safeguarding Family at Any Cost: An Exclusive Interview with Lee Byung-hun on No Other Choice

      Robert Kojder speaks with Lee Byung-hun, star of No Other Choice…

      Lee Byung-hun has had an impressive year, contributing his voice to the widely popular animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, while also delivering a powerful performance filled with complexities and vulnerabilities in Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. He arguably deserves more recognition, not just in award discussions but across the broader film industry.

      Although he is a well-known figure in South Korea, Lee has also appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, yet it can be said that he has never undertaken a role quite like this in either market. I did bring up a somewhat similar role during our conversation, but largely, this can be seen as a career-defining performance in one of the most noteworthy and relevant films of 2025. This is nothing new for Park Chan-wook, who is one of the most talented and outstanding filmmakers working today.

      Lee Byung-hun was available for a brief virtual interview during awards season. By brief, I mean just 5 minutes, with a good portion of that time devoted to a translator conveying his carefully crafted, insightful responses in English. Nevertheless, it was a valuable opportunity. Enjoy the short interview below…

      I’ve been a fan of your work since I Saw the Devil, which, interestingly, seems to share some thematic elements with this Park film.

      I agree, but there’s a significant difference between the two films. I Saw The Devil is fundamentally about revenge, allowing the audience to align with the main character's desire for the antagonist's downfall, sharing that vengeful feeling throughout. In contrast, in No Other Choice, we witness Man-su taking out individuals who have no connection to us, yet we find ourselves sympathizing with them. Because of this, the audience may not always support the main character and can adopt a more objective perspective.

      Your character is full of intriguing contradictions. He exhibits signs of hypocrisy and grapples with insecurities regarding his employment and his marriage. What did you find rewarding about exploring such a multifaceted character?

      Man-su’s story mirrors the experiences of many individuals, underscoring that life and emotions are rarely straightforward. They are, in fact, quite complex. That complexity made the story feel grounded in reality. As an audience member, you might wonder, “Is this a comedy, a thriller, or a drama?” It truly blends these genres, with the character fiercely protecting his family at all costs, driven by desperation. I concentrated on the emotional depth of that motivation. There are indeed both humorous and poignant moments, all of which are intricately woven into the script. I aimed to reflect that as fully as I could.

      Thank you for your time. You delivered one of the year's standout performances.

      Thank you very much.

      Many thanks to Lee Byung-hun for participating in this interview. You can read our review of No Other Choice here.