Park Chan-wook Recounts 8 Years in Obscurity, Including Running a Video Store

Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook appeared on the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block', candidly sharing his experiences during an eight-year period of obscurity following his 1992 debut.

During this challenging phase, Park worked as a film critic, wrote articles, and even appeared on television. He humorously recalled his time running a local video rental store named 'Movie Village' with his friend, music director Jo Young-wook. "We thought we'd picked movies everyone would love, but people either didn't rent them, or after watching a film I recommended, they stopped coming," he revealed, drawing laughter from the hosts.

Actor Lee Byung-hun, also present, lightheartedly distanced himself by stating, "I've absolutely never done that. A person shouldn't be two-faced," adding to the jovial atmosphere.

Park also confessed to forming a critique group with fellow directors like Bong Joon-ho and Ryoo Seung-wan, where they would often express jealousy and criticize the work of more successful peers. "We'd watch their films and say, 'How could they shoot it like that?' It was a gathering filled with frustration," he admitted. This group met to watch movies, share meals, and commiserate during tough times, often devolving into self-praise and gossip about others.

Park Chan-wook's breakthrough film, 'Joint Security Area', released in 2000, marked his transition from an emerging talent to a widely recognized director. His subsequent works, including 'Oldboy' and 'The Handmaiden', have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards globally. He is celebrated for his distinctive visual style and his ability to explore dark and complex themes.