Park Chan-Wook Becomes First South Korean Jury President at Cannes Film Festival
Park Chan-Wook Takes the Helm at Cannes
Renowned filmmaker Park Chan-Wook, celebrated for his latest film No Other Choice, has been appointed as the jury president for the 79th Cannes Film Festival. This historic appointment marks him as the first South Korean to hold this prestigious position in the festival's nearly eight-decade history. Previously, Wong Kar-Wai was the only Asian director to have served in this role two decades ago. Park's film, featuring stars Lee Byung-Hun and Son Ye-Jin, represented South Korea in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, despite not receiving a nomination. Nonetheless, its acclaim has been solidified through various international awards and festivals.
Announcement of Jury Presidency
Park Chan-Wook to Lead the Jury at Cannes
The announcement was made on February 26, revealing that Park, a distinguished director, screenwriter, and producer, will take over from French actress Juliette Binoche. Binoche's jury awarded the Palme d'Or to Jafar Panahi's Iranian film It Was Just an Accident in 2025.
Cannes Celebrates Park's Contributions
Cannes Honors Park's Cinematic Achievements
In a joint statement, Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch and director Thierry Frémaux praised Park Chan-Wook for his creativity and visual storytelling. They noted, "His ability to portray the complex emotions of individuals with unique destinies has enriched contemporary cinema. We are thrilled to honor his extraordinary talent and, more broadly, the cinema of a nation that deeply engages with the issues of our time."
Park on the Role of Cinema
Park Emphasizes Cinema's Importance in Challenging Times
Park, whose film No Other Choice garnered three Golden Globe nominations, remarked, "The theater's darkness allows us to appreciate the light of cinema. We confine ourselves within the theater to liberate our souls through the film's window." He expressed eagerness for the dual experience of watching films and engaging in discussions with jury members, stating, "In this era of division and animosity, gathering in a theater to watch a film together is a profound and universal act of solidarity."
Park Chan-Wook's Cannes Legacy
Park Chan-Wook's Impressive History at Cannes
Park Chan-Wook's association with Cannes dates back to 2004 when he presented his debut film, the iconic Oldboy, which won the Grand Prize and became a cult classic. Since then, he has showcased all his films at Cannes, including The Handmaiden (2016). His film Thirst received the Jury Prize in 2009, and he won Best Director for Decision to Leave in 2022.