Incoherence: South Korean Art Cinema

By Karen Zheng

Before Bong Joon-Ho gained global recognition for Parasite (2019), which was the first foreign-language film to ever win Best Picture at the Oscars, he directed a lesser-known, but equally notable project in 1994. Incoherence (1994) is a satirical short film which utilizes irony and humour to expose the utter hypocrisy of Korean elites. This early work from the illustrious South Korean film auteur is simply nothing short of genius.

Incoherence is divided into three segments. The first episode revolves around a university professor who attempts to conceal the pornographic magazine he has been reading from a female student. In part two, a mischievous male jogger steals milk from the neighbourhood and frames it on a newspaper delivery boy. And the third segment, which takes place late at night, follows a highly intoxicated man who is in desperate need of a public toilet.

The film closes with a brilliant epilogue that meaningfully ties these seemingly unrelated incidents together, and delivers a biting social critique of those in power through comedy. Incoherence may only have a run time of thirty-minutes but its impact persists.  

I’ve always been fond of satire, as it presumes an intelligent audience. In order to understand the underlying message of the film, we must possess enough wit to be in on the joke. Satirical films offer a rewarding viewing experience as they push us to be active thinkers, rather than just passive consumers. We also forge a sense of solidarity with the director, and the political or social point being conveyed through their artistic vision.

Satire isn’t just funny. It’s smart and funny.

As to be expected of any Bong Joon-Ho production, this clever short is a filmic treat for cinephiles everywhere. From the flawless pacing to the sublime cinematography to the arresting soundtrack, it is easy to see how the director of this astounding tour de force ended up winning an Academy Award years down the line.