Acclaimed South Korean actress Son Ye-jin has shared her candid thoughts about returning to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus with her latest film 'No Other Choice,' describing her experience working with renowned director Park Chan-wook as both challenging and rewarding. The actress revealed that she rediscovered her passion for acting through Park's meticulous guidance and collaboration with her fellow cast members.
In a recent interview, Son admitted that she initially had reservations about her character Mi-ri, finding the role somewhat unclear at first. "When I first received the script, I thought the character lacked impact. I wondered if I really had to do it, or if I could do it well, because it didn't feel like there was much to express," she explained. Despite these initial doubts, her desire to work with the acclaimed director proved to be a powerful motivating factor.
Son expressed her long-standing admiration for Park Chan-wook and her determination to make a memorable comeback. "I really wanted to do a project with director Park. It was also my comeback, and as an actor, I wanted to hear people say, 'She had to do this role.' That was my motivation," she said. The director later developed Mi-ri's character further, transforming it into the version that appears in the final film.
The actress described her first day of filming as particularly nerve-wracking, highlighting Park's reputation for perfectionism and attention to detail. "Director Park is thorough and never lets anything slide. He gave me directions I hadn't thought of, and I panicked a bit," Son recalled. She shared a specific example of how challenging it was to adapt to his precise vision: "From the very first line, it was like that. I thought the word 'eel' needed to stand out, but the director asked me to make it softer. Changing an intonation I was used to was not easy – I even broke into a cold sweat."
Despite the initial stress, Son found the experience ultimately rewarding and educational. "It felt like being a student having homework checked, but once I experienced it, I found it fun," she said. She noted how even veteran actors adapted to Park's demanding style, mentioning that "even senior actor Lee Byung-hun adjusted completely to the detailed directions. On set, we trusted that a remarkable film would come out of it. Rather than feeling anxious, I felt very happy."
The film's comedic elements surprised Son, particularly during the post-production process. Regarding one specific scene, she said, "For the dragonfly scene, I only knew music would play. I didn't laugh when I first read the script. But by the fourth time I watched the film, I was laughing at parts I hadn't before," demonstrating how the director's vision enhanced the material beyond what was apparent on the page.
Son's personal life has significantly influenced her approach to acting, particularly since marrying fellow actor Hyun Bin and welcoming their son in 2022. She explained how motherhood brought a new depth to her portrayal of Mi-ri: "When I tell my child in the film, 'Mom dug into the ground,' I think without having a child myself, I would have delivered it as just reassurance. Instead, I wanted to say it while trembling but still trying not to hide anything. That was possible because I am a mother."
The actress further elaborated on how her maternal perspective affected her performance opposite Lee Byung-hun's character. "When I look at my husband in the film, Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), who covers for our child's faults, I felt both relief and ethical conflict. Those expressions came from being a mother," she explained, highlighting how personal experience enhanced her emotional range as an actress.
Despite her new role as a mother and wife, Son expressed a continued passion for romantic roles and melodramas. "Even after marriage and motherhood, I have a longing for melodramas. I want to keep telling love stories," she said. "I could do something like 'Secret Love Affair,' or another like 'Crash Landing on You,' or even play an older character in a romance like 'The Classic.' I think I can express it differently now, and I look forward to that."
Son was refreshingly honest about the challenges of parenthood, describing it as more demanding than her professional work. "After becoming a mother, I poured two hundred percent of my energy into my child. It's not just about being happy – childcare means dark circles under your eyes and never a moment when you can switch off. It made me realize how truly hard parenting is, and I gained deep respect for other mothers," she shared.
Returning to work provided Son with renewed energy and perspective. "Even just getting in the car to go to work made me happy. The quiet moments, the tension and joy of acting, and working alongside such remarkable senior actors made me feel more happiness than anxiety," she added, emphasizing how much she had missed the creative process.
Regarding her relationship with Hyun Bin, Son revealed a surprisingly practical dynamic between the actor couple. "We're a cool couple – there are no compliments between us. He just said, 'Good job.' Afterward we were busy talking with guests, so we didn't have time to share our thoughts. We'll probably talk at home about what worked and what could have been better," she explained.
Reflecting on how motherhood has transformed her perspective as an actress, Son shared thoughtful insights about her evolved approach to both life and work. "It's hard to say I've become deeper or more mature in an obvious way, but my outlook is definitely different. Before, work was just work, and I approached it with a sense of responsibility. But after becoming a parent, I realized that simply getting through the day safely is happiness. I learned not to push myself too hard, not to measure everything by strict standards. I think those feelings will show in my acting," she concluded, suggesting that her future performances will benefit from this newfound wisdom and emotional maturity.
