Acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook has added another major achievement to his celebrated career after receiving France’s prestigious Commandeur title, the highest rank of the Order of Arts and Letters. The honour was presented during the ongoing 79th Cannes Film Festival, where Park is also serving as the president of the competition jury, making him the first Korean filmmaker to hold the position.

Park Chan Wook earns this major title

The award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of arts and literature while also helping promote French culture internationally. The Commandeur distinction is the highest of the three-tier honour system established by the French Ministry of Culture. Park has now become only the fourth South Korean to receive the recognition, joining an exclusive list that includes conductor Chung Myung-whun and soprano Sumi Jo.