Park Chan-wook Appointed Jury Chair of the 79th Cannes Film Festival... "I Believe in the Power of Films that Create Solidarity"

Film director Park Chan-wook has been appointed as the jury chair for the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, as reported by major foreign news outlets such as AP and AFP on the 25th (local time).

Director Park will lead the official jury that decides the winner of the Palme d'Or, the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival. He is the first Korean to be appointed as the jury chair in the festival's history. He follows French actress Juliette Binoche, who served as jury chair last year.

Iris Knobloch, the president of the Cannes Film Festival, and Thierry Frémaux, the executive director, revealed the background of the appointment in a joint statement. They stated, "Director Park's originality, visual direction, and ability to capture the multilayered impulses of men and women with strange fates have provided unforgettable moments in modern cinema," adding, "We are pleased to honor a filmmaker whose exceptional talent has deeply engaged with the questions of our time."

In his remarks upon his appointment, Director Park stated, "In an era of hatred and division, I believe that the act of watching films together in theaters can move hearts and create a universal sense of solidarity."

Director Park Chan-wook has maintained a significant connection with Cannes since winning the Jury Prize in 2004 for 〈Old Boy〉. He later won the Jury Prize in 2009 for 〈Thirst〉 and the Best Director Award in 2022 for 〈Decision to Leave〉, establishing himself as a master of modern cinema recognized by Cannes.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 12 to 23 in the southern French resort city of Cannes.