Park Chan-wook Becomes First Korean Filmmaker to Chair Cannes Film Festival Jury

Director Park Chan-wook has been appointed Jury President of the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Korean filmmaker to assume the role.

On Feb. 26 local time, the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee announced that Park will preside over the jury for the 79th edition of the festival, which opens on May 12.

Director Park Chan-wook of ‘No Other Choice.’ Photo by CJ ENM.

Festival President Iris Knobloch and General Delegate Thierry Frémaux said in a joint statement, “Park’s originality, exceptional visual mastery, and his ability to capture the inner worlds of characters shaped by strange destinies have offered unforgettable moments to contemporary cinema.” They added, “We are delighted to celebrate his remarkable talent and to spotlight, through him, the stature of Korean cinema, which continues to engage deeply with the questions of our time.”

It marks the first time a Korean film figure has chaired the Cannes jury. Previously, Shin Sang-ok (1994), Lee Chang-dong (2009), actor Jeon Do-yeon (2014), Park Chan-wook (2017), actor Song Kang-ho (2021), and Hong Sang-soo (2025) served as jury members.

Park has maintained a distinguished relationship with Cannes. He won the Grand Prix for Oldboy in 2004, the Jury Prize for Thirst in 2009, and Best Director for Decision to Leave in 2022.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to 23 in Cannes, a resort city in southern France.

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