Park Chan-wook’s new film "No Other Choice" has surged to No. 1 in advance ticket sales a full two weeks before opening, stoking major box-office buzz.
According to the Korean Film Council’s real-time presales chart on the 8th, "No Other Choice" holds a 29.5% share with 107,000 tickets sold, outpacing current box-office leader "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle" (20.4%, 74,000 tickets).
The early heat is striking even by recent blockbuster standards: "Exhuma" (2024’s No. 1 title) topped the presales chart four days before release, while "The Roundup: Punishment" (2024’s No. 2), "12.12: The Day" (2023’s No. 1) and "The Roundup: No Way Out" (2023’s No. 2) each hit No. 1 ten days out. "No Other Choice" reaching the summit with two weeks to go underscores exceptional audience interest.
The film has already been pre-sold to more than 200 territories, surpassing its net production cost through overseas deals―another sign of its global pull. It premiered in Official Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it drew raves from top international outlets.
Variety hailed the film as “a decisive proof that Park Chan-wook is one of the most elegant filmmakers working today―and a mesmerizing black comedy.” The Guardian praised its propulsion and Park’s signature poise, calling it “a shocking yet timely satire―a portrait of family collapse, a patriarch in crisis, and a nation taking stock.” IndieWire singled out Lee Byung-hun, noting his “supple performance is the fulcrum that carries Park’s tragicomic tone,” while Deadline called it “a showcase for Lee’s astonishing turn and razor-sharp comic instincts.” Loud and Clear Reviews added that “Lee Byung-hun delivers a standout performance.”
"No Other Choice" follows Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a contented office worker whose life unravels after a sudden layoff. Determined to protect his wife, two kids and the hard-won family home, he wages his own war to claw his way back into the workforce. Park Chan-wook directs, with a cast that includes Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Yum Hye-ran and Lee Sung-min.
On the heels of its Venice acclaim, momentum is set to build further thanks to South Korea’s second round of nationwide movie-ticket discount vouchers, issued today. The vouchers (two per person) are applied on a first-come, first-served basis at checkout starting Sept. 8 (Mon.). With the 6,000-won discount stacked with Culture Day benefits, audiences can see "No Other Choice" on opening day, Sept. 24 (Wed.), for just 1,000 won.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)