With the rise of K-pop, K-dramas, and films, South Korea’s entertainment industry has continued to break barriers over the past two decades. At the heart of this cultural wave is Park Chan‑wook. His films, such as Old Boy and The Handmaiden, have made history in Cannes.

This year, he returns to the same festival before an eager crowd, carrying an even greater promise to raise the bar once again. After contributing cult classics and masterpieces, Park Chan-wook is set to appear as the Jury President at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year.

Park Chan-wook has become the first-ever South Korean to lead the jury at the Cannes Film Festival. His name is well known at the Cannes Film Festival after his movie Old Boy won the grand prize in 2004. This was followed by wins for Thirst, The Handmaiden, and the latest Decision to Leave, when he won the best director.

The selection of Park Chan-wook as a jury member is not just an honor for the director but also a nod to the many Korean films that have found success at the Cannes Film Festival. South Korea’s first Cannes winner was Chi-hwa-seon (Strokes of Fire), which earned Im Kwon-taek the Best Director award in 2002. Years later, Bong Joon-ho made history by winning the country’s first Palme d’Or for Parasite.

Now, he will be the one to hand the Palme d’Or to a new talent this year after he replaces French actor Juliette Binoche for the position. 

 This moment also serves as a tribute to the entire nation. With this, Chan-wook became only the third Asian to preside over a Cannes jury, after Tetsurō Furukaki in 1962 and Wong Kar-wai in 2006. Clearly, he has helped pave the way for several writers and directors who are now following closely in his footsteps.

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His historic honor comes a year after his latest film, No Other Choice, earned much acclaim at the Venice Film Festival.

Park Chan-wook’s latest film, No Other Choice, was embraced with loud applause at the Venice Film Festival in 2025. This South Korean thriller was greeted with cheers of “bravo” and a six-minute standing ovation. Chan-Wook and his star-studded cast were also present at the festival to witness the moment. 

A brilliant dark comedy is based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel The Ax and follows Yoo Man-su, played by Lee Byung-hun, who is laid off after 25 years at his job. This sets him on a strange path to secure a new job. It was also nominated for three Golden Globes. 

And after a heartwarming moment at Venice Film Festival, Chan-Wook is now headed for another moment this year.

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What do you think about Park Chan-Wook's feat at the Cannes this year? Let us know in the comments.