After a seven-year break from film, celebrated actress Son Ye Jin has made a powerful return with Park Chan-wook‘s dark comedy thriller “No Other Choice.” The film, which has garnered critical acclaim at international festivals, marks Son Ye Jin’s first project since her marriage to actor Hyun Bin and the birth of their son. During promotions, she openly discussed her anxieties about an actress’s career longevity and the current struggles facing the Korean film industry.
Son Ye Jin on Her Return and Role Expansion
Son Ye Jin plays Mi-ri, the wife of protagonist Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), a man who turns to extreme measures after losing his job. Originally, Mi-ri was a minor character, but Son Ye Jin successfully advocated for a more significant role. She explained that her personal experience as a wife and mother allowed her to bring greater depth to the character.
“Before marriage, I played mothers and divorced women, but now I actually know what it feels like to be a mum. That lived experience is something I can’t ignore. I can act those emotions more truthfully now,” she told The Korea Times .
She also shared her excitement about working with director Park Chan-wook, noting his intense attention to detail during filming. “When the director monitors, he has captured even a little awkward or strange things, from actors’ acting in the monitor to movements with hawk eyes,” she said at the Busan International Film Festival premiere .
Anxiety Over an Actress’s “Lifespan” and Industry Downturn
Son Ye Jin candidly discussed the pressures faced by actresses, particularly concerning age and career sustainability. She emphasized her desire to age naturally on screen and take on roles that suit her life stage.
“I want to become an actor who is responsible for her face. That is, as I get older, I want to naturally show my ageing face and do the acting that suits me getting older,” she stated at a recent exhibition honoring her career .
Her concerns come amid a significant downturn in the Korean film industry. According to a mid-2025 report from the Korean Film Council, box office revenue plummeted 33% year-on-year, with attendance dropping 32.5%. Local productions were hit hardest, suffering a 43% decline . This downturn has forced theaters to adopt niche programming strategies to attract audiences.
“No Other Choice”: A Critical and Festival Success
“No Other Choice” premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2025, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation . It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and opened the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17, 2025 .
The film, based on Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, follows a paper industry expert who, after being laid off, devises a drastic plan to eliminate his competition for a new job. The ensemble cast includes Lee Byung-hun, Park Hee-soon, Yeom Hye-ran, and Lee Sung-min .
Critics have praised the film, with Time Out awarding it 5 out of 5 stars and calling it a “masterful work of cinema which might well be Chan-wook’s masterpiece” . On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 100% positive rating from critics .
Son Ye Jin’s Personal Reflections and Future
Son Ye Jin reflected on how her priorities have shifted since starting a family. “Marriage and giving birth have given me a whole new world experience. Having raised a child over the past two years, the biggest happiness for me was finding value in every day,” she shared .
She also expressed gratitude for her return to a major project, noting, “As an actor, you always dream of being invited by director Park. I was worried whether I could continue to act in meaningful projects as a married actress and mother. That’s why I felt so grateful and lucky to be able to join this film” .
Her performance and the film’s success are seen as a positive sign for the industry, potentially helping to revitalize interest in Korean cinema .
“No Other Choice” is scheduled for release in South Korean theaters on September 24, 2025 .
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