[Dispatch=Myeong-ju Lee] Director Park Chan-wook received the highest-ranking cultural and arts decoration from the French government.

French Culture Minister Catherine Pegard presented Director Park Chan-wook with the Commandeur decoration on the 17th (Korean time) in Cannes.

The cultural and arts decoration of merit is awarded to those who have made significant contributions in the arts field or have contributed to promoting French culture internationally.

Director Park Chan-wook is the first Korean film director to receive such an honor. The decoration is divided into three levels in total, with Commandeur being the highest rank.

He is the fourth Korean recipient. Previously, former Korea Arts and Culture Education Service Director Kim Jung-ok, conductor Jung Myung-hun, and soprano Cho Su-mi received the Commandeur decoration.

Director Park Chan-wook has developed a deep relationship with the Cannes International Film Festival. He served as a jury member in 2017, and this year was appointed as the first Korean jury president.

His works have also found their way there. In 2004, "Oldboy" won the Jury Prize, in 2009 "Thirst" won the Jury Prize, and in 2022 "Decision to Leave" won the directing award.

Directly after receiving the decoration, Director Park Chan-wook said, "The greatest influence I received was from French cinema. 'My Night at Maud's' left a deep impression on me."

Regarding what he wants to do in the future, he said, "My last wish is to someday film a movie in France with French actors."

<Photo=Dispatch DB>