According to reports from Reuters and Yonhap News, French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak presented the award to Park on May 17 in Cannes, where he was serving as the jury president for the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The Order of Arts and Letters is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature or have enhanced the international stature of French culture. It has three grades: Chevalier, Officier, and Commander, with Commander being the highest.
Park is the fourth South Korean recipient of the Commander honor, following Kim Jong-ok in 2002, conductor Myung-whun Chung in 2011, and soprano Sumi Jo last year.
After receiving the award, Park expressed that French cinema and philosophy have greatly influenced his work. He stated, "I felt that all the influences I received from France have come together in me."
He reminisced about winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 for his film 'Oldboy,' calling it a significant turning point that completely changed his life. He noted that his connection with Cannes has continued, leading to his role as jury president this year.
Park also shared his desire to film in France, saying, "My last wish is to make a film in France someday, to work with French actors." He expressed gratitude for the honor.
Park has a long-standing relationship with the Cannes Film Festival. He won the Jury Prize in 2004 for 'Oldboy,' the Jury Award in 2009 for 'Thirst,' and the Best Director Award in 2022 for 'Decision to Leave.' His film 'The Handmaiden' was invited to compete in 2016, and he served as a jury member in 2017.
This year, he became the first South Korean to be appointed as jury president at the Cannes Film Festival. His journey from award winner to jury president, culminating in receiving France's highest cultural honor, highlights the strong ties between Park and the French film industry.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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