Jeong Seo-kyeong () is a South Korean television screenwriter. In 2002, She debuted as independent film director and scriptwriter with short film Electricians. She is best known for her legendary and timeless works with critically acclaim director Park Chan-wook, such as Decision to Leave (2022), The Handmaiden (2016), Thirst (2009), I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (2006) and in Sympathy For Lady Vengeance (2005).
She has received numerous awards and nominations for her screenwriting work, both domestically and internationally. Recognitions include accolades from the Asian Film Awards, Baeksang Art Awards, Blue Dragon Awards, the Chicago Film Critics Association, and the Sitges Film Festival. Her fondness for thrillers and the unconventional has garnered her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Other than being a frequent Park Chan-wook collaborator, Jeong is regarded as one of the best film and television writers of Korea today.
During June 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) extended invitations to its new members for that year. Among the invitees were 14 individuals from the Korean film industry, comprising directors, actors, and professionals in various technical roles. Jeong was among those who received an invitation as a new member.
Education
At first, she had a dream of becoming a nun because she admired the beauty of their clothing and had a liking for uniforms. However, she decided to change her path and initially pursued studies in the Philosophy Department at Seoul National University. However, she made a transfer to the Film Department of the Korea National University of Arts to avoid retaking the college entrance exam. She thought that studying film and acting would open doors to more opportunities. It is worth noting that she had prior experience as a child actor.
During her studies, Jeong had the valuable experience of attending a scriptwriting class taught by Hong Sang-soo. Alongside that, she became an active member of a film club, where she fully immersed herself in the works of esteemed directors such as Ingmar Bergman, Abel Ferrara, Roman Polanski, and Stanley Kubrick.
During her third year in the Scenario Department at the Film Institute, Jeong wrote a short film called "The Electricians." It was chosen as one of the recipients of the Kodak Short Film Production Support Project (the 5th Eastman Short Film Production Support Project). Initially, Jeong didn't plan on becoming a director. However, changes in the academic system required her to make a film in order to meet graduation requirements. In the end, with the film, Jeong successfully graduated from the Film Department, specifically the Scenario Department (Art History), at the Korea National University of Arts.
Career
Lady Vengeance
In 2002, Director Park Chan-wook, who was part of the jury for Kodak Short Film Production Support Project, discovered talented Jeong when she applied for the scholarship. Jeong was in her third year at the Korea National University of Arts. In 2003, they met again when Moho Film was newly established. After winning the Cannes Grand Prix in 2003 for Old Boy and deciding to focus on a more female-centric film, Park remembered Jeong's spark and peculiar sensibility. The world of Jeong Seo-kyung, whom Park had encountered while screening short stories, resembled a strange fairy tale but also carried a strangely melancholic feeling that intrigued him. Park approached her to write a draft of a script.
At first, He met writer Jeong to work on film Thirst. However, this collaboration was put on hold while Park decided to do Lady Vengeance first. During the production of Park's previous film, Old Boy, he felt that the narrative seemed to exclude the female character, Mido. This realization inspired him to create a more female-centric film which eventually became Lady Vengeance. Recognizing the need for a female writer, Park sought collaboration with Jeong, and their partnership exceeded expectations.
The film serves as the concluding installment in Park's Vengeance Trilogy, which includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Oldboy (2003). It features Lee Young-ae in the lead role of Lee Geum-ja, a woman who is released from prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder. After gaining her freedom, she embarks on a mission to find her estranged daughter and reveals her elaborate scheme to exact revenge on the despicable man who was responsible for her imprisonment.