Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice” Tops Korean Box Office with Stellar $4.6 Million Debut

Director Park Chan-wook’s latest film, “No Other Choice,” has dominated the South Korean box office. The black comedy thriller earned an impressive $4.6 million in its first weekend. It opened on Wednesday, September 24th, on over 2,000 screens nationwide.

This strong opening significantly outperforms Park’s previous film, “Decision to Leave.” The debut also marks the second-biggest opening for a Korean film this year. According to Reuters, the film’s success highlights a vibrant period for Korean cinema.

A Powerful Start and Critical Acclaim

“No Other Choice” has earned a total of $7.5 million since its midweek launch. Its weekend performance far exceeded the $2.4 million opening of “Decision to Leave” in 2022. Only the comedy-horror “My Daughter Is a Zombie” has had a stronger Korean debut in 2024.

The film premiered earlier at the Venice Film Festival to stellar reviews. It is set to screen next at the New York Film Festival. Neon holds the North American distribution rights for a release later this year.

A Timely Social Satire Resonates with Audiences

The film is a passion project for Park Chan-wook, taking nearly two decades to reach the screen. It stars Lee Byung-hun as a paper mill manager who spirals after being laid off. His character’s desperate search for dignity leads him down a violent path.

Son Ye-jin plays his resilient wife, with Park Hee-soon as his corporate nemesis. The story’s themes of a ruthless job market and fragile masculinity are strikingly current. It critiques modern work culture and the survival instinct in a late-capitalist world.

“No Other Choice” has clearly struck a chord, proving that Park Chan-wook’s unique vision continues to deliver both critical and commercial success. The film’s powerful box office performance underscores its immediate cultural impact.

Thought you’d like to know

What is “No Other Choice” about?

The film follows a devoted family man and paper mill manager played by Lee Byung-hun. After being laid off, he faces humiliation in the job market. His desperate quest for dignity leads him to violence.

Who stars in the new Park Chan-wook film?

Korean screen icon Lee Byung-hun plays the lead role. He is joined by Son Ye-jin, who portrays his resilient wife. Park Hee-soon also stars as the contemptuous foreman.

How does its opening compare to Park’s last film?

“No Other Choice” had a much stronger opening than “Decision to Leave.” It earned $4.6 million in its first weekend versus $2.4 million for the previous film. This makes it one of the top Korean film debuts of the year.

Will “No Other Choice” be released internationally?

Yes, the film will have a North American release later this year. The distributor Neon will handle its release. It will also screen at the New York Film Festival.

What other films did it beat at the box office?

It outperformed the new anime film “Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc.” It also stayed ahead of the long-running hit “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.” Yeon Sang-ho’s “The Ugly” placed fourth.