Park Hoon-jung

Park was born in 1975. Since the late 1980s, while still in his teens, he was already a Cinephile.{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-07-19 |title=[friday] "고교 때부터 구상한 작품... 오랜 꿈 이뤄" |trans-title=[friday] "A work I've envisioned since high school... A long dream come true." |url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/07/05/2018070501911.html |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko}} In 1991, when he was in his second year of high school, he set a future goal to become a film director.{{Cite web |last=Bang |first=Jang-soo |date=2013-03-06 |title=[카메오 배기자의 지상 트위터]영화 '신세계'로 흥행몰이 박훈정 감독 |trans-title=[Cameo Bae-ja's ground Twitter] Director Park Hoon-jung, a box office hit with the movie 'Shinsegae' |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=201303062047066&sec_id=540401 |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=sports.khan.co.kr |language=ko}} However, he initially enrolled in the natural science department in college. After repeating his first college year twice, he enlisted for mandatory military service. He then applied for a non-commissioned officer position and was discharged as a sergeant five years later. After his five years of military service, he ultimately dropped out of college.{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Byeong-jin |date=2011-02-25 |title=[박훈정] 나는 악독한 작가였다 |trans-title=[Park Hoon-jung] I was a vicious writer. |url=http://cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=64983 |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=씨네21 |language=ko}}

Following his military discharge, Park participated in a game scenario contest held by the Venture Association. He was selected and joined a game company as a special recruit, working on game scenarios. However, the company later changed its business focus, prompting Park to start another game company with the people he had previously worked with. Unfortunately, this new business venture did not go well.

In the meantime, Park won a synopsis contest hosted by Sidus HQ, which opened doors for him in the film industry.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2013-03-06 |title=[카메오 배기자의 지상 트위터]영화 '신세계'로 흥행몰이 박훈정 감독 |trans-title=[Kameo Bae-ja's ground Twitter] Director Park Hoon-jung's box office hit with the movie 'New World' |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=201303062047066&sec_id=540401 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=sports.khan.co.kr |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=Park Geum-ja |title="제2회 싸이더스HQ 시놉시스를 공모합니다" |trans-title="We are colluding for the 2nd Cydus HQ Synopsis" |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0000091467?sid=105 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Naver News |language=ko}}{{Cite web |title=싸이더스HQ "3천만원 잡아라" 시놉시스 공모전 |trans-title=Cydus HQ "Catch 30 Million Won" Synopsis Contest |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000018903 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=entertain.naver.com |language=ko}}

Park made his breakthrough as a screenwriter for writing the screenplays for Kim Jee-woon's film I Saw the Devil (2010) and Ryoo Seung-wan's film The Unjust (2010). The release of these two films in 2010 cemented the name of "Park Hoon-jung" in Chungmuro.{{cite web |title=I Saw the Devil (2010) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588170/releaseinfo |via=www.imdb.com}}

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| quote = "When Choi Min-shik first approached me with this project I was working on a different film, but it got delayed for a year and I thought I couldn’t just rest and do nothing. I needed a script because it would have taken too long to develop something new from scratch. So I was in a bit of a dilemma when exactly at this moment Choi, who plays the serial killer in the film, came to me with this script, and suddenly everything fell into place.

When I first read the script it felt very new and powerful but at the same time it had a brutal and tough side to it, which got me interested..."

| source = —Kim Jee-woon about I Saw The Devil Script{{Cite web |last=VirginieSelavy |date=2011-04-26 |title=I Saw the Devil: Interview with Kim Jee-woon |url=http://www.electricsheepmagazine.co.uk/2011/04/26/i-saw-the-devil-interview-with-kim-jee-woon/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=Electric Sheep |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=16 January 2010 |title='Oldboy' Star in Hunt of Psychopath in 'Saw a Devil' |url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18717 |publisher=BloodyDisgusting}}

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The script for the film I Saw the Devil (2010) marked the first time that Kim Jee-woon directed a film that was written by someone else. He was offered the script by Choi Min-sik, who played the villain in the story. Kim then cast Lee Byung-hun in the title role. I Saw the Devil was Choi Min-sik's first major role since the changes to the Korean screen quota system.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Todd |date=28 May 2010 |title=I Saw the Devil Teaser Arrives |url=http://twitchfilm.com/news/2010/05/choi-min-sik-lee-byung-hyun-kim-ji-woon-i-saw-the-devil-teaser-arrives.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213211612/http://twitchfilm.com/news/2010/05/choi-min-sik-lee-byung-hyun-kim-ji-woon-i-saw-the-devil-teaser-arrives.php |archive-date=13 December 2011 |access-date=2 April 2012}}

After premiering in South Korea on August 12, 2010, film I Saw the Devil was screened at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2011. It was also shown at various other international film festivals, including the Fantasporto Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, San Sebastian Film Festival and the London Korean Film Festival.{{cite web |title=Sundance Film Festival 2011 : I Saw the Devil |url=http://sundance.slated.com/2011/films/isawthedevil_sundance2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219162254/http://sundance.slated.com/2011/films/isawthedevil_sundance2011 |archive-date=2011-02-19 |access-date=2011-02-26}} The film received mostly favorable review from international movie critics. The film won a number of awards, including Best Director and Best Film at Fantasporto, Special Jury Prize, Audience Award, Critics Award at the Gerardmer Film Festival, Best Lighting at the Grand Bell Awards, Best Foreign Language film from the Austin Film Critics Association and Best Editing from the 2011 Asian Film Awards.{{Cite web |date=5 December 2011 |title=Kim Jee-woon Interview: The Devil's Advocate |url=https://www.futuremovies.co.uk/filmmaking/kim-jee-woon-the-devils-advocate/matt-mcallister |access-date=22 November 2017 |website=Futuremovies.co.uk}}

When Ryoo Seung-wan directed The Unjust, which was written by Park, it was a significant milestone for him as it marked the first time he directed a film not written by himself in his career. Prior to this, Ryoo had always directed films based on his own scripts.{{Cite web |date=2010-11-18 |title=[INTERVIEW] Director Ryoo Seung-wan - Part 1 |url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2010111718401214099 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=아시아경제 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |date=2010-11-18 |title=[INTERVIEW] Director Ryoo Seung-wan - Part 2 |url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2010111810183641238 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=아시아경제 |language=ko}}The Unjust is a South Korean action crime film that presents a dark and acrid critique of corruption in the country's justice system. It is notable for being the fifth collaboration between director Ryoo and his younger brother, actor Ryoo Seung-bum. The film also reunites lead actors Hwang Jung-min and Ryoo Seung-bum, who had previously worked together in Bloody Tie (2006).{{cite web |last=D'Sa |first=Nigel |date=12 November 2010 |title=The Unjust has strong domestic opening |url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?blbdComCd=601007&seq=1510&mode=VIEW |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=Korean Film Biz Zone}}{{cite web |last=Nam |first=Timothy |date=15 November 2010 |title=Hwang Jeong Min: "Ryu Seung Bom is talented, and Yoo Hae Jin is in my league" |url=http://en.korea.com/blog/enter/movie/hwang-jeong-min-%E2%80%9Cryu-seung-bom-is-talented-and-yoo-hae-jin-is-in-my-league%E2%80%9D/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127152022/http://en.korea.com/blog/enter/movie/hwang-jeong-min-%E2%80%9Cryu-seung-bom-is-talented-and-yoo-hae-jin-is-in-my-league%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=27 January 2013 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=JTN via Korea.com}}

The film has screened at numerous film festivals around the world, including the Panorama section of the 61st Berlin International Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=19 January 2011 |title=Nine Korean films invited to the Berlin International Film Festival |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/5793 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Hong Kong International Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=21 March 2011 |title=10 Korean films invited to Hong Kong film fest |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/6509 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Shanghai International Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=7 June 2011 |title=4 Korean movies invited to international film fest in Shanghai |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/7446 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the New York Asian Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=3 June 2011 |title=11 Korean films invited to New York Asian Film Festival |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/7429 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Fantasia Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=8 July 2011 |title=10 Korean films invited to the Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/7810 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Hawaii International Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=2 September 2011 |title=8 Korean pictures invited to int'l film fest in Hawaii so far |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/8383 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Vladivostok International Film Festival - Pacific Meridian,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=1 September 2011 |title=Several Korean movies invited to int'l film fest in Russia |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/8370 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} the Sitges Film Festival,{{cite web|last=Hong|first=Lucia|title=Several Korean movies score wins at Spain film festival|url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/8831|access-date=2012-11-18|work=10Asia|date=17 October 2011}} the London Korean Film Festival,{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=26 October 2011 |title=SHINee to perform at the London Korean Film Festival next month |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/8933 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} and the Udine Far East Film Festival.{{cite web |last=Hong |first=Lucia |date=9 April 2012 |title=8 Korean pics invited to 14th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/10492 |access-date=2012-11-18 |work=10Asia}} The Unjust was a critical and commercial success, grossing 2.7 million admissions at the box office and winning several awards. Park also received numerous awards for his screenplay of the film.

Park made his directorial debut with film The Showdown which was released in 2011. He wrote the script in 2006 and offered the script to other directors and production companies. However they all wanted to tell a different story while keeping only the basic framework. Park felt like it was too far from his vision, so he thought of directing the film himself.{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-03-03 |title=[인터뷰]영화 '혈투'박훈정 감독 인터뷰 "우리 이야기다" |trans-title=[Interview] Interview with director Park Hoon-jung in the movie 'Blood' "It's our story" |url=https://www.etoday.co.kr/news/view/411917 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=이투데이 |language=ko}} Despite having a low budget of approximately 1.99 billion won,{{Cite web |date=2011-02-22 |title=박훈정 감독 '혈투' 초안은 지금과 많이 달랐다 |trans-title=Director Park Hoon-jung's draft of 'Blood' was very different from now. |url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20110222000275 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Aju Business Daily |language=ko}} the film failed to achieve commercial success.{{Cite web |date=2013-03-22 |title='신세계' 감독 박훈정 "정치하는 깡패들 통해 권력이 뭔지 묻고 싶었죠" |trans-title=Park Hoon-jung, director of 'Shinsegae', "I wanted to ask what power is through political thugs" |url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20130321/53883586/1 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=The Dong-a Ilbo |language=ko}}

After the commercial failure of his debut film, Park encountered difficulties in planning his next project, the Korean-style noir film 'Shinsegae' or New World. Park said, "The people who wants to invest asked for two things. "The scenario and actors are good, but change the director and genre", or "Noir is not a box office hit, so let's cut the production cost." Despite the initial challenges, New World managed to attract a total audience of 4.68 million, according to the integrated computer network of the Korea Film Commission. This success marked Park's first box office hit and he was praised for pioneering a new path for Korean-style noir.

New World stars Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik, Hwang Jung-min, Park Sung-woong, and Song Ji-Hyo.{{cite web |last=Paquet |first=Darcy |date=8 March 2013 |title=In Focus: New World |url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/inFocus.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=31 |access-date=26 March 2013 |work=Korean Film Council}}{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Hyun-min |date=7 January 2013 |title=NEW WORLD Is a New Kind of Korean Crime Drama |url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2148 |access-date=13 January 2013 |work=Korean Film Council}} In the film, Lee Ja-sung (Lee Jung-jae) struggles to balance his role as an undercover police officer with his rise in Korea's crime syndicate.{{cite web |last=Suk |first=Monica |date=22 June 2012 |title=A-list Korean actors gears up to bring new film noir action pic |url=http://us.tenasia.co.kr/archives/11209 |access-date=13 January 2013 |work=10Asia}}{{cite web |last=Son |first=Jin-ah |date=20 September 2012 |title='New World' cranked up |url=http://en.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=126141 |access-date=13 January 2013 |website=En.starnnews.com}} The New York Times called the film "both less bloody and more thoughtful than most of its genre, the shifting-alliances plot becoming more engrossing as it progresses."{{cite news |last=Catsoulis |first=Jeannette |date=21 March 2013 |title=In South Korea, Gangsters in Good Suits |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2013/03/22/movies/new-world-directed-by-park-hoon-jung.html |access-date=28 March 2013}} Park won the Jury Award at the 5th Beaune International Thriller Film Festival in 2013.{{Cite web |date=2018-01-16 |title=New World (2013) Blu-Ray Review |url=https://thegeekshow.co.uk/new-world-2013-blu-ray-review/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |language=en-GB}}

In 2015, Park reunited with Choi Min-sik in historical film The Tiger. Set in 1925 during the Japanese colonial period, "The Tiger" depicts the fateful story of Cheon Man-deok, a tiger hunter, and the last tiger of Joseon. The screenplay was authored in 2009 while Park was still a relatively unknown writer, and it was promptly sold to a film company upon completion. Although Park initially had no plans of directing the film, he eventually took on the role of director five years later.{{Cite web |date=2014-07-08 |title=이제는 사라진 조선 호랑이를 위하여 |trans-title=For the Joseon tiger that has disappeared now |url=http://cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=77343 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Cine21 (씨네21) |language=ko}} The distributor, NEW, along with Choi Min-sik urged Park to take on the role of director. They argued that he was the best fit to direct since he had written the script.{{Cite web |last1=Jeong |first1=Hyun-mok |last2=Kim |first2=Hyo-eun |date=2015-12-25 |title=[매거진M] '히말라야' 이석훈 VS '대호' 박훈정...대작으로 맞붙은 두 감독 |trans-title=[magn.M] 'Himalaya' Lee Seok-hoon VS 'Daeho' Park Hoon-jung... Two directors who faced each other as a masterpiece |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/19306476 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=JoongAng Ilbo |language=ko}}

Despite being a commercial blockbuster film that cost 14 billion won, Park and his team faced difficulties in creating a realistic tiger using only about 1/11 of the production cost of Life of Pi, which also utilized CGI animation for its tiger character.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-21 |title='대호' 박훈정 감독 호랑이 CG, 할리우드의 11분의 1 [MD인터뷰①] |trans-title='Daeho' Park Hoon-jung Director Tiger CG, 1/11 in Hollywood [MD interview①] |url=http://mydaily.co.kr/new_yk/html/read.php?newsid=201512211111371120 |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=mydaily.co.kr}} Although the film did not perform as well as expected at the box office, it has been widely acclaimed for its high-quality production and impressive use of CG work to vividly bring the Joseon tiger to life on screen.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-20 |title=[인터뷰] 박훈정 감독이 전하는 '대호' 스토리 10가지 |trans-title=[Interview] 10 stories of 'Daeho' conveyed by director Park Hoon-jung |url=http://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=139 |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=싱글리스트 |language=ko}} Park was nominated for and won several awards for his direction and screenplay for The Tiger, while his team received technical awards for their impressive CGI animation work.

In 2016, Park founded a film production company called 'Geumwol'. The name of the production company is derived from the Chinese characters for the criminal organization 'Goldmoon' from his film New World. Park stated that he established the company to create the kind of work he wanted to make and to avoid feeling guilty for the production company's lack of success. He also mentioned that while there are many well-known works, there are not many successful ones.{{Cite web |date=2018-07-10 |title='신세계', '마녀'···박훈정 감독이 말하는 '악이란 무엇인가?' |url=https://hub.zum.com/khan/28023/ |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=hub.zum.com |language=ko}}

After establishing his own film production company in 2016, Park collaborated with Warner Bros. to produce his next film in 2017. Park's subsequent film, V.I.P., which featured Jang Dong-gun, Kim Myung-min, Park Hee-soon and Lee Jong-suk,{{Cite web |title=JANG Dong-gun Cast in PARK Hoon-jung's VIP |url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?blbdComCd=601006&seq=3991&mode=VIEW}} is a crime-action thriller that centers around the pursuit of a suspected serial killer by officers from South Korea, North Korea, and Interpol. However, despite its star-studded cast, the film was disappointing in terms of box office success. Additionally, V.I.P. received heavy criticism for its excessive portrayal of violence against women.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-06 |title=박훈정 감독이 해독한 '브이아이피' 설계도 |trans-title='VIP' design that director Park Hoon-jung deciphered |url=https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4842528 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=No Cut News}}

In 2018, Park with reunited for the third time with Park Hee-soon in South Korean science fiction action horror film The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion.{{cite web |title=Fantasia Festival {{!}} The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion |url=https://fantasiafestival.com/en/films/the-witch-part-1-the-subversion |website=Fantasia Festival {{!}} The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion}}{{cite web |date=24 July 2018 |title=Fantasia 2018 Review: THE WITCH: PART 1. THE SUBVERSION, Kickass Korean Science Fiction Action |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2018/07/fantasia-2018-review-the-witch-part-1-the-subversion.html |website=ScreenAnarchy}} The film also stars veteran actress Jo Min-soo and actor Choi Woo-shik. The plot revolves around Ja-yoon (played by Kim Da-mi), a high school student who loses all memory after escaping alone from a facility where a mysterious accident resulted in multiple deaths. Kim, a rookie actress at that time, was chosen for the role of Ja-yoon after competing against odds of 1,500 to 1. This role launched Kim Dami’s career.{{Cite web |last=Yoo Ji-hee |date=2018-05-23 |title=박훈정 감독 '마녀', 6월 개봉 조민수X박희순X최우식 출연 |trans-title=Park Hoon-jung's director 'Witch', released in June, starring Jo Min-soo X Park Hee-soon X Choi Woo-sik |url=https://www.joynews24.com/view/1096154 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=아이뉴스24 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Soo-jung |title=박훈정 "'마녀' 장르는 농촌 틴에이저 뮤턴트 스릴러"[인터뷰②] |trans-title=Park Hoon-jung "'Witch' genre is a rural teenager mutant thriller"[interview②] |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0001046243 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=entertain.naver.com |language=ko}}

Despite writing it before film The Tiger (2015), Park delayed its release due to discouragement from those around him. After the release of V.I.P., he eventually met investors. Major Korean distributors found the film difficult due to it being female-led with a new actress and a budget of 6 billion won. However, Warner Bros. Korea showed interest and was more open to casting new actors and big budget. Warner Bros. headquarters responded positively to the project and expressed interest in developing it as a franchise.{{Cite web |title=감독만세 '마녀' 박훈정 감독 "새로운 마녀 등장, 세계관 확장할 수 있다" |trans-title=Director Manse 'Witch' Director Park Hoon-jung "The appearance of a new witch, the worldview can be expanded" |url=https://www.maxmovie.com/news/380687 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=맥스무비 |language=ko}}

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| quote = "Night in Paradise is one of the best gangster movies coming from South Korean cinema in recent years. Park Hoon-jung is a director that deserves full attention for his ability to combine the writing of original screenplays with the creation of complex characters that are never stereotypical, together with impressive and masterly directorial skills. His name will certainly be heard even more in the future."

| source = — Alberto Barbera, director of 77th Venice International Film Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200729000822|title='Night in Paradise' to premiere at Venice Biennale|last=Choi|first=Ji-won|work=The Korea Herald|date=July 29, 2020|access-date=February 16, 2021}}{{cite web|title=Korean Gangster Flick Invited to Venice Film Festival|url=https://www.hancinema.net/korean-gangster-flick-invited-to-venice-film-festival-143630.html|website=HanCinema|access-date=February 16, 2021|date=July 29, 2020}}

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In September 2020, Warner Bros. Korea withdrew from the Korean film industry due to poor results in its recent productions. The withdrawal has raised uncertainty about the much-anticipated sequel, "The Witch 2," following the success of the first installment, The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion which attracted 3.18 million viewers upon its release in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=2020-09-23 |title=Warner Bros. to Cut Operations in South Korea (Report) |url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/asia/warner-bros-to-cut-operations-in-south-korea-1234780557/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

In November 2020, Geumwol and Studio&NEW, a content production affiliate of the media group NEW, signed an equity investment contract.{{Cite web |title=스튜디오앤뉴, 박훈정 감독 영화사 금월에 지분투자 계약 체결...파트너십 강화 |trans-title=Studio & New, director Park Hoon-jung's film company signed a equity investment contract this month... Strengthening the partnership |url=http://www.celuvmedia.com/article.php?aid=1605488074351761011 |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=www.celuvmedia.com |language=ko}}

In the same year, Park wrote and directed Night in Paradise, a film featuring Tae-goo (played by Uhm Tae-goo), a member of a criminal gang led by Mr. Yang (played by Park Ho-san). Tae-goo seeks revenge after his sister and niece are murdered, resulting in his brutal killing of Chairman Doh and his men from the Bukseong gang. He meets Jae-yeon (played by Jeon Yeo-been), a terminally ill woman, on Jeju Island. The Bukseong gang's Director Ma (played by Cha Seung-won) relentlessly hunts down Tae-goo for revenge, and Yang betrays Tae-goo to save his own life.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-05 |title='Night in Paradise' offers rare glimpses of tranquility amid bloody gang war |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2023/05/689_306646.html |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=The Korea Times |language=en}}

The majority of the filming took place on Jeju Island, lasting over three months.{{Cite web |last=Seung-hyun |first=Song |date=2021-05-03 |title=[Herald Interview] Jeon Yeo-been thanks 'Night in Paradise' director for taking a chance on her |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210503000952 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} Night in Paradise had its premiere on September 3, 2020, at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, where it was screened as part of the "Out of Competition" category. In October 2020, it was reported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Next Entertainment World was considering releasing the film directly on Netflix instead of in theaters. In February 2021, it was officially announced that the film would be released on Netflix on April 9.{{cite web |last=Kwak |first=Yeon-soo |date=April 5, 2021 |title='Night in Paradise' offers rare glimpses of tranquility amid bloody gang war |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/04/689_306646.html |access-date=April 9, 2021 |work=The Korea Times}}{{cite web |last=Song |first=Seung-hyun |date=February 16, 2021 |title='Night in Paradise' skips theaters to release on Netflix in April |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210216000825 |access-date=February 16, 2021 |work=The Korea Herald}} The film reached the number one spot on Netflix's Top 10 most popular content list after their release.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-28 |title=Jeon Yeo-been has Netflix to thank for her newfound fame |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/04/28/entertainment/movies/Jeon-Yeobeen-Netflix-Night-in-Paradise/20210428165700968.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}

The production of The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion' sequel faced significant difficulties when Warner Bros. Korea withdrew from the Korean film industry. However, Park's production company and NEW eventually negotiated the rights to the film with Warner Bros. headquarters. Due to budget constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, the film could not be made as originally planned and was reformulated from what was originally planned as third movie. Park acknowledged that the film may not meet audience expectations.{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-07-06 |title=박훈정 감독이 밝힌 '마녀2'..자윤과 소녀, 그리고 진구의 미래 [★FULL인터뷰] |trans-title=Director Park Hoon-jung revealed 'Witch 2'.. Jayun, Girl, and Jin-gu's Future [★FULL Interview] |url=https://www.starnewskorea.com/stview.php?no=2022070608543121476 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=스타뉴스 |language=ko}}

The Witch: Part 2. The Other One features a new character named So-nyeo (played by Shin Shi-a), who is the only survivor of a secret laboratory. So-nyeo was pursued by various characters, including Dr. Baek, each with their own motives for chasing her. The film will also reveal the relationship between Ja-yoon and So-nyeo, adding to the overall intrigue of the storyline. It was released on 15 June 2022 in South Korea.{{Cite news |last=Heo |first=Min-nyeong |date=March 25, 2022 |title=[단독]김다미-이종석 '마녀2' 6월에 온다 상반기 최고 화제작 예약 |language=ko |trans-title=[Exclusive] Kim Da-mi and Lee Jong-suk's 'Witch 2' to come in June Book the most popular work in the first half of the year |work=Newsen |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000555501 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |via=Naver}}{{Cite web |last=Seung-hyun |first=Song |date=2022-06-08 |title=Director Park Hoon-jung's 'The Witch' universe expands with sequel |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220608000664 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=2022-06-20 |title=Korea Box Office: Strong 'Witch' Opening Spells Third Place Debut for 'Lightyear' |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/korea-box-office-witch-lightyear-1235298460/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

In the end of 2021, Park wrote and direct an action-noir film The Childe (originally titled Sad Tropics). Kim Seon-ho, Kim Kang-woo, Go Ara, and Kang Tae-joo in his film debut were cast.{{cite web |author= |date=November 20, 2021 |title=김선호X강태주X김강우X고아라, '슬픈 열대' 캐스팅..곧 크랭크인(공식) |trans-title=Kim Seon-ho X Kang Tae-joo X Kim Kang-woo X Go Ara, cast for 'Sad Tropical'... Soon to crank (official) |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003500678 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |publisher=Herald Pop |language=ko |via=Naver}} It is scheduled to be released theatrically in June 2023.{{Cite web |last=Lee Yeju |date=April 17, 2023 |title=김선호, 영화 '귀공자'로 6월 스크린 데뷔[공식] |trans-title=Kim Seon-ho, screen debut in June with the movie 'The Childe' [Official] |url=https://entertain.naver.com/movie/now/read?oid=144&aid=0000880837 |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Sports Kyunghyang |language=ko |via=Naver}}

Park is known for his unique and distinct directing style, which often involves visually stunning and intense action sequences, complex characters, and intricate plotlines.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-16 |title=Review: V.I.P. Is D.O.A. |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2017/08/review-vip-is-doa.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=ScreenAnarchy}}{{Cite web |title=How South Korea became the home of 'noir' film |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Arts/How-South-Korea-became-the-home-of-noir-film |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}} He is particularly skilled at creating tension and suspense, using a combination of music, cinematography, and editing to build a sense of unease and anticipation.{{Cite web |date=2015-11-10 |title=Choi Min-sik On The Hunt In THE TIGER: AN OLD HUNTER'S TALE Trailer |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2015/11/choi-min-sik-on-the-hunt-the-tiger-an-old-hunters-tale-teaser.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=ScreenAnarchy}}{{Cite web |last=Tsui |first=Clarence |date=2016-01-15 |title='The Tiger: An Old Hunter's Tale' ('Daeho'): Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tiger-an-old-hunters-tale-855305/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2018-07-24 |title=Fantasia 2018 Review: THE WITCH: PART 1. THE SUBVERSION, Kickass Korean Science Fiction Action |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2018/07/fantasia-2018-review-the-witch-part-1-the-subversion.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=ScreenAnarchy}}

Additionally, His films often explore themes of revenge, betrayal, and morality, and he is known for his ability to create morally ambiguous characters and thought-provoking storylines.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Deborah |date=2020-09-03 |title='Night in Paradise' ('Nak-Won-Eui-Barm'): Film Review {{!}} Venice 2020 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/night-in-paradise-nak-won-eui-barm-film-review-venice-2020-4054932/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

Park's films often feature graphic violence, a tendency which has sometimes been criticized. He places a strong emphasis on realistic and gritty depictions of violence and crime, which often make his films intense and emotionally charged.{{Cite web |last=Scheib |first=Ronnie |date=2014-07-31 |title=Film Review: 'New World' |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-new-world-1201272326/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2013-02-20 |title=Facing the blood-drenched mirror |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2023/05/689_130838.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Korea Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Lowe |first=Justin |date=2013-03-22 |title=New World: Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/new-world-film-review-430413/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2018-07-24 |title=Fantasia 2018 Review: THE WITCH: PART 1. THE SUBVERSION, Kickass Korean Science Fiction Action |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2018/07/fantasia-2018-review-the-witch-part-1-the-subversion.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=ScreenAnarchy}}

Park Hoon-jung's films have been influenced by a variety of sources, including Hong Kong films and Hollywood action movies. Park grew up at a time when Korean cinema was not thriving, so he did not have many opportunities to watch Korean films. Park cited Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece The Godfather as one of his favourite films and a major influence on his work.{{Cite web |last=Heskins |first=Andrew |date=2014-04-10 |title=‘I’m a very normal person, you shouldn’t be worried if you meet me at night’ – the group interview with Park Hoon-jung {{!}} easternkicks.com |url=https://www.easternkicks.com/features/the-group-interview-with-park-hoon-jung/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=www.easternkicks.com |language=en-GB}}

The film Infernal Affairs and Donnie Brasco were among the films that came to mind while making New World, but it wasn't limited to those. The film also contained elements and tones from other movies such as The Godfather, Election, Hell’s Kitchen, and Heat. Since Park was greatly influenced by these films and they belonged to a similar genre that he enjoyed, it was impossible for him to break away from them completely. Instead, he actively infused them into his film and aimed to take the story in a completely different direction while still preserving the essence of each movie.

In recent times, Park has had the chance to watch a significant number of Korean films and has become an avid admirer of celebrated directors such as Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kim Jee-woon.{{Cite web |last=Andrew Heskins |date=2014-04-10 |title='I'm a very normal person, you shouldn't be worried if you meet me at night' – the group interview with Park Hoon-jung {{!}} easternkicks.com |url=https://www.easternkicks.com/features/the-group-interview-with-park-hoon-jung/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=www.easternkicks.com |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Elizabeth |date=2018-06-27 |title='The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion' ('Manyeo'): Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/witch-part-1-subversion-manyeo-film-review-1123552/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

Park, in general, gets story material from watching the news and observing the happenings in Korean society. Park's thoughts and beliefs are typically reflected in their subsequent screenplays. Park finds that a script becomes more nuanced after incorporating current events in Korea.

Park does not have any particular actors in mind when writing a screenplay. However, once the casting process is finished and the actors are chosen, Park makes adjustments to the script to better fit the chosen cast member's character portrayal and acting style.

In Park's previous screenplays, all except for I Saw the Devil, triangular structures were used. Park believes that in exploring power or class conflicts. According to Park, the triangular character setup is the most effective and personally more interesting. Nevertheless, the applicability of a triangle structure relies on the specific material, but for character struggles, Park has a preference for it. This creates a dynamic tension between the characters, with each one vying for power or control over the others. For example, in his film New World, Park uses a triangular structure to explore the power struggle between three characters: an undercover cop, a gangster, and the head of a crime syndicate.{{Cite web |last=권 |first=혜림 |date=2013-03-19 |title='신세계' 400만...관객은 배우를 믿었다 |url=https://www.joynews24.com/view/731488 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=아이뉴스24 |language=ko}} Similarly, in The Unjust, Park uses a triangular structure to depict the corruption and moral decay of three characters: a prosecutor, a detective, and a businessman. By using this triangular structure, Park is able to create complex and nuanced characters who are in conflict with each other, while also exploring larger themes such as power, control, and morality. The use of this structure is a hallmark of Park's early films and contributed to his reputation as a skilled and innovative filmmaker.

Compared to most Korean directors who prefer standalone films, Park is one of the few who has created a sequel that expands the universe of his original film. This approach is rare in Korean cinema and showcases Park's ability to push boundaries and create more complex narratives.

Park has a history of collaborations with various talented individuals in the film industry. For instance, he has frequently worked with film editor Kim Chang-ju on several projects, including The Tiger (2015), V.I.P. (2017), The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018).{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Ji-hye |date=2014-12-24 |title=2014 韓 흥행작, 이 손끝에서 나왔다…김창주 편집감독 |url=https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10006108139 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=SBS연예뉴스 |language=ko-KR}}{{Cite web |title=2014 韓 흥행작, 이 손끝에서 나왔다..김창주 편집감독 |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20141224144903204 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=다음 - SBS연예뉴스}}

Park halso collaborated with cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon. The pair first worked together on The Unjust (2010) and have since collaborated on the film New World (2011). Chung is known for his exceptional use of lighting and camera work, and his visual style has been a strong match for Park's films. Park also collaborated with cinematographer Kim Young-ho. They work together on V.I.P. (2017),{{Cite web |title=‘브이아이피’, 전북 무주 촬영현장 공개…김영호 감독 |url=https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?sc=71600002&year=2017&no=577988 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=star.mbn.co.kr |language=ko}} The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018),{{Cite web |last=조선일보 |date=2020-07-19 |title=[Oh!쎈 컷] '마녀' 제작진이 밝힌 미스터리 액션 탄생기 |url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/06/19/2018061900995.html |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=조선일보 |language=ko}} Night in Paradise (2021), The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (2022),{{Cite web |date=2024-06-29 |title=영화 ‘마녀2’ “본능이 눈을 뜬다! 신시아·박은빈·서은수·저스틴 출연” |url=https://www.lecturernews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=155414 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=한국강사신문 |language=ko}} and The Tyrant (2024).{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=‘폭군’ 촬영감독 “김선호, 클로즈업에서 더 힘 있는 배우” 극찬 |url=https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20240718/125991645/1 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=스포츠동아 |language=ko}}

Music director Mowg is another frequent collaborator of Park's, starting with their work on I Saw the Devil (2010). They have continued to work together on V.I.P. (2017), The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018), Night in Paradise (2021), The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (2022), The Childe (2023),{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-05-18 |title=‘귀공자’ 김선호, 2초 찰나에 비친 광기 |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202305181030003&sec_id=540101 |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=sports.khan.co.kr |language=ko}} and The Tyrant (2024).

Park is known for frequently casting the same actors, with Park Hee-soon being one of his most frequent collaborators. Park has appeared in three of Kim's directed feature-length films: The Showdown (2011), V.I.P. (2017), and The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018).{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Actors cast for upcoming N.K. defector crime film |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20161020008900315 |website=Yonhap News}}{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=View of the |date=2018-11-07 |title=3rd London East Asia Film Festival: In Conversation with Park Hoon-jung and Kim Da-mi of ‘The Witch – Part 1. The Subversion’ |url=https://viewofthearts.com/2018/11/07/3rd-london-east-asia-film-festival-in-conversation-with-park-hoon-jung-and-kim-da-mi-of-the-witch-part-1-the-subversion/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=VIEW OF THE ARTS |language=en}} Choi Min-sik is another actor who has worked with Park on multiple occasions, appearing in Park's debut as a screenwriter, I Saw the Devil (2010), as well as two feature films where Park served as the director: New World (2011) and The Tiger (2015).

• List of Korean film directors
• Cinema of Korea

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