After a seven-year break from the big screen, celebrated actor Son Ye-jin has made a powerful return with her new film, No Other Choice. The star recently shared a sweet personal detail with fans, revealing she plans a special theater visit with her husband, fellow actor Hyun Bin, to watch the movie again in a Dolby theater. This marks Son Ye-jin’s first film since embracing motherhood and her first major project since marrying Hyun Bin, making her comeback a significant new chapter in her life and career.
A New Chapter After Motherhood
Son Ye-jin describes her return to acting as the start of her “second chapter.” Her last big-screen appearance was seven years ago, and since then, she took a three-year break to get married and start a family. She married co-star Hyun Bin in March 2022, and the couple welcomed their son, Woo-jin, in November of that year. Her new film, No Other Choice, directed by the renowned Park Chan-wook, has reignited her passion for acting.
The film is more than just a comeback; it represents a fresh start. Son Ye-jin has stated that this project has made her want to look at acting differently from now on. She shared that becoming a mother has changed her perspective, even influencing how she connects with her character, Mi-ri, a wife and mother who returns to work to support her family.
Behind the Scenes of “No Other Choice”
The film No Other Choice is based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel “The Ax.” It tells the story of a man named Man-su (played by Lee Byung-hun) who is laid off from his job and takes extreme measures out of desperation to protect his family. Son Ye-jin plays his wife, Mi-ri, who evolves from a housewife to a working mother.
Son Ye-jin revealed that her role grew significantly during filming. Director Park Chan-wook is known for his meticulous attention to detail, which pushed her into new acting territory. She mentioned that even the delivery of a small line like “expensive eel” was carefully directed, which initially intimidated her but ultimately added strength to her performance. Her personal experience as a mother helped her deeply understand scenes where her character comforts her child during a crisis.
“As a mother now, I fully understood how to reassure a child,” Son Ye-jin explained, noting how her real-life experiences shaped her performance.
A Supportive Partnership with Hyun Bin
The personal and professional support from her husband, Hyun Bin, has been a key part of this new chapter. Son Ye-jin shared that No Other Choice was the first script she gave to Hyun Bin to read. While the couple usually keeps work discussions separate at home, she felt compelled to share this one because she found the story both tragically funny and compelling.
When asked about the possibility of working together again, Son Ye-jin said she is open to it. Having already starred together in The Negotiation and the globally popular drama Crash Landing on You, she suggested that while another romance might not be necessary, a comedy or action project could be interesting.
The couple’s bond continues off-screen, as shown by Son Ye-jin’s recent interaction with a fan. When a fan asked if she had asked her husband how he liked the movie, Son Ye-jin replied:
“I’m going to take another look at the Dolby Pavilion.”
This simple comment confirmed plans for a special movie date, charming fans by naturally mentioning her husband and showing their mutual support.
Connecting with Fans as a Mom
Son Ye-jin has been actively communicating with her fans online, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the film and responding to their comments. This interaction has revealed a more personal side of the star, especially as she navigates life as a new mother.
In one exchange, a fan shared that she hadn’t been to a cinema in a long time due to childbirth and childcare. Son Ye-jin offered warm and relatable encouragement.
“Congratulations. It’s hard at first, but the moment goes by really quickly. Way to go,” she wrote, offering support to another new parent.
Another fan, a high school student, shared that Son Ye-jin’s acting inspired her to dream of becoming an actor herself. Son Ye-jin replied with a sincere, “By all means!” encouraging the fan to pursue her goal. These genuine conversations have shown a star who is balancing her iconic career with her new role as a mother and mentor.
Son Ye-Jin’s Return to the Spotlight
Son Ye-jin’s return has not been without its concerns. She admitted that she has noticed changes in Korea’s film industry, with fewer movies being released in theaters now compared to the past. This made her occasionally worry about finding future opportunities. However, her experience making No Other Choice has revitalized her.
The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, which was a first for Son Ye-jin and an exciting milestone. It was released in theaters on September 24 and is confirmed for a global release on Netflix, making it accessible to her international fans. While there has been online speculation about a cameo from her son, this has not been confirmed by official sources.
For Son Ye-jin, this film marks a renewal of her passion. It has allowed her to merge her personal growth with her professional craft, setting the stage for the next part of her journey as an actor and a mother.
Also Read: Son Ye-jin, Han So-hee, Kim Yoo-jung and More Turn Heads in Bold Outfits on BIFF 2025 Red Carpet
