filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inaritou, president of this year's jury announced Parasite as the winner of the Palme d'Or and said, "It was a unanimous decision," at the award ceremony, held at the Grand Theatre Lumiere at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France on May 25 (local time). Bong received the trophy from the acclaimed French actress Catherine Deneuve with a simple "Merci" and then said, "I was always inspired by French films." Bong said, "The film, Parasite, was a big challenge. I wanted to make a unique and fresh movie. It was possible because of the countless artists that worked with me," and expressed his gratitude to his staff, production company and investors.

Bong said, "Most of all, Parasite would not have been possible without the extraordinary actors. I would like to listen to the words of the greatest actor and companion Song Kang-ho," and passed the microphone to the actor.

Song said, "I would like to give this honor to all the respectful Korean actors who taught me patience, wisdom and passion." Returning to the microphone, Bong said, "I was a timid and naive film buff who decided to become a filmmaker at the age of twelve. I never imagined that one day I would hold this trophy in my hands," and ended his acceptance speech.

As Parasite wins the Palme d'Or, the international status of Korean films is expected to rise. Currently, the South Korean film market is ranked fifth in the world. The recent increase in overseas exports and sales of remake rights is also expected to gain momentum.

Parasite depicts two families, a poor family living in a basement flat and a rich family living in a luxurious mansion, and talks about class conflicts in a capitalist society polarized by the gap between the rich and the poor; the vanity, hypocrisy and indifference of the rich; and individualism and community consciousness. The film highlights Bong's characteristic style, sophisticated and clever direction, referred to as "Bongtail (Bong Jun-ho + detail)." It is both artistic and entertaining. The film will be released in South Korea on May 30.