Yeom Hye-ran Reflects on Her Transformative Role in 'No Choice'

"I tried nail art for the first time while working on this project. The makeup artist suggested we go together, but I thought I could handle it at a local salon. I followed the example photo they sent, but they asked why I didn't get nail extensions. I didn't even know what extensions were! I had to redo it all in a day," Yeom Hye-ran recalls with a laugh.

The actress reminisces about the detailed work environment of the film 'No Choice.' The movie follows Mansu, played by Lee Byung-hun, who, after being abruptly fired from a paper company where he worked for 25 years, chooses to eliminate his competitors in his quest for reemployment. Yeom Hye-ran plays Ara, the wife discontented with her husband Beom-mo, portrayed by Lee Sung-min, who becomes lethargic after losing his job. Yeom describes the film as "a precious project" because she was involved in every step from the initial script to the final product.

Yeom's decision to join the film was significantly influenced by director Park Chan-wook. "I admire Director Park, but I was also apprehensive. I'm not good with violent scenes, which are his trademark. I had to mentally prepare myself for this project," she admits.

The challenges began with the first scene. Yeom, who has a phobia of snakes, had to film a scene encountering one in the mountains.

"I'm terrified of snakes, even pictures of them. To my surprise, the first scene involved a snake. I apologized, saying I was scared, and the director, who also has a fear of snakes or bugs, assured me it would be done with CGI. That was a relief," she laughs.

Regarding her character Ara, the script described her as having "sensual blush and beauty." Director Park cast Yeom after seeing her stunning appearance at an awards ceremony. Reflecting on that day, Yeom jokes, "I'm glad I decided to dress up instead of going casually." She adds, "This is the first time I've shown such a diverse range of expressions. It's different from anything I've done before." When asked what this role left her with, she humorously responds, "Sexiness?"

"When I first read the script, I thought it was something I didn't have. But as I worked on it, I realized it wasn't absent. The femme fatale, the sexy, the ambitious side—they were all there. I wondered why I thought they weren't. It felt like discovering a daring outfit in my closet that I hadn't worn. It was a valuable experience," she shares.

Having transitioned from theater to mainstream success with roles in 'When the Camellia Blooms,' 'Mask Girl,' 'The Glory,' and 'No Choice,' Yeom Hye-ran is recognized as a leading figure in the industry. "I feel like I've reached a point I vaguely imagined. It's not someone else's story; it's mine," she reflects. However, she emphasizes, "Trends come and go. They can return, but they also disappear."

"People say this is my prime, my peak. It's a happy time, but there's a saying that you're truly happy when you don't realize it. It's a brilliant phrase from poet Na Tae-joo. I think I'll only truly understand this period later. My prime and peak might not last long. In a few years, I'll probably look back and say, 'Those were the happiest times,'" she concludes with a laugh.

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