US poster for The Host 4K re-release sparks ukiyo-e debate
The wave artwork by illustrator Madison Corby, first used on a 2023 French Blu-ray, drew comparisons to Hokusai on Korean social media.
A new poster for the US 4K re-release of The Host, carrying the English title THE HOST, has drawn criticism on Korean social media over wave imagery that some users say resembles Japanese ukiyo-e, according to rbbtoday.com.
Critics singled out the design's resemblance to Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Others responded that similar wave motifs also appear in Joseon-era paintings, including Irworobongdo and Eobeon Seongnyongdo.
The artwork was created by London-based illustrator Madison Corby. The same design was used for a French 4K limited-edition Blu-ray of The Host in 2023, and director Bong Joon-ho reportedly reviewed and approved it at that time.
The Host returns to US cinemas in a 4K remaster on November 20, marking the film's 20th anniversary.
Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning record
Bong's later film Parasite became the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Quick answers
When is The Host 4K re-release out in the US?
The 4K remaster is scheduled for a US re-release on November 20, marking the film's 20th anniversary.
Who designed the new The Host poster?
The poster was created by London-based illustrator Madison Corby and was previously used for a 2023 French 4K limited-edition Blu-ray.
Why is the poster controversial?
Some Korean social media users said its wave imagery resembles Japanese ukiyo-e, particularly Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa; others noted similar motifs in Joseon-era paintings.