Actor Lee Byung-hun shared a memorable and lighthearted exchange with acclaimed director Park Chan-wook following his debut as the solo host of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) opening ceremony. The interaction took place during a panel discussion for Park's latest film "No Other Choice," which served as the opening film for BIFF's milestone 30th edition.
The panel discussion was held at the Busan Cinema Center outdoor stage on Thursday, featuring director Park Chan-wook alongside his star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yum Hye-ran. The event provided an intimate setting for the filmmakers to discuss their latest collaboration and reflect on their experiences at the prestigious festival.
"No Other Choice" tells the compelling story of Man-su, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, a middle-aged office worker whose seemingly secure life is suddenly upended when he loses his job unexpectedly. Despite having believed he had achieved a comfortable and stable lifestyle, Man-su finds himself in a desperate situation as he struggles to protect his wife, two children, and their newly purchased home. The film chronicles his intense personal battle for survival as he embarks on a challenging quest for reemployment in an increasingly competitive job market.
Director Park Chan-wook, who has established himself as one of South Korea's most celebrated and internationally recognized auteurs, brings his distinctive vision to this deeply human story. Park is renowned for his critically acclaimed works including "Joint Security Area," "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance," and "The Handmaiden," films that have garnered both domestic and international praise for their complex narratives and visual artistry.
During the panel discussion, Lee Byung-hun candidly reflected on his nervousness about hosting the opening ceremony, drawing parallels between his current anxiety and his early career experiences. "Standing on the same stage as yesterday, I felt my nerves creeping back," Lee admitted to the audience. He went on to explain his initial reluctance to take on the hosting duties, saying, "When I was first asked to host, I declined because it's difficult for me to stand in front of an audience like that."
However, Lee's deep connection to the festival ultimately influenced his decision to accept the challenging role. "But when I thought about my history with BIFF and the fact that our film was the opener, I decided to take it on," he explained. The timing held special significance for Lee, as he began his acting career around the same time that BIFF was first launched, creating a meaningful full-circle moment for both the actor and the festival.
Lee's honest assessment of the hosting experience resonated with the audience as he acknowledged the difficulty of the task. "Hosting is no easy task," he said, before sharing Park Chan-wook's advice to him: "As the director told me, 'Just stick to acting.'" This moment of vulnerability and humor from the veteran actor drew appreciation from the assembled crowd.
Park Chan-wook responded to Lee's comments with characteristic wit and warmth, addressing his reputation on film sets with a smile. "People call me a tiger on set, but that's just a joke. Don't take it too seriously," Park said, his playful response drawing laughter from the audience and showcasing the comfortable working relationship between the director and his lead actor.
The selection of "No Other Choice" as the opening film for BIFF's 30th edition represents a significant milestone for both the festival and the film's participants. The choice reflects the festival's commitment to showcasing high-quality Korean cinema while celebrating the artistic achievements of established filmmakers like Park Chan-wook and performers like Lee Byung-hun.
"No Other Choice" is scheduled for its theatrical release on Wednesday, allowing audiences nationwide to experience Park Chan-wook's latest cinematic offering following its prestigious festival debut.
