Robert Pattinson, with South Korean film-maker Bong Joon-ho at an eatery and at Tongin Market in Seoul. Photos: Mickey 17/Instagram
Robert Pattinson’s first brush with Korean street food turned into a hilarious ordeal of perspiration and laughter, as the British actor kicked off the press tour for South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s latest sci-fi venture, Mickey 17.
In a clip posted on the film’s official Instagram account on Jan 23, The Batman (2022) star hit up an eatery in Yongsan, Seoul, with Bong, 55, the director of Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019).
Pattinson, 38, dives straight into the tteokbokki, only to discover that the supposedly “mild” dish was actually the “very spicy” option – a prank set up by the staff.
“I’m such a baby, I’m literally sweating already,” he says, reaching for a glass of water as he breaks into laughter.
Social media lit up over the spicy showdown of Pattinson, star of The Twilight Saga film series (2008 to 2012).
“I love how Bong killed him 17 times on screen and tried killing the 18th with spice,” one netizen commented on X, referring to Pattinson’s roles in Mickey 17.
The film, based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by American author Edward Ashton, also stars British actress Naomi Ackie and American actor Steven Yeun.
Another netizen noted: “Mr Pattinson said he would do the hot ones himself.”
The actor was also seen in a video clip, posted on Jan 25, going on a food trip at Tongin Market in Seoul and trying several Korean snacks.
Director Bong Joon-ho (right) and actor Robert Pattinson, pose for the media ahead of a news conference for 'Mickey 17' in Seoul, South Korea, Jan 20, 2025. Photo: AP
On Jan 22, Pattinson went for South Korea’s trending personal colour analysis test, flipping through colour sheets in what seemed like a routine consultation – until the last sheet revealed “Mickey 17 Trailer Tomorrow”.
The promotional teaser led up to the film’s second trailer drop on Jan 23.
Pattinson will also appear on popular South Korean variety show Running Man (2010 to present) after the cast coincidentally ran into him while shooting in Seoul, the show’s officials told South Korean media on Jan 21. The episode is scheduled to air on Feb 9.
During his visit to Seoul from Jan 19 to 22, Pattinson attended a press event on Jan 20 at Yongsan CGV I’Park Mall, where he opened up about playing dual roles and gave props to Bong’s unique directing style.
Mickey 17’s world premiere in South Korea is on Feb 28, a week before its global release on March 7. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
