Park Hee-soon Shines in 'No Choice' with Director Park Chan-wook

Park Hee-soon has proven that screen time isn't everything. In his latest film, 'No Choice,' he finds fulfillment in executing the 'mission' given by director Park Chan-wook. Known for his meticulous preparation, Park has shown his 'passionate salesman' side during the film's promotional activities, even incorporating humor and wit.

Recently, I met with actor Park Hee-soon at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul, to discuss his role in 'No Choice.' The film tells the story of Mansoo, played by Lee Byung-hun, who, after being abruptly laid off from a paper company where he worked for 25 years, considers the drastic option of 'eliminating competitors' to find reemployment. Park Hee-soon plays Choi Seon-chul, a successful team leader at the paper company.

Despite the restructuring winds blowing through the paper industry, Seon-chul firmly holds his position as team leader. While he dismisses Mansoo, who comes to him with a resume in desperation, he also feels sympathy and looks out for him. To Mansoo, Seon-chul appears to have it all, becoming an object of envy and jealousy.

Park Hee-soon describes Seon-chul as "a person who navigates social life well. He knows how to flatter his superiors and treat his juniors to drinks. If he owns a house and a car, he might have taken some under-the-table money, but he surely works hard to maintain his position. He represents the ordinary people we might see around us." He further explains, "Seon-chul has a dilemma. He loves people and drinking, but his house is in a forest on a remote island. Even if he invites people over for a barbecue, who would travel by boat and car to the mountains? He's a character with inner conflict." Park adds, "He posts on social media out of loneliness, but no one pays attention. His posts get zero views. He has 'uncle energy' but doesn't want to fall behind trends. He posts 'shout out' on social media, which felt pitiful."

Park Hee-soon paid special attention to a scene where Seon-chul is buried up to his neck while drunk. He says, "Drunk acting seems easy but is the hardest. It's easy to reveal that it's acting. I thoroughly researched the intensity of drunkenness and the moment of sobering up." He continues, "Although I used makeup to redden my face, I held my breath 30 seconds before the shot to make myself look dazed. I wanted to naturally make my face red and eyes bloodshot without artificial means."

Park Hee-soon expressed satisfaction working with director Park Chan-wook. "It was a long-held wish and a bucket list item. I admired him since transitioning from theater to film," he says. "My favorite works have often been his latest releases, and I respect his continuous evolution." He adds, "I wanted to witness the artistic world of a director I admire. I wanted to contribute, even if just a little." When offered the role, he immediately accepted, saying, "I said 'I'll do it' right away. It was a pre-decision." He was thrilled to be part of the project, regardless of the role's size.

Park felt a sense of accomplishment in executing the director's directions on set. "I was busy 'completing missions.' If I wasn't thoroughly prepared, it was easy to get overwhelmed," he shares. "The joy of accomplishing difficult tasks was unimaginable. My body was exhausted, but the thrill of achieving was immense."

Park Hee-soon admitted to feeling anxious about not wanting to let down the star-studded cast. After a technical screening, his wife, Park Ye-jin, comforted him, saying, "Just working with director Park Chan-wook, whom you wanted to work with so much, is enough." Contrary to his worries, Park delivered a performance that blended seamlessly into the film, prompting his wife to say, "Stop exaggerating."

Previously, Park Hee-soon has led a lively atmosphere at various 'No Choice' events with his witty humor. When asked if he prepares jokes, he replied, "I'm not very eloquent, so I prepare in advance. If I improvise, I stutter, so I take notes," showcasing his professionalism. He added, "I'm a salesman who needs to make people watch the movie. I approach it with a salesman's spirit."

Known by fans as a 'middle-aged idol' and 'sexy middle-aged man,' Park Hee-soon was asked if such attention influences his role choices. "Not yet," he replied. "But I tend to avoid roles involving social evil. They're challenging both mentally and physically. Even if a role offers a chance to shine, I tend to steer clear." Regarding job satisfaction, he said, "I'm doing the work I want. I never thought I'd do it for this long. When I was doing theater, I couldn't see the future. It's moving to have endured step by step to this point."

When asked what he would do if he faced unemployment like Mansoo in the film, Park Hee-soon said, "I'd quickly find another job to support my family, like Si-jo (played by Cha Seung-won)." He added, "When I was younger, I thought, 'If not this, I can't do anything else.' That was why I could endure. But now, family is important, and I have people to care for. The sense of responsibility has grown. I'd have to do something else." He concluded with a laugh, "If it comes to it, I'd do anything, even work for Coupang."

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