Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun, starring together for the first time in 'No Other Choice', exhibit a playful chemistry reminiscent of a married couple.
On the 19th, a production briefing for the film 'No Other Choice' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yum Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won.
'No Other Choice' tells the story of Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), a satisfied office worker who suddenly gets laid off. To protect his wife and two children and to keep their hard-earned home, he embarks on a personal battle for reemployment. Lee Byung-hun plays Yoo Man-soo, a job seeker who starts his own war after being abruptly fired from a paper company where he dedicated 25 years. Son Ye-jin portrays Lee Mi-ri, who gives up her hobbies of dance and tennis to support her family after her husband's job loss.
Son Ye-jin expressed, "I wanted to work with director Park Chan-wook, and Lee Byung-hun was already cast. I thought I would regret not doing this project. It was a powerful narrative. I wondered if I was the right fit for it, but I felt I had to do it."
Regarding her character, Son Ye-jin said, "She is Man-soo's wife and the mother of his children. This is my first project after having a child, and if that helped, then it helped. Before having a child, I played roles of mothers and divorcees, but it was different. Real experience can't be compared to anything else. I felt natural with my child." She added, "The maternal instinct is a significant part. She wants to be a responsible and warm mother. I could immerse myself in that aspect."
However, Lee Byung-hun humorously revealed, "The Son Ye-jin I saw on set was different." He continued, "In the film, there are kids named Si-won and Ri-won. Ri-won kept asking me questions, but Ye-jin never answered. After it happened a few times, I said, 'Ye-jin, please answer the kid's questions,' and she replied, 'That's your job, senior.' Hearing this story, I realized she cared for the child in her own way."
Son Ye-jin explained, "The child playing my daughter is very curious and keeps asking questions. I had lines and emotional scenes directed by the director, so I had to focus on that," she said, laughing.
This is the first time Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin have worked together. Lee Byung-hun praised, "I wondered how we ended up working together for the first time. She was much more detailed than I imagined," and added, "That's why she didn't answer Ri-won," causing laughter.
'No Other Choice' is set to premiere in September.
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr