Director Park Chan-wook on May 17 poses for a photo after receiving the French government's highest cultural honor, Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, France, the site of this year's Cannes Film Festival.

By Hong Angie
Photos = Yonhap News / AP Photo

Director Park Chan-wook, jury president at this year's Cannes Film Festival, has won the Order of Arts and Letters, the French government's highest cultural honor.

This reflects global recognition of his achievements in global cinema as a film director and his close ties with French culture and arts.

Domestic and foreign media such as Yonhap News and Reuters said French Minister of Culture Catherine Pegard gave Park the Commander medal at the festival.

Launched in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, the Order of Arts and Letters goes to individuals who have contributed to the development of culture and arts in France and around the world. It has three categories in order of prestige: Commander, Officer and Knight.

Park is the fourth Korean to receive this award, following Kim Jeong-ok, then president of the Korea Arts and Culture Education Service, in 2002, conductor Chung Myung-Whun in 2011 and soprano Sumi Jo last year.

After receiving the medal, Park said his work was heavily influenced by French cinema and philosophy, adding, "I felt as if all the influences I received in France came together within me."

"Just as I've been influenced by France and continue to be, I'm incredibly moved and proud to think I, in turn, might be having a small influence on young French directors."

Park has a long-standing and storied connection with the festival. He won the Grand Prix (Jury Prize) for "Oldboy" in 2004 and again for "Thirst" in 2009, as well as Best Director for "Decision to Leave" in 2022.

In 2017, he was a jury member in the Competition section. 

French Minister of Culture Catherine Pegard (right) on May 17 presents the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters medal to director Park Chan-wook at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, France, the site of this year's Cannes Film Festival.