The Writers Guild of America has expelled renowned South Korean director Park Chan-wook and Canadian writer Don McKellar for continuing to work on HBO's "The Sympathizer" during the 2023 writers' strike. The announcement, made public on Friday, represents one of the most high-profile disciplinary actions resulting from the 148-day work stoppage that gripped Hollywood.
The expulsion carries severe professional consequences for the "Oldboy" director, effectively barring him from providing writing services on any WGA-covered productions. This means Park is now excluded from projects at major Hollywood studios including Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix, HBO, and other companies that maintain collective bargaining agreements with the guild. The ban encompasses virtually all scripted content produced by Hollywood's major players.
Both Park and McKellar served as co-writers on the seven-episode limited series, which starred Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey Jr. and aired from April to May 2024. According to WGA West leadership, neither director appealed their expulsion. While the guild did not specify the exact nature of the violations, it confirmed that both individuals worked on the series during the strike period, which lasted from May 2 to September 27, 2023.
Despite the expulsion, Park's upcoming Venice-bound film "No Other Choice" will not be affected by the WGA action. The black comedy, which Park directed and co-wrote with McKellar, Lee Kyoung-mi, and Lee Ja-hye, is produced by South Korea's CJ ENM and will be distributed in North American theaters through Neon. CJ ENM operates outside WGA jurisdiction as a foreign production company, while Neon, similar to fellow independent distributors A24 and Lionsgate, is not among the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers members that were targeted during the strike.
The South Korean filmmaker retains the ability to continue working internationally and with non-signatory companies. Several prominent directors, including Quentin Tarantino, have successfully maintained careers outside guild membership. Importantly, Park's ability to work as a director remains unrestricted, as the WGA governs only writing services, not directing duties.
Park's eligibility for Academy Awards also remains intact, as WGA membership is not required for Oscar consideration. However, his pathway to major U.S. television projects appears to be effectively blocked. His previous American television work included directing BBC America and AMC's "The Little Drummer Girl" in 2018.
The 2023 writers' strike centered on crucial industry issues including artificial intelligence protections, streaming residuals, and minimum staffing requirements. The guild ultimately secured significant gains in its agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which was reached in October 2023.
According to the WGA constitution and bylaws, expelled members can only apply for readmission through board action, which may include the payment of fines and meeting additional conditions set by the guild.
