The South Korean black comedy thriller film No Other Choice starring Lee Byung Hun, known for starring as the Front Man in the Netflix series Squid Game, will open the 30th Busan International Film Festival taking place from September 17 to 26, 2025.
Director Park Chan-wook returns to the screen three years after Decision to Leave, with the film starring Lee Byung Hun as a man in his desperate struggle to secure his wife, Miri, played by Son Yejin, their two children, and his hard-earned home. Once highly satisfied with his achievement-filled life, Man-su faces sudden dismissal from his job and begins preparing for his own war of survival. In a plot similar to Squid Game, the film depicts one man’s desperate struggle to preserve his life and family.
In addition to Lee Byung Hun, who also serves as the host of this year’s Opening Ceremony, and actress Son Yejin, also starring in the film are Park Hee soon, Lee Sung Min, Yeom Hye Ran, and Cha Seung Won. Director Park has described it as a film he had “a long-awaited passion project” at BIFF 2019.
In a statement, the festival noted, “The Busan International Film Festival, marking the milestone 30th edition, has selected No Other Choice as an opening film that embodies what audiences most hope to see – a film that can reinvigorate Korean cinema at this pivotal moment. By selecting this master filmmaker’s work as the opening film, the festival will open the landmark 30th edition, underscoring a meaningful connection with countless audiences, while sending a heartfelt respect and support for contemporary Korean cinema.”
BIFF Festival Director Jung Hanseok added, “I am deeply moved and excited to experience the premiere of Park Chan-wook’s desired project alongside diverse audiences on the festival’s opening day. I sincerely hope that its selection will build meaningful momentum to garner greater attention and foster renewed interest in Korean cinema.”
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