WGA Expels The Sympathizer Creators Park Chan-wook & Don McKellar for Strike Rule Violations

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) has expelled acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook and award-winning writer Don McKellar for violating union strike rules during the 2023 Hollywood work stoppage. The duo, who co-created and wrote HBO’s Emmy-nominated miniseries The Sympathizer, were found to have worked on the project while the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes were ongoing — a direct breach of industry labor agreements.

The WGAW confirmed the expulsions in a statement to its members, calling it the harshest penalty possible. Three other members, including Anthony Cipriano (suspended until May 1, 2026), were also disciplined for similar violations, with all names made public.

The 2023 WGA strike lasted from May 2 to September 27, while SAG-AFTRA struck from July 14 to November 9, halting Hollywood productions for months. Despite these work stoppages, Park and McKellar reportedly continued writing for The Sympathizer, which premiered on HBO on April 14, 2024. The seven-episode Vietnam War drama starred Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles and earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series.

While the expulsions are unlikely to affect Park and McKellar’s upcoming black comedy film No Other Choice (set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival later this month), the decision effectively bars them from working with WGA signatory companies like Disney, HBO, and Netflix. They may still work in international markets, but their Hollywood prospects have taken a major hit.

The WGA’s decision marks the conclusion of all disciplinary actions from the 2023 strike, with the union stating that no suspended or expelled member can be readmitted without board approval — and possible fines or conditions.