Park Chan-wook Receives France's Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters

Filmmaker Park Chan-wook received France's Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters, the highest rank of the three-tier honor, from the French Ministry of Culture on Sunday. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the southern French resort city. Park is leading the jury as the first Korean to hold the role, and the festival runs through May 23.

Park noted that his works have received influence from French films and philosophy. He said he is touched that his films now appear to influence young French filmmakers. Park recalled his 2004 Grand Prix win at Cannes with the film "Oldboy" as a major turning point.

He also won the Jury Prize for "Thirst" in 2009 and the Best Director award for "Decision to Leave" in 2022. "My last remaining wish is to film a movie in France sometime, with French actors," Park said in an acceptance speech.

Korean recipients of the honor include conductor Chung Myung-whun and soprano Sumi Jo. Park is the fourth Korean to receive the award.