Park Chan-wook and ‘The Sympathizer’ Co-Creator Don McKellar Face Writers Guild Expulsion: What It Means for the Industry

Legendary Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar have been expelled from the Writers Guild of America (WGA). This decision follows their involvement in the HBO Max series The Sympathizer during the ongoing writers’ strike.

Park, known for acclaimed films like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, was the most notable figure disciplined by the union amid the 148-day strike. Their actions raised eyebrows within the industry. In April, the WGA had already taken action against seven writers for breaking strike rules. While four members appealed their cases, Park and McKellar chose not to.

The Sympathizer is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. The story revolves around a North Vietnamese double agent who continues his espionage work after relocating to Southern California, just prior to the fall of Saigon. Robert Downey Jr. has received significant praise for his performance in multiple roles in the series.

Tensions around the strike have intensified. According to a recent survey by the WGA, a significant portion of its members believes in upholding strike rules, underscoring the divide between writers and those continuing to work.

Park, who won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 for Decision to Leave, is gearing up for the Venice Film Festival where he will showcase his latest project, No Other Choice. Meanwhile, Downey Jr. is looking forward to the 2024 Emmy Awards after his nomination for The Sympathizer.

As the industry navigates these controversial waters, the repercussions of rule violations are being keenly observed by writers and creators alike.

For more insights into the impact of the WGA strike, check out this NPR article.

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