The Cannes Film Festival has announced that Park Chan-wook, a renowned South Korean filmmaker, will lead the jury for the 79th edition of the festival, which runs from May 12 to 23. This marks the first time a South Korean has taken on this prestigious role, reflecting a significant and growing association between the festival and Korean cinema. Park is celebrated for his unique storytelling and bold visual style, having previously won multiple awards at Cannes, including the Grand Jury Prize for 'Oldboy' in 2004 and the Jury Prize for 'Thirst' in 2009.

In a statement, the festival organizers have praised Park Chan-wook's films as "intuitive, subversive, baroque, and bold in every way—narrative, stylistic, and moral." His notable works such as 'The Handmaiden' and 'Decision to Leave' have pushed the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, earning him both critical and commercial success. The decision to appoint him as jury president signifies not only an acknowledgment of his significant contributions to cinema but also the rising prominence of Korean filmmakers on the global stage.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and anticipated film festivals in the world, and with Park at the helm of the jury this year, there is great anticipation regarding the potential impact on this year’s competition. As the festival continues to celebrate diverse voices in film, Park's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the jury proceedings, which previously featured personalities such as Juliette Binoche, who awarded the top prize last year.