Cannes, France – Internationally acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook has been appointed President of the Jury for the Feature Films Competition at the 79th Festival de Cannes, marking a historic first for Korean cinema.
The celebrated director, screenwriter, and producer will lead the jury in awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or on May 23, 2026, at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. He will succeed last year’s jury, which presented the top prize to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for It Was Just an Accident.
A Landmark Moment for Korean Cinema
The appointment of Park Chan-wook symbolizes Cannes’ long-standing admiration for Korean cinema and its growing global influence. Festival President Iris Knobloch and Director Thierry Frémaux praised Park’s artistic mastery, highlighting his “inventiveness, visual brilliance, and ability to portray the complex impulses of women and men with extraordinary depth.”
Park’s presidency represents a major milestone, reinforcing South Korea’s powerful presence in contemporary world cinema.
A Cannes Favorite
Park’s relationship with Cannes began in 2004 when Oldboy won the Grand Prix, launching him onto the international stage. Since then, several of his films have earned acclaim at the festival:
- Thirst – Jury Prize (2009)
- The Handmaiden – Official Competition (2016)
- Decision to Leave – Best Director (2022)
His films are known for their bold storytelling, moral intensity, and striking visual style — often blending revenge, obsession, eroticism, and psychological tension.
Influences and Signature Style
Often compared to directors like Quentin Tarantino, Brian De Palma, and David Fincher, Park cites Alfred Hitchcock as a major inspiration. After discovering Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Park decided to pursue filmmaking — a choice that shaped his cinematic voice.
Themes of obsession and revenge define much of his work, particularly his celebrated “Vengeance Trilogy”:
- Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
- Oldboy
- Lady Vengeance
His latest film, No Other Choice, continues his exploration of dark satire and social critique, examining ambition and male vanity in modern capitalist society.
Korea’s Cannes Legacy
Park’s appointment comes as part of a broader recognition of Korean cinema at Cannes. Over the years, Korean filmmakers and actors have received major honors, including:
- Bong Joon-ho, who won Korea’s first Palme d’Or in 2019
- Jeon Do-yeon, Best Actress (2007)
- Song Kang-ho, Best Actor (2022)
Park himself previously broke box office records in Korea with Joint Security Area, further cementing his status as a leading voice in modern cinema.
A Vision for Unity Through Film
Speaking ahead of the festival, Park reflected on the emotional power of cinema:
“The theater is dark so that we may see the light of cinema… In this age of division, gathering together to watch a film is a universal expression of solidarity.”
As anticipation builds toward May 12, when the festival opens, the global film community looks forward to a dynamic and thoughtful jury under Park Chan-wook’s leadership.
The 79th Festival de Cannes promises not only cinematic excellence but also a celebration of artistic unity in a divided world.