‘Parasite’ Producer Miky Lee to Deliver USC Film School Commencement Address in South LA
South Korean film producer and business leader Miky Lee will deliver the 2025 commencement address at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts ceremony, taking place Friday, May 16, at the Shrine Auditorium in South Los Angeles. The announcement provides inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals from South LA, Inglewood, and Compton communities.
Lee, vice chairwoman of the South Korean conglomerate CJ Group, is best known for executive producing the groundbreaking film “Parasite,” which made history as the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020. She was originally scheduled to speak at last year’s ceremony but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
“Miky Lee is a champion of artists and storytellers and a trailblazer in the evolution of multinational film collaborations,” said Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. “Her career stands as a global model of success in the creative industries, and her dedication to creating cultural connection is an inspiration for us all.”
For students from South LA communities pursuing careers in film, television, and digital media, Lee’s success in bringing diverse stories to global audiences represents the expanding opportunities in the entertainment industry. Her work has helped build bridges between Hollywood and international film industries.
Lee’s extensive contributions to global entertainment include founding CJ CGV, South Korea’s largest multiplex cinema chain, and creating KCON, the world’s largest K-culture and music festival. She also launched the MAMA Awards, the premier K-pop awards show, helping to spread Korean culture worldwide.
Beyond her film industry achievements, Lee serves on several prestigious boards, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Hammer Museum, and Berklee College of Music.
The commencement ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Shrine Auditorium, a historic venue in South Los Angeles. Lee joins a distinguished list of past SCA commencement speakers, including Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Matt Reeves, Donna Langley, Paul Feig, Jim Gianopulos, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has educated numerous filmmakers from South LA communities and continues to offer programs aimed at increasing diversity in the entertainment industry, including initiatives that provide opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
