Acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook believes his latest dark comedy "No Other Choice" addresses fears about employment and financial stability that transcend cultural boundaries and time periods. Speaking at the film's Asian premiere during the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the renowned director emphasized how the movie's central themes about job insecurity remain strikingly relevant in today's economic climate.

Although the source material - Donald E. Westlake's 1997 mystery novel "The Ax" - was originally set in 1990s America, Park argued that its core message resonates deeply with contemporary audiences worldwide, including himself personally. "There is no fundamental difference between the U.S. and Korea when it comes to job security," Park explained during the press conference at the Busan Cinema Center. "While some subjects need to be made into a film right away before the feeling and the message wither, this novel tells a story that people could embrace as their own, or their neighbor's, even as time passes."

The film follows Man-soo, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, a middle-aged professional who resorts to extreme and violent measures to eliminate his competition for a new position after being suddenly terminated from his job at a paper company. This dark comedy marks Park's first film to open Asia's largest film festival and represents his exploration of workplace anxieties in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.

Beyond traditional employment concerns, "No Other Choice" also examines the growing fears surrounding artificial intelligence's impact on the modern workplace. Park noted the complexity of this technological revolution, stating, "While the technology development promises fundamental change, it is not yet shaking our industry to its roots. But the speed of the development is difficult to gauge, leaving us in a state of chaos." He revealed that he continued incorporating these contemporary concerns into the narrative throughout the final stages of production.

In adapting Westlake's American novel for Korean audiences, Park focused on specific cultural elements that would resonate with local viewers. He particularly emphasized Man-soo's obsession with homeownership and the restrictive nature of traditional patriarchal systems that continue to influence Korean society. "I believe the Korean audience, more than any other, will understand and empathize, and will find themselves clicking their tongues in disapproval," the director observed.

Park drew compelling parallels between his protagonist's desperate situation and the current challenges facing South Korea's film industry. The sector has been struggling with declining audience numbers and reduced investment, creating what he described as a destructive cycle of decreased film production. As someone who has dedicated his career to filmmaking, Park expressed deep empathy for Man-soo's predicament after losing his livelihood.

"The job of making paper might not seem that important to some, but it is life itself to Man-soo. As a filmmaker, I feel the same way," Park reflected. "A film might not be something that is of great help in life, but I am dedicating my life to it." He acknowledged that the film industry continues to face significant challenges in the aftermath of the global pandemic, with recovery proceeding more slowly than many had hoped.

Despite these industry difficulties, Park remains optimistic about the future of Korean cinema. "The film industry is struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic, and the recovery has been slow," he admitted. "But I believe the situation will not last forever and I hope this film can play a small part in helping us get out of this swamp." Through "No Other Choice," Park aims to contribute to the industry's recovery while addressing universal human concerns about economic security and professional fulfillment that continue to affect workers across all sectors and cultures.