Park Chan-wook, the acclaimed South Korean filmmaker renowned for his works such as “Oldboy” and “No Other Choice,” has been appointed as the president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, according to an announcement made by festival organizers on Thursday.
This appointment marks a significant milestone as Chan-wook becomes the first Korean to lead the jury tasked with awarding the coveted Palme d’Or. His relationship with the Cannes Film Festival has been longstanding; “Oldboy” garnered the Grand Prix, Cannes' second most prestigious award, in 2004. Chan-wook has continued to make his mark on the festival, winning the Jury Prize in 2009 for his film “Thirst” and the Best Director award in 2022 for “Decision to Leave.”
In a joint statement praising Chan-wook, festival president Iris Knobloch and director Thierry Frémaux highlighted his “inventiveness, visual mastery, and penchant for capturing the multiple impulses of women and men with strange destinies.” They articulated their joy in celebrating not only Chan-wook’s immense talent but also the broader cinema of South Korea, which is deeply engaged in exploring contemporary questions and narratives.
Chan-wook's appointment comes after Juliette Binoche served as the jury president in Cannes. Notably, the Palme d’Or in 2025 was awarded to Jafar Panahi for his film “It Was Just an Accident.” Furthermore, fellow South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho secured the prestigious award in 2019 for his groundbreaking film “Parasite,” underscoring the growing prominence of Korean cinema on the global stage.
Chan-wook's most recent release, “No Other Choice,” presents a dark satire revolving around an unemployed father who resorts to extreme measures to eliminate his job competition. Although it was selected as Korea’s entry for the Oscars, it did not receive a nomination. However, it garnered critical acclaim, with the Associated Press recognizing it as one of the best films of 2025.
The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 23, providing a prestigious platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their latest works. Chan-wook's leadership of the jury adds an exciting dimension to this year’s events, as the festival aims to highlight diverse stories and innovative cinematic expressions.
