Before Parasite took the world by storm, Bong Joon Ho unleashed one of modern horror’s most memorable creatures. Now, The Host is returning to the big screen with a 4K restoration in a limited theatrical run.
Originally released in 2006, The Host blends horror, science fiction, and family drama into a creature feature that helped establish Bong Joon Ho as one of South Korea’s most distinctive filmmakers. With interest in a possible The Host 2 continuing among fans, this limited return offers audiences another chance to experience the original film on the big screen — or discover it for the first time.
The Host
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Starring: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Ko Asung, Oh Dal-su, Lee Jae-eung, Lee Dong-ho
- Genre: Horror, Drama, Science Fiction
- Runtime: 120 mins
- User Rating: ★ 7
A Monster Emerges From the Han River
Gang-du (Song Kang-ho) works at a small food stand beside Seoul’s Han River, where his days are spent looking after customers and caring for his daughter, Hyun-seo (Ko Asung). His routine is interrupted when a strange creature appears near the river, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.
The situation quickly turns into a nightmare. The enormous creature climbs onto the riverbank, attacking people and sending the area into chaos. As Gang-du and Hyun-seo attempt to escape, the monster snatches the young girl and disappears into the water.
Authorities soon declare the creature a possible carrier of an unidentified virus, placing the area under restrictions. Gang-du fears his daughter is gone for good, until an unexpected phone call reveals that Hyun-seo is still alive.
With the authorities focused on containing the threat, Gang-du refuses to give up. Determined to bring his daughter home, he sets out to enter the forbidden zone and face the terrifying creature himself. What follows is a desperate rescue mission that tests the limits of a family’s love and survival.
Bong Joon Ho’s Acclaimed Creature Feature
Directed and co-written by Bong Joon Ho, alongside screenwriters Hah Jun-won and Baek Chul-hyun, The Host is more than a traditional monster movie. Its mix of suspense, dark humour, social commentary, and emotional family drama gives the film a personality all its own.
The cast features Song Kang-ho as Park Gang-du, Byun Hee-bong as Park Hie-bong, Park Hae-il as Park Nam-il, Bae Doona as Park Nam-joo, and Ko Asung as Park Hyun-seo. Oh Dal-su provides the voice of the creature.
The 4K restoration brings the film back to theatres for a limited engagement, giving longtime fans an opportunity to revisit its large-scale creature action while introducing a new generation to one of South Korea’s standout genre films.
The Host 4K Restoration: Release Details
The Host returns to theatres in a limited run featuring a 4K restoration. Specific screening dates and participating theatres have not been provided.
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Screenplay: Bong Joon Ho, Hah Jun-won, Baek Chul-hyun
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Ko Asung, Oh Dal-su
Genres: Horror, Drama, Science Fiction
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours
Event: Limited theatrical run
Presentation: 4K restoration
If you missed The Host the first time around, this return is a chance to experience Bong Joon Ho’s unforgettable creature feature where it belongs: on the big screen.
