Park Chan-wook tells Lee Byung-hun after BIFF opening: ‘Just stick to acting’

Actor Lee Byung-hun speaks during a panel for the opening film “No Other Choice” during the 30th Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Thursday. Yonhap

Actor Lee Byung-hun shared a lighthearted moment with director Park Chan-wook after stepping in as the solo host of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) opening ceremony.

A panel for Park’s new film “No Other Choice” took place at the Busan Cinema Center outdoor stage Thursday, joined by Park and cast members Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Yum Hye-ran.

The film follows Man-su (Lee), a middle-aged office worker who suddenly loses his job despite believing he had secured a comfortable life. Struggling to protect his wife, two children and newly purchased home, he wages his own battle for survival in a desperate bid for reemployment.

Park, acclaimed for “Joint Security Area,” “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance,” and “The Handmaiden,” has established himself as one of Korea’s most celebrated auteurs.

Chosen as the opening film for BIFF’s 30th edition, “No Other Choice” marked a milestone for both the festival and Lee, who began his acting career around the time BIFF was launched.

“Standing on the same stage as yesterday, I felt my nerves creeping back,” Lee said. “When I was first asked to host, I declined because it’s difficult for me to stand in front of an audience like that. But when I thought about my history with BIFF and the fact that our film was the opener, I decided to take it on. Hosting is no easy task. As the director told me, ‘Just stick to acting.’”

Park responded with a smile, adding, “People call me a tiger on set, but that’s just a joke. Don’t take it too seriously,” drawing laughter from the crowd.

“No Other Choice” will be released in theaters on Wednesday.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.