Park Chan Wook, the director behind Oldboy and Decision to Leave, returns with a darkly comic psychological thriller titled No Other Choice (formerly It is What It Is). Based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel The Ax, the film portrays how a middle-aged man reacts to sudden job loss in a desperate, unsettling way. At long last, Park’s passion project is now a reality.
The film brings together Lee Byung Hun, widely recognized as the “Front Man” from Squid Game, and Son Ye Jin, best known globally for Crash Landing on You, in the lead roles.
‘No Other Choice’ Release Date
No Other Choice, the movie will premiere on August 29, 2025, at the Venice International Film Festival, competing in the main category for the Golden Lion. It marks the first time in 13 years that a Korean production has entered the festival’s highest competition.
It will then open the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17, before releasing in South Korean theaters later next month. Internationally, Neon will distribute the film in North America, with MUBI handling other regions.
Plot Overview
The film follows Man Soo (Lee Byung Hun), a loyal office worker who finds his life upended after being laid off following 25 years of service. With his family, wife Mi Ri (Son Ye Jin), and two children, depending on him, Man-soo descends into a crushing existential crisis. Desperation pushes him into a chilling solution: eliminate the competition for his job. The story explores grit, irony, and moral decay in Park’s trademark style.
Cast
The film boasts a stellar ensemble:
- Yoo Man Soo, played by Lee Byung Hun, once a loyal office worker, Man Soo loses his job after 25 years and gradually unravels under the weight of unemployment and despair. Lee is celebrated for his powerful performances in I Saw the Devil, Squid Game, Mr. Sunshine, and the Oscar-winning Masquerade.
- Man Soo’s spouse, Mi Ri, portrayed by Son Ye Jin, serves as the emotional heart of the film. Calm, resilient, and optimistic even in crisis, she provides the strength Man Soo lacks. Son is famous for Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, and The Classic. In interviews, she shared that becoming a mother influenced how she approached Mi Ri’s devotion to her family.
- Seon Chul, portrayed by Park Hee Soon, is Man Soo’s superior at the paper company. His past roles include My Name, Seven Days, and Squid Game 2 & 3.
- Beom Mo (played by Lee Sung Min), Man Soo’s rival. Lee Sung Min, a veteran actor praised for The Spy Gone North, 12.12: The Day, and My Brilliant Life.
- A Ra, Beom Mo’s wife, is portrayed by Yeom Hye Ran. The actress has been widely praised for his roles in The Glory, When the Camellia Blooms, and Mask Girl.
- Si Jo is played by Cha Seung Won. Once a skilled paper technician, Si Jo now runs a shoe store but still clings to his lost passion for the paper industry. Cha is admired for his range in works such as Our Blues, Night in Paradise, and Uprising.
- Finally, Oh Jin Ho is portrayed by Yoo Yeon Seok, who plays Mi Ri’s dentist. Yoo is recognized for Hospital Playlist, Reply 1994, and Mr. Sunshine.
At a Seoul press conference, Park Chan Wook described the film as simultaneously “heartbreaking and hilarious.”
‘No Other Choice’ Trailer
The teaser, released in July 2025, sets an ominous tone. Dark visuals and sharp edits show Man Soo growing increasingly desperate. The atmosphere is tense, and hints of violence and dark humor dominate every scene. It opens with Man Soo saying, “You Americans say to be fired is to be ‘axed’? Know what we say in Korea? Off with your head!”
Production Team
No Other Choice was co-written by Park Chan-wook alongside Don McKellar, Lee Kyoung Mi, and Lee Ja Hye. The screenplay retains the sharp moral undercurrents of Westlake’s novel while focusing more on the protagonist’s personal descent.
Cinematography, editing, and musical details remain under wraps, but the production is backed by CJ Entertainment, Moho Film, and KG Productions, with a runtime reported at 2 hours and 19 minutes.
