In Parasite, secrets and lies, deceit and pretense, and manipulation and fraud thrive within the opulent estate of Park Dong-ik (Lee Sun-kyun), the successful CEO of an IT company. Dong-ik, who appears to have it all—wealth, honor, a loving wife, and children—seems outwardly kind and benevolent, but in reality, he harbors an unmasked disdain and contempt for others. Lee Sun-kyun accurately captures and conveys Dong-ik’s hypocrisy and vulgarity. His portrayal includes a grandiose yet sly smile, an ambiguous gaze that suggests both understanding and obscurity, and a demeanor that, while pretending otherwise, exudes arrogance and condescension. It’s the actor’s clever gestures that both conceal and reveal Dong-ik’s arrogance and obsession, who has his own standards for judging others and absolutely refuses to tolerate anything that crosses that line. Particularly, Dong-ik’s contemptuous glances and gestures, especially towards poverty and the vulnerable, are the film’s pivotal moments, adding a striking touch to the climax of Parasite. (JEONG Jihye)