Lee Byung-hun Reflects on Working with Director Park Chan-wook in 'No Other Choice'

Lee Byung-hun shares his experiences working with director Park Chan-wook on the film 'No Other Choice', following their collaboration on 'Joint Security Area'.

On the 24th, at a café in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul, actor Lee Byung-hun discussed his role in the movie 'No Other Choice'.

The film tells the story of Man-soo, played by Lee Byung-hun, a satisfied company employee who suddenly gets laid off. To protect his family and home, he embarks on a personal war to find new employment. The movie is based on Donald E. Westlake's novel 'The Ax'. Lee portrays Yoo Man-soo, a man who, after 25 years of dedication to a paper company, finds himself unexpectedly unemployed and begins his battle for reemployment.

Lee recalled, "I was approached about the project six months before filming began. Initially, it was intended to be an American film, but when it was decided to adapt it into a Korean film, I was given the script." He continued, "When I first read the translated American script, it felt disconnected due to cultural differences. It wasn't until the script was adapted to fit the Korean context that it felt realistic and the characters came to life."

The film, a black comedy, humorously portrays the protagonists' desperate situations. Known for his works with elements of brutality and sensuality, director Park Chan-wook took a different approach with this film. Lee commented, "I asked the director if it was meant to be funny, and he confirmed it was. I knew it would be fun to work on." He added, "It was enjoyable, and I contributed new ideas. Unlike our previous collaboration on 'Joint Security Area', where only a few ideas were used, this time almost every suggestion was incorporated, which was both exciting and a bit daunting."

Lee also reminisced about presenting an award to Park at the LACMA, recalling their first meeting. "We both had films that didn't do well, and when he approached me with a script, I wasn't sure about it. But after reading it, I found it interesting, and that script turned out to be 'Joint Security Area'." He concluded, "Presenting the award and receiving a standing ovation was a proud moment for both of us, marking an unforgettable chapter in our history together."

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr