Kim Ki-jung, the teenage daughter of the Kim family, plays a pivotal role in the film's exploration of social dynamics and the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots. Her character, portrayed with a blend of innocence and cunning, serves as a mirror to the Park family's obliviousness to the plight of the less fortunate.
Kim Ki-jung is introduced as an intelligent and resourceful young woman, adept at using her art skills to secure a job as an art therapist for the Park's daughter, Da-hye. While initially hesitant to take on the role, Ki-jung quickly adapts to her surroundings, blending seamlessly into the Park family's privileged lifestyle.
However, beneath Ki-jung's veneer of composure lies a deep-seated resentment towards the Park family's wealth and privilege. She observes their lavish lifestyle with a mixture of envy and disdain, recognizing the vast chasm between their world and her own.
Ki-jung's resentment intensifies when she encounters Da-hye, a seemingly carefree and oblivious young woman who seems oblivious to the struggles of those less fortunate than her. Ki-jung's attempts to connect with Da-hye on a deeper level are met with indifference, further fueling her contempt for the Park family's privilege.
Despite her role in the Parks' household, Ki-jung remains fiercely loyal to her own family, providing them with financial support and emotional guidance throughout the film. She understands the sacrifices they have made to survive in their impoverished circumstances and is determined to help them climb the social ladder.
Ki-jung's relationship with her father, Kim Ki-taek, is particularly complex. While she respects his leadership and dedication to providing for their family, she also harbors a sense of frustration with his lack of ambition and his willingness to accept their low social standing.
Kim Ki-jung's observations of the Park family offer a scathing critique of the wealthy elite. She perceives their affluence as a product of privilege and a lack of empathy for those less fortunate. Their obliviousness to the struggles of others highlights the deep-seated class divisions that permeate Korean society.
Ki-jung's fascination with Da-hye's lifestyle masks a deeper understanding of the Park family's moral failings. She recognizes that their wealth has insulated them from the realities of the world outside their gated community, leading to a sense of entitlement and disregard for those less fortunate.
Kim Ki-jung's character drives the narrative of Parasite, serving as the catalyst for the film's escalating tensions and eventual climax. Her actions, driven by both ambition and resentment, lead to a series of events that expose the fragile nature of the social hierarchy and the destructive consequences of class conflict.
Ki-jung's obsession with Da-hye's lifestyle leads her to forge a relationship with the family's chauffeur, Min-hyuk, who is also secretly working for the Kim family. This connection further complicates the already intricate web of deception and intertwining fates that characterize the film's narrative.
Kim Ki-jung emerges as a complex and compelling character, embodying the complexities of class conflict and social inequality. Her presence in the film is both disruptive and illuminating, challenging viewers to confront the stark realities of a society deeply divided along economic lines.
Through her character, Bong Joon-ho effectively weaves together themes of ambition, resentment, and moral ambiguity, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and cinematically engaging. Kim Ki-jung's legacy lies in her ability to spark conversations about the very issues that plague our society, leaving a lasting impact on audiences long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, Kim Ki-jung, the rich girl in Parasite, serves as a powerful symbol of the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots. Her character's journey through the film's narrative highlights the complexities of class conflict and the destructive consequences of social inequality.
