Acclaimed South Korean actress Son Ye-jin shared her emotional experience walking the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival for the first time, describing the moment as both nerve-wracking and deeply moving. The star made her Venice debut on August 29 during the official screening of director Park Chan-wook's latest film "No Other Choice," where she admitted to feeling so overwhelmed that tears came to her eyes.

Speaking at a hotel on the Lido the following day, Son displayed her characteristic half-moon smile while reflecting on the milestone moment in her career. The Venice appearance marks a significant return to acting for the 42-year-old performer, who took a three-year hiatus from the entertainment industry following her marriage to fellow actor Hyun Bin in 2022 and the subsequent birth of their first child.

"No Other Choice" represents Son's first film project in seven years, with her last major motion picture being "The Negotiation" in 2018. In the new film, she portrays Mi-ri, a dedicated housewife who faces the challenge of keeping her family united after her husband loses his job. The role also marks her first collaboration with internationally renowned director Park Chan-wook, whose work she has long admired.

"As an actor, you always dream of being invited by director Park. I was the same," Son explained during her interview. When the opportunity arose, she was still contemplating the right time to return to work after giving birth. "I worried whether I could continue to act in meaningful projects as a married actress and mother," she admitted. "That's why I felt so grateful and lucky to join this film."

Interestingly, Son played an active role in shaping her character's presence in the film. Originally conceived as a minor role, Mi-ri's part expanded significantly after Son approached Park with a specific request. "I told him, 'Please don't let me just appear and have people asking why I was there.' He agreed and gradually expanded the part," she revealed, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful storytelling.

The timing of this particular role proved especially meaningful for Son, who found herself drawing from personal experience in ways she never could before. "Before marriage, I played mothers and divorced women, but now I actually know what it feels like to be a mom," she reflected. "That lived experience is something I can't ignore. I can act those emotions more truthfully now." This authentic connection to motherhood brought a new depth to her performance that only comes with real-life experience.

Despite her impressive 24-year career in the entertainment industry, the Venice International Film Festival represented Son's first experience at a major international film festival. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the audience delivering a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation following the screening, leaving the actress deeply moved by the response.

"It's a moment that won't come again," Son said, emphasizing the unique nature of the experience. "I might return someday, but coming here with director Park and these colleagues for this film will only happen once. That made my heart swell." She continued, "It was my first time at an overseas festival, so I had only imagined walking the red carpet or receiving a standing ovation. To actually be there with a director and colleagues I love felt like a dream, and it was so moving."

The Venice debut represents not just a professional milestone but also a personal victory for Son, who successfully balanced her desire to be a devoted mother with her passion for meaningful artistic work. Her collaboration with Park Chan-wook and the positive reception at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals suggests that her return to acting has been both strategically wise and artistically fulfilling.