Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Writers Expelled from WGA Over Strike Rule Violations
Two writers, Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, were kicked out of the Writers Guild for working on a TV show called 'The Sympathizer' while writers were on strike.
The strike was about getting better pay and working conditions.
The Writers Guild has rules against working during a strike to support the writers.
Another writer, Anthony Cipriano, got in trouble too.
The show 'The Sympathizer' is based on a book, and stars Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey Jr.
Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar were expelled from the WGA.
The expulsions were due to their work on HBO's 'The Sympathizer' during the 2023 WGA strike.
The WGA strike aimed to improve working conditions and pay for writers.
The series 'The Sympathizer' is based on a novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Anthony Cipriano was also suspended for a similar violation.
- Who
- Park Chan-wook, Don McKellar, and the Writers Guild of America.
- What
- Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar were expelled from the Writers Guild of America.
- When
- The expulsions were announced recently, related to the 2023 WGA strike.
- Where
- Hollywood
- Why
- They wrote on 'The Sympathizer' during the 2023 WGA strike, violating the rules.
Writers Guild of America (WGA) Perspective
Individual Perspective
Solidarity
Writers Guild of America (WGA) Perspective
Writers should not work during a strike to maintain solidarity and leverage.
Individual Perspective
N/A
- Event
- WGA Expulsions
- Individuals Expelled
- Park Chan-wook & Don McKellar
- Reason
- Writing during 2023 WGA strike
- Show Involved
- HBO's 'The Sympathizer'
- Strike Objective
- Improve working conditions, pay, and rights
Sources
WGA Toss Out Park Chan-wook & Don McKellar For Writing On HBO’s ‘The Sympathizer’ During 2023 Strike
The Sympathizer's Park Chan-Wook, Don McKellar Expelled From Writers Guild Of America For THIS Reason
