Park Chan-wook's Vision for Cinema Beyond Revenge: A Dive into Korea's Cinematic Renaissance

South Korean director Park Chan-wook, renowned for psychological thrillers, delves into the depths of revenge and human nature, confessing to CNN his contemplations on retaliation that fuel his creative process. As he gears up for the release of "The Sympathizer," an HBO adaptation exploring post-Vietnam War complexities, Park reflects on South Korea's cinematic renaissance. The country's tumultuous history, transitioning from dictatorship to democracy, has played a pivotal role in shaping the emotional depth portrayed in recent films. Park emphasizes the universal appeal of Korean cinema, transcending language barriers and addressing core human emotions, evident in the global success of titles like "Parasite" and "Squid Game." While his films explore dark themes, especially the treatment of women, Park defines his approach as feminist, portraying complex, autonomous characters. As he continues to influence global audiences, Park's cinematic legacy remains rooted in timeless stories and the universality of human experience.