©Courtesy of Neon

Exclusive interview with Actor Lee Byung-hun

 

 

Q: You worked with director Park Chan-wook, 25 years ago on a project called “JSA”, then short film called, “Three Extremes”. And about 15 years ago, you met director Park in L.A, he mentioned this project, but it was called The Ax”, hand it was developed as an American project, I’m curious that what was the elements that differed from American project, and what was your first impression of the script? 

Lee Byung-hun : I don’t know too much about the details of the American version of the project. However, when the script was Korean unified, there was so many hidden meanings hover in that first read, I thought it was extremely funny. It made me question, is this a comedy?

Q : In my mind, when I heard this title “No Other Choice”, I interpreted as current society prevent to have a free will in certain way, but I’m curious to know what kind emotion that evoke you when you first heard the title and how did you interpret the meaning of the title after you done with the film? 

Lee Byung-hun : So the original story was titled “The Ax” and we thought that this would be too violent of a title and almost too Park Chan-wook-esque film. And there are some people are really pushed away by that violence. And when I heard the option of the film being title “No Other Choice”, I really love the title.And one of the other option of the title was “A Thing to Do in the Fall”.

The phrase there’s “No Other Choice”. It’s something that Korean sees very colloquially, like almost every day. And it almost sounds like a side that is coming out of your body. So in the Korean title, there’s no spacing between that phrase because it’s supposed to sound like an explanation.

And the reality is, of course, people might really meet where they have  “No Other Choice.” But in Korea that phrase can be used as an excuse or almost as a justification about what that person is about to do next. 

Q : In the film, your character Man-su, reminded himself that I have to protect my family, I think compare to Japan, in Korean, it has more patriarchal system that strongly remained in society, because of that , does it easy for you to slip into your character, because it was kind of relatable? 

Lee Byung-hun : In Korea, the system is now slowly disappearing. However, for a man at that age, it is very prevalent. So I’m sure that worldwide many people are able to relate to that. I need to protect my family mentality, but in Korea, specifically I think that is very prevalent sentiment during that time.

©Courtesy of Neon 

Q : It’s been more than 20 years since you and director Park Chan-took worked together, what was the elements that differ and develop about his direction during the course of last 20 years?

Lee Byung-hun :I think director Park has maintained a gentle disposition throughout all the years that I’ve known him and he never loses temper and all of that stay really consistent. However, in terms of what he requests of the actors of the crew is extremely detailed. It’s become even deeper, more complicated and more meticulous in terms of what he asked of us. 

Q: In the film, you character was fired from Solar Paper, Now in our current society, the emerge of AI that cut many people who does the physical labor work, and such, how the emerge of AI that affect in your country, Korea? 

Lee Byung-hun : The effective AI really depends on what kind of job you have, and I think we are really feeling it in our own industry as well, because with my colleagues will see videos floating around that we haven’t shot, but that has been AI generated. And I think while AI has been made to make life more convenient for us. I think without more stringent rules and regulations hasn’t been placed yet, I think negative effects can exist. 

Q : This film is selected for Korean entry for the Oscar, even since the film “Parasite” won the Oscar, what was the elements that you think that has changed most in Korean film industry after “Parasite” won the Oscar? 

Lee Byung-hun : The film, “Parasite” gave Korean films industry a sense of hope and possibility. The Hollywood and the global stage felt far away, but it shortened that distance. When the trailer for “No Other Choice” came out, it was compared a lot to “Parasite” and people predicted that there would be a lot of similarities.

But in fact when you watch the film, you’ll realize the mood and atmosphere is completely different. So, I think we never know what will happen with the rest of this festival circuit, but the film, “Parasite” was definitely able to open that door for us.

Q : Well, good luck with your film, thank you so much for your time!

Lee Byung-hun : Thank you. 

©Courtesy of Neon 

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