Park Chan-wook Brings Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun Together in His New Film “No Other Choice”
- Disha Paul
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Korean cinema fans are celebrating as Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, 2003)is all set to return with his 12th film No Other Choice. The film will be released in theaters this autumn, and fans are calling it the return of “REAL CINEMA.” Why?
Because the legendary director has brought Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun together in the same film, something fans never imagined would happen.
Based on a Dark and Powerful Story
No Other Choice is based on the American noir novel The Ax by Donald Westlake. Park Chan-wook has dreamed of adapting this story for 17 years. The film began shooting in August 2024 and finished filming in January 2025 after 85 sessions.
It tells the story of a man named Man-soo, played by Lee Byun-hun, who loses his job after 25 years of working. As the pressure to take care of his family and pay the bills increases, Man-soo is forced to make terrible decisions.
The film focuses on how far a man can go when he’s left with no other choice.
Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin as a Married Couple
One of the biggest highlights is seeing Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun playing a married couple for the first time. Fans are especially excited as this marks their first time working together like this.
Son Ye-jin plays Mi-ri, Man Soo’s wife, who is positive and mentally strong. A photo of the two smiling while dancing under flowers has already gone viral online, with fans praising their natural chemistry. The couple looks warm and happy, making fans even more curious about what’s to come in the film.
Yeom Hye-ran Joins the Cast Lineup
The excitement doesn't stop there. Yeom Hye-ran, best known for her powerful roles in When Life Gives You Tangerines, The Glory, and The Uncanny Counter, is also part of the film. This is the first time Son Ye-jin and Yeom Hye-ran are sharing the screen, and fans are overjoyed to see two of Korea’s finest actresses in the same movie.
The film also stars top actors like Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Cha Seung-won, and Yoo Yeon-seok, adding even more strength to this already powerful lineup.
International Hype and Festival Buzz
The film is already attracting attention around the world. NEON has secured the rights for North America, and MUBI will handle distribution in Europe, India, Australia, Latin America, and more. Many fans believe No Other Choice will premiere at the Venice Film Festival this year and might even enter the award season race.
Park Chan-wook Returns to His Dark Thriller Style
Known for iconic films like Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave, Park Chan Wook is returning to his roots with this dark, emotional story. The film explores themes like job loss, financial pressure, and moral breakdown, all wrapped in Park’s signature cinematic style.
With actors like Son Ye-jin and Yeom Hye-ran bringing emotional depth to the story, this film promises to deliver both strong acting and unforgettable storytelling!
When Is No Other Choice Releasing?
The film is currently in post-production and is expected to be released sometime in fall 2025. While the exact release date has not been announced yet, many believe it will be shown at a major film festival like Venice before hitting theaters around the world.
Final Thoughts
Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice is more than just a thriller. It brings together a dream cast, an emotional storyline, and a director known for making unforgettable films. With Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun in the same project, fans are truly getting the best of Korean cinema.
As the release date approaches, fans are already calling it the return of “REAL CINEMA.” Are you ready to watch this masterpiece on the big screen?
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