Venice has always been a city of romance, art, and cinematic dreams, but this year, the 82nd Venice International Film Festival added an extra sparkle to its storied legacy. The world premiere of Park Chan-wook’s latest film, No Other Choice—known in Korea as I Can’t Help It—brought together some of South Korea’s brightest stars, emotional moments, and a critical triumph that has the global film community abuzz.
On September 1, 2025, social media lit up with a striking photo: Lee Min-jung, resplendent in a white dress, and Son Ye-jin, equally stunning in black, standing side by side against the antique backdrop of Venice. Lee Min-jung posted the image on her SNS, captioning it, "Photo by (Son Ye-jin) in Venice." The two actresses, best friends and colleagues at the same agency, radiated a warmth and camaraderie that delighted fans. Comments poured in, with admirers dubbing them "Lee Byung-hun’s wives," marveling at their beauty, and calling the snapshot "legendary." Some even joked, “Am I the only one who gets old?” and “It’s like a photo shoot.” According to Maeil Kyungjae, the buzz was palpable, and the photo quickly became a topic of conversation in both entertainment circles and among fans worldwide.
But the real story was unfolding just a few steps away, inside the festival’s hallowed halls. Lee Min-jung had traveled to Venice with her husband, actor Lee Byung-hun, both attending for Park Chan-wook’s film No Other Choice. Son Ye-jin, the film’s leading lady, arrived on August 29, ready to take on her first major international festival. The stakes were high: the film had been officially invited to compete for the Golden Lion, Venice’s top prize, and anticipation was sky-high.
As reported by Times Now, the screening of No Other Choice was nothing short of electric. After the credits rolled, the audience rose to its feet, delivering a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Cameras captured Son Ye-jin visibly moved, wiping away tears as she stood next to her co-stars and director. "It’s my first overseas film festival, and having only ever imagined receiving a standing ovation, it felt like a dream. Seeing Park Hee-Soon (actor) crying next to me at that moment that might never come again, made me tear up as well," Son Ye-jin shared, her voice trembling with emotion.
For Son, this was more than just another red carpet—it was the culmination of years of hard work and a milestone in her career. Her Venice diary, filled with glimpses of her wardrobe, candid strolls through the city, and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, offered fans a window into the whirlwind experience. The festival’s glamorous energy, combined with the film’s critical success, made for a heady mix.
No Other Choice is a first-time collaboration between Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun, both major Hallyu stars. The film is based on the American novel The Ax by Donald E. Westlake and tells the darkly compelling story of Man-Soo, a paper company employee who, after being fired, becomes desperate to secure another job. In a chilling twist, Man-Soo hatches a plan to eliminate his competition—literally—by targeting his fellow job applicants. Son Ye-jin plays A-Ra, Man-Soo’s resilient and bright-hearted wife, who tries to support her husband as he spirals into despair.
Director Park Chan-wook, long celebrated for his inventive style and sharp social commentary, brings his trademark intensity to the project. The film’s debut at Venice was met with rapturous praise. According to Times Now, No Other Choice premiered with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, quickly earning the title of the festival’s best-reviewed film. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with glowing reactions. One user raved, "With NO OTHER CHOICE, Park Chan-wook successfully defends his title as the most creative filmmaker alive. Superbly shot with crazy innovative editing, he puts the camera in places I’ve never seen before. One nutso sequence even got an applause break. The best film of 2025 so far." Another added, "Park Chan-wook’s take on capitalism is as sharp as ever..can’t wait to catch it!"
The film’s momentum isn’t limited to Venice. In July 2025, it was announced that No Other Choice would compete for the Golden Lion, setting the stage for a busy festival circuit. Its theatrical release in South Korea is slated for September 24, 2025, and it will open the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17. North American audiences will get their first look at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Lee Byung-hun is set to receive a Special Tribute Award at the prestigious TIFF Tribute Awards. The film is also part of the Main Slate at the 2025 New York Film Festival, with its U.S. premiere scheduled for October.
The excitement surrounding No Other Choice is not just about awards and critical acclaim. For many, it represents a powerful moment for Korean cinema on the global stage. Park Chan-wook’s films have long been celebrated for their artistry and depth, but this latest project seems to have struck a particularly resonant chord. As one festival-goer put it, "It has become one of the big favorites for international film at the Oscars. I’m looking forward to watching it." The New York Film Festival’s official X account chimed in as well: "Park Chan-wook’s NO OTHER CHOICE is one of the absolute best films of the year. Don’t miss the film’s U.S. Premiere in the Main Slate of #NYFF63 on October 9 & 10 (with filmmaker Q&As)!"
Back in Venice, the festival’s magic was on full display. The sight of Lee Min-jung and Son Ye-jin, two friends and colleagues, sharing a moment in the city of canals, seemed to encapsulate the spirit of collaboration and celebration that defines the world’s great film gatherings. For Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, and the rest of the No Other Choice team, the journey is far from over—but the memory of that standing ovation, and the sense of accomplishment it brought, will linger long after the festival lights fade.
As the film prepares to make its way to audiences around the globe, all eyes are on Park Chan-wook and his remarkable cast. With critical accolades, festival buzz, and a compelling story at its core, No Other Choice stands poised to leave an indelible mark on 2025’s cinematic landscape.
