Minister Choi Hwi-young Congratulates Director Park Chan-wook: "Korean Cinema's Global Prestige Proven"

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young sent a congratulatory message to Director Park Chan-wook on May 18, celebrating his receipt of the French government's highest cultural honor, the Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters, and expressing support for his future endeavors.

Minister Choi stated, "I sincerely congratulate you on being awarded the prestigious French Order of Arts and Letters, Commandeur. This honor firmly demonstrates the global stature of Korean cinema and serves as a source of great pride for our culture and arts." He continued, "Your unique and blossoming body of work has become a wellspring of inspiration for creators around the world. I offer my deepest admiration for your artistic achievements that have captivated global audiences and for your pioneering spirit that has opened new horizons in the history of Korean cinema."

Minister Choi also noted that this year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France, and expressed his hope that Director Park would continue to serve as a bridge strengthening cultural solidarity between the two countries, vowing to support his remarkable journey in the future as well.

Director Park Chan-wook (right) is taking a commemorative photo with Catherine Pegard, French Minister of Culture, after being awarded the Commandeur medal in Cannes, France, on the 17th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Director Park Chan-wook was awarded the Commandeur medal by French Minister of Culture Catherine Pegard in Cannes, France, on the 17th (local time).

Since 1957, the French government has awarded the Order of Arts and Letters to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding creative achievement in the fields of art and literature or contributed to raising the international prestige of French culture. The order is divided into three ranks: Commandeur (1st class), Officier (2nd class), and Chevalier (3rd class). Director Park is the fourth Korean recipient of the Commandeur medal, following Kim Jeong-ok, former head of the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation (2002), conductor Myung-Whun Chung (2011), and soprano Sumi Jo (2025).

Director Park also served as the Jury President of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, which opened in Cannes, France, on May 12.

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