Park Hee-soon recounted an episode in which he was mistaken for Lee Byung-hun.
On the 22nd at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall, a screening and press conference for the film No Other Choice were held. The event was attended by director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Yum Hye-ran.
No Other Choice (produced/distributed by: CJ ENM | director: Park Chan-wook | production: Moho Film/CJ ENM Studios) tells the story of office worker Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), whose life felt so complete that he felt he had "achieved everything," who is suddenly fired and prepares his own war to reenter the job market to protect his wife and two children and to hold on to the home he struggled to buy.
No Other Choice was officially invited to compete at the recently held 82nd Venice Film Festival. Although it went home without awards in Venice, it became the first recipient of the newly established Platform Audience Award at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, which closed on the 14th. It was also selected as South Korea's entry for the international feature film category at the Academy Awards.
Lee Byung-hun said, "When we went to Venice and Toronto, the reaction from fans was the most surprising and passionate I have ever seen. When I promoted earlier Hollywood films, it was the same, but the period after Hallyu began to be known and gain popularity felt different. Wherever we went, people recognized the actors," he said in admiration.
Lee Sung-min said with a laugh, "I knew director Park was a world-class director and expected it, but I was surprised when I actually went to overseas film festivals after appearing in the film. I was really proud. I felt up close how great Maestro Park is. I am grateful and honored to have appeared in his work."
Park Hee-soon added, "What I was most curious about when going abroad was the reaction to this film. I was proud to perform in Korean. I felt even more proud when I heard the reaction in Toronto was bigger," and he added with a laugh, "Like Byung-hun said, people recognized the actors wherever we went and asked for autographs. In my case, many people handed me a photo of Lee Byung-hun and asked me to sign it for them. It was a good experience."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]