An Examination of Backdrops in Korean Movies and Shows

Backdrops are one of the key aspects of Korean movies that give them the aesthetic they are so well known for. Many of these scenes can expertly blend real-world locations with computer-generated imagery to create the perfect setting for whatever themes the movie itself explores. In this article, we'll analyze some of the most iconic backdrops of Korean movies and shows and reveal how they were brought to life.

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"Tazza: The High Rollers" (2006) and "Tazza: The Hidden Card" (2014)

Not a single backdrop in this South Korean casino movie is placed there at random. Every setting has a purpose in the greater narrative and helps the audience to immerse themselves more completely in the journeys of the characters. For example, the Iksan Prison set stands out as one of the most notable settings in the first film, and this area helps to frame the gritty realism of the movie and the greater message about the dangers of underground gambling. Standing in contrast to this, the setting of Seoul in the second movie, with its constant hustle and bustle, helps visually represent the evolution of the gambling scene and creates a more contemporary feel for the audience.

These backdrops not only act to contain the movie and progress the narrative, but they can also have real-world ripple effects. As humans, we are inspired to action by what we see, and such a focus on the glitz and glam of the casino world is certain to direct the audience to their own casino experiences. 

In Korea, one of the most popular forms of casino gaming is making use of Powerball sites. These platforms can create a tense atmosphere for gamblers, due to the rapid speed at which results are determined, expertly mimicking the tension that is built in the Tazza series. Additionally, many of these gambling platforms also offer a plethora of bonuses and incentives that positively contribute to the player's overall experience (source: https://casinobeats.com/kr/online-casinos/powerball-site/). 

"Parasite" (2019)

This Korean movie became a global hit after its release, and for good reason, too. The story spoke to the class struggles of millions of people across the world, irrespective of their personal backgrounds. Additionally, the backdrops in "Parasite" really brought out the deeper messaging in the film. One only has to compare the Park family's mansion with the Kim family's flooded basement flat to see the greater issues the backdrops want to bring our attention to.

What is especially interesting, however, is that very few of the settings were real places. In fact, the backdrops for the vast majority of the movie were computer-generated. This, of course, isn't obvious to the average viewer, and behind-the-scenes footage left audiences in absolute awe. Filming and crafting the movie in this way allowed the producers and creators full control over what they wanted to depict, and made it infinitely easier to get across the meaning of the film.

"Squid Game" Season 1 (2021) 

This is another piece of Korean media that took the entire world by storm. "Squid Game" was a show made for Netflix that has since had a second season, both of which have been met with critical acclaim. It is rare for Korean media to make it onto mainstream platforms, but the success of "Squid Game" proves it has a place. The backdrops of "Squid Game", many of which were computer-generated, are often the biggest thing to stand out to audience members. These impressive sets with their bright, contrasting colors and childlike art styles helped to draw out a contrast between the world we were seeing and the horrors taking place in it. 

What many people don't know, however, is that even though many of the backdrops were computer-generated, a lot took inspiration from real-life art and architecture. The work of Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, for example, helped to inspire the labyrinthine staircase the players are seen to navigate. By expertly building these sets, the creators were able to get across certain emotions and feelings of unease to their audience, as well as help build it up in the characters who were seen immersed in this world.