Chanwook Park Voices Conviction: "We Must Elect Someone Who Fears the People"

Candid Remarks Ahead of the Presidential Election

"The time is approaching when we must elect a leader worthy of our great people. Instead of someone like the cruel and incompetent King Seonjo portrayed by Cha Seungwon in the film, we must choose someone who truly understands the power of the people and fears them."

Director Chanwook Park made a candid statement regarding the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next month during an official event.

Director Chanwook Park. Photo by JTBC

On May 5, at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony held at COEX Hall D in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Director Park made these remarks during his acceptance speech after receiving the Best Screenplay Award for the Netflix original film "Jeon, Ran," which he co-wrote with writer Shin Chul.

"Jeon, Ran" is a film set during the chaos of the Japanese invasions, depicting the story of Jongryeo (played by Park Jungmin), the son of Joseon's most prominent military family, and his servant Cheonyeong (played by Kang Dongwon), who reunite as enemies?one as King Seonjo's (played by Cha Seungwon) closest military officer and the other as a militia member.

On stage, Director Park pointed out the similarities between Korea's current situation and that of about 400 years ago, the period depicted in "Jeon, Ran." After first expressing gratitude to the production team, he introduced the film, saying, "While observing the political situation in our country, I often thought of 'Jeon, Ran.'" He continued, "The reason is that there is a significant parallel between the two eras: courageous and wise citizens save a nation in crisis."

Director Park also signed a statement by filmmakers calling for the impeachment and arrest of former President Yoon Sukyeol.

Writer Shin Chul, who co-wrote the screenplay for "Jeon, Ran," said after receiving the award, "It took 12 years from writing the first sentence to completing the script," and added, "This country once had a king who tried to kill his own people by gathering prisoners of war during the Imjin War. Thanks to an unnamed historian who recorded and preserved this fact, today's film could be made." He continued, "That courage and record have reached us today, and we, too, were able to keep writing without losing courage until the end."