Park Chan Wook named Cannes Film Festival Jury President, first Korean to lead panel

Park Chan Wook has been appointed president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

According to the U.S. outlet Deadline on February 26, Park Chan Wook has been selected as jury president for the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, which will open on May 12.

This marks the first time a Korean has been named jury president at Cannes. He will preside over the jury evaluating films in the main competition, succeeding Hollywood actress Juliette Binoche.

Iris Knobloch, president of the Cannes Film Festival, praised Park, saying, “Director Park Chan Wook’s creativity and visual artistry have delivered moments that deserve to be remembered in contemporary cinema.” She added, “We are delighted to celebrate his cinema, which not only showcases exceptional talent but also persistently raises questions about the era we live in.”

Park Chan Wook has maintained a long-standing relationship with Cannes, beginning with his Grand Prix win for 'Oldboy' in 2003. His film 'Thirst' won the Jury Prize in 2009, while 'Decision to Leave' earned him the Best Director award in 2022.

Meanwhile, this year’s Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to May 23 in Cannes, France.

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