Lee congratulates S. Korean winner at Cannes

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak sent a personal congratulatory
message Monday to a South Korean movie director who won the jury prize at the
Cannes International Film Festival with his latest film "Thirst."

"Winning an award at the Cannes, which is one of the most renowned film festivals
in the world, means the efforts of our film producers and the quality of their
products were once again recognized by the world," the president said in the
message to Park Chan-wook.
"I sincerely hope Korean films will take another great stride toward the
international market, and on behalf of our citizens, I once again congratulate
dirctor Park, who has not only left a great mark in the history of our film
industry, but also helped make all our movie-makers proud," Lee added, according
to his office Cheong Wa Dae.
Park was the first South Korean director to win the Cannes Grand Jury Prize in
2004 with his film "Oldboy."
The award marked the eighth time a South Korean film has received one of the main
awards at the Cannes film festival.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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