In an unprecedented decision, the Writers Guild of America West has expelled acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook and Canadian writer-director Don McKellar. The action comes after the guild determined the two worked on scripts for the HBO miniseries The Sympathizer during the 2023 writers’ strike, a direct violation of union rules.
A Rare and Severe Penalty
Expulsion is the WGA’s harshest disciplinary measure, reserved for the most serious breaches of union solidarity. According to the guild, both Park and McKellar declined to appeal the decision. Reinstatement would require formal approval from the WGA Board, which may also impose conditions or financial penalties before considering their return.
The Controversy Behind the Series
The Sympathizer, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, was co-created and directed by Park and McKellar. The series, which premiered in 2024, earned widespread critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for Robert Downey Jr.
However, the pair’s decision to work during the strike prompted an investigation by the WGA’s Strike Rules Compliance Committee. The committee’s findings led to a recommendation for expulsion, which the guild’s board later approved.
Impact on the Industry
Park Chan-wook is celebrated worldwide for his visually striking films such as Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave. Don McKellar is a respected figure in Canadian film, television, and theater, with multiple awards to his name.
This high-profile expulsion sends a strong message: no matter how prominent or acclaimed, guild members are expected to honor strike rules. The decision has sparked industry-wide debate over labor ethics, artistic freedom, and the long-term consequences for those who break union solidarity.
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