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Key Points

Park Chan-wook's latest film has been chosen to represent South Korea at the Oscars. The dark comedy features Lee Byung-hun as a man pushed to extreme measures after losing his job. It received a massive six-minute standing ovation at its Venice premiere. The film will now begin its campaign for Oscar recognition.

Key Points: Park Chan-wook No Other Choice Selected Korea Oscar Submission

  • Film stars Squid Game's Lee Byung-hun as desperate paper industry veteran
  • Premiered at Venice Film Festival competing for Golden Lion
  • Adapted from Donald E. Westlake's novel 'The Ax'
  • Will open the Busan International Film Festival this year
2 min read

Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' selected as Korea's Oscar submission for Best International Feature

Park Chan-wook's dark comedy 'No Other Choice' starring Lee Byung-hun is Korea's official Oscar entry after its Venice premiere and six-minute standing ovation.

"Audiences were clearly thrilled to see Park and his leading man - Variety"

Seoul, September 3

The Korean Film Council has selected Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' as the country's submission for best international feature at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, reported Variety.

The move positions the acclaimed filmmaker, whose credits include 'Oldboy', 'The Handmaiden' and 'Decision to Leave', which was shortlisted in the category for a fresh run at Oscar glory.

The dark comedy, adapted from Donald E. Westlake's novel 'The Ax,' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it is competing for the Golden Lion.

Lee Byung-hun, best known globally from 'Squid Game,' takes the lead as Yoo Man-su, a paper-industry veteran pushed to desperate, murderous extremes after 25 years of loyalty is abruptly discarded, according to Variety.

South Korean director Park Chan-wook made a triumphant return after 20 years to the Venice Film Festival, where he was greeted with a six-minute standing ovation for the twisted black comedy 'No Other Choice,' reported Variety.

Audiences were clearly thrilled to see Park and his leading man, "Squid Game" star Lee Byung-hun, who were welcomed into the Sala Grande Theatre with an enthusiastic round of applause before the film even began.

The film will open the Busan International Film Festival, and producer CJ ENM is releasing it in Korea on September 24.

The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on December 16, 2025, and the final five nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Lee Byung-hun from Squid Game! That's exciting. Korean cinema has been consistently delivering world-class content. Hope this gets nominated 🤞
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate Korean cinema, I wish Indian regional films got similar international recognition. Our content is equally good but needs better marketing globally.
S
Sarah B
Six-minute standing ovation at Venice! That says it all. Korean filmmakers understand global storytelling while maintaining their cultural identity. Something our Bollywood can learn from.
V
Vikram M
Dark comedy about corporate layoffs hitting too close to home these days 😅 Hope it releases soon in Indian theaters!
K
Karthik V
The premise sounds intense - 25 years loyalty discarded leading to murderous extremes. Korean films never shy away from dark themes. Respect! 👏

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