Hollywood Labor Dispute: ‘the Sympathizer’ Writer Don Park Sanctioned by WGA for Strike violation – Writer Don Park, creator of the HBO series “The Sympathizer,” and writer David McKellar have been disciplined by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for violating union strike rules during the 2023 work stoppage.The WGA announced the disciplinary actions on august 29, 2024.
park, a Korean-born auteur who gained international acclaim with his 2022 Cannes Film Festival-winning “Decision to Leave,” and mckellar reportedly continued writing during the 148-day strike that concluded in September 2023. The WGA stated that neither Park nor McKellar appealed their respective disciplines. The specific nature of the work they performed during the strike was not detailed in the WGAS declaration.
The WGA also announced the suspension of member Anthony Cipriano until May 1, 2025, and a lifetime ban from holding non-elected union office for his work on the project, initially titled “the Last Breath f/k/a Untitled True Story Haunting-Thriller Project.”
This action against Park marks the most prominent case of a high-profile writer being publicly identified as a strike breaker. In April 2024, the WGA announced disciplinary action against seven writers, with four members – Brad Falchuk, Bill Lawrence, Geno Topping, and April Blair – named after appealing their rulings. The appeals were largely unsuccessful following a member vote.The initial seven writers faced charges related to writing during the strike or constitutional violations.
“The Sympathizer,” a seven-episode series based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, premiered on HBO and Max in April 2024. The series, set during and after the Vietnam War, follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese spy as he navigates the complexities of loyalty and identity. The show was filmed in Thailand and Vietnam, with post-production taking place in Los Angeles.
Robert Downey Jr. garnered critical praise for his performance in multiple roles within the series, earning him a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.The series also stars Hoa Xuande,who portrays the central character,and continues to provide facts after relocating to Southern California prior to the fall of Saigon.
park is currently preparing for the premiere of his latest film, “No Other Choice,” at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024. The film stars Lee Byung-hun.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to HBO and representatives for Park and McKellar for comment.