Park Chan-wook Makes History—South Korean Master to Lead Cannes Jury for the First Time

South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook has been named president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, set to take place in May 2026. The announcement marks the first time a Korean director will preside over the prestigious event, underscoring the global influence of Korean cinema.

Cannes Praises His Vision

Festival organizers praised Park’s work as “narrative, stylistic, and moral,” highlighting his ability to blend genres and tackle themes of vengeance, redemption, and social inequality. Park himself emphasized the unifying power of cinema, saying, “In this age of hatred and division, the simple act of coming together in a movie theatre makes it possible to create a moving, universal sense of solidarity.”

A Career of Bold Storytelling

Park rose to international fame with Oldboy (2003), which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004. His films, including Thirst (2009), The Handmaiden (2016), and Decision to Leave (2022), have earned acclaim for their striking visuals and fearless exploration of human desire and morality. His latest work, No Other Choice (2025), adapted from Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, explores anxieties about artificial intelligence and the modern job market.

Korean Cinema’s Global Rise

Park’s appointment reflects the growing prominence of South Korean culture worldwide. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite won both the Palme d’Or and the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019, while series like Squid Game and global music acts BTS and Blackpink have further elevated Korea’s cultural footprint.

Literature and Television Influence

Beyond film, Park is known for his love of literature, often adapting novels into cinematic works. He has also directed television projects, including The Little Drummer Girl and HBO’s The Sympathizer. His ability to move between mediums has cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile storytellers of his generation.

Looking Ahead

As jury president, Park will oversee the selection of the 2026 Palme d’Or winner, following last year’s award to Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident. His leadership promises a bold and thoughtful perspective on world cinema, continuing Cannes’ tradition of celebrating artistic excellence.