Bong Joon-ho’s film has prompted a government initiative to improve conditions in 1,500 semi-basement apartments

Weeks after Bong Joon-ho’s historic win at the Oscars, his film Parasite is still making headlines. Beyond confusing the US PresidentParasite may now pave the way for housing reform in South Korea. The country’s government announced it would launch an initiative to help families like the movie’s working-class Kims to improve housing conditions. The Korea Herald reports that the South Korean government, Korea Energy Foundation, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government will offer “3.2 million won per household to enhance heating systems, replace floors, and install air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ventilators, windows, and fire alarms” to 1,500 families in semi-basement apartments who make less than 60 percent of the median income. Applications for funding will open up in March. 

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