Park ChanWook Retrospective Coming to American Cinematheque

Distributor CJ ENM announced on November 6, 2025, that celebrated film director Park ChanWook will be honored with a major film retrospective in the United States. The upcoming Park ChanWook retrospective will take place at the prestigious American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, showcasing the director’s significant contributions to Korean cinema and global film. This event follows a recent commemorative screening in Seoul, highlighting a period of international recognition for the visionary director.

Park ChanWook Retrospective at the American Cinematheque

The American Cinematheque, a non-profit cultural organization established in 1984, will host the special event celebrating Park ChanWook’s illustrious career. The retrospective will feature screenings of his most influential works, offering American audiences a comprehensive look at his unique cinematic style. This event underscores the growing global appreciation for masters of Korean cinema.

Special Guest Appearances and Q&A Sessions

Adding to the excitement, both film director Park ChanWook and acclaimed actor Lee ByungHun are scheduled to participate in special Q&A sessions with the audience. The pair will appear following the screenings of I Have No Choice and the iconic film Joint Security Area. This offers a rare opportunity for fans to gain direct insight into their collaborative process and the stories behind these classic films. The lineup for the Park ChanWook retrospective will also include other seminal works such as Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, the Grand Prix-winning Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and the visually stunning The Handmaiden.

Commemorative Screening in Seoul

This international celebration comes on the heels of a domestic tribute. On November 4, 2025, a special Guest Visit (GV) screening of Joint Security Area (2000) was held at the CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. The event was part of distributor CJ ENM’s 30th-anniversary “Visionary” selection, a program designed to honor landmark films and creators that have shaped the Korean film industry. The screening reaffirmed the movie’s status as a pivotal work in modern Korean film history.

The Enduring Legacy of Joint Security Area

Joint Security Area was a breakout success for both Park ChanWook and its star, Lee ByungHun, catapulting them to new heights of fame and critical acclaim. The film’s inclusion in both the Seoul screening and the upcoming American Cinematheque event highlights its enduring importance. The reunion of the director and actor for the Q&A in Los Angeles is a testament to the film’s lasting impact and the powerful partnership that created it, further cementing Park ChanWook’s legacy as a master film director.

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