BIFF 2025 Park Chan-wook 'moved' as 'No Other Choice' opens 30th BIFF
Director Park Chan-wook speaks during a press conference for his movie “No Other Choice” during the Busan International Film Festival at Busan Cinema Center in Busan, Wednesday. Yonhap
BUSAN — Director Park Chan-wook expressed his gratitude as his latest film “No Other Choice” was chosen as the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), saying this marks the first time one of his works has been selected to open the prestigious event.
"Everyone knows this is a project I’ve been preparing for a long time. It took a long time to complete the film and I'm deeply moved that we get the Korean premiere at BIFF," Park said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center, Wednesday.
"I've been a part of BIFF for a long time, but this is the first time one of my films has been chosen to open it. I'm really thrilled."
"No Other Choice" revolves around Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a family man who is suddenly laid off and embarks on a desperate fight to find a new job.
BIFF programmer Karen Park praised the film as a fitting opener for the anniversary edition.
"This is a masterpiece created by some of the greatest filmmakers of our time," she said, referencing director Park and his cast, including Lee, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Yeom Hye-ran.
"We feel honored to have selected 'No Other Choice,' a film that showcases the power of Korean cinema, as our opening movie."
Actor Lee Byung-hun speaks during a press conference for his movie “No Other Choice” during the Busan International Film Festival at Busan Cinema Center in Busan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Actor Lee, who not only plays the lead role in the film but also hosts the BIFF opening ceremony, also shared his overwhelming emotions.
"I might not be as excited as the director, but this is the most I've ever looked forward to a movie I've made,” the actor said.
Actor Son, who’s making a highly anticipated return to the big screen, expressed her anxiety about the changing film industry.
"This is my screen comeback after seven years. I have some anxiety about how often I’ll be able to act in the future. That’s why this project is even more meaningful,” she said.
“And it will be even more important going forward. It's made me feel an even stronger desire for great directors like Park Chan-wook to create many more films. I also believe that if I do my best in my place, I can present a better path for audiences."
From left, director Park Chan-wook, actors Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Yeom Hye-ran and Lee Sung-min pose during a press conference at Busan Cinema Center during the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Director Park also showed his affection for Busan, widely known as the city of film.
"I love Busan so much that I often come down to spend time here. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Busan when writing screenplays. I think it's the best city for both a film festival and for making films because it has all the scenery that a movie needs," he said.