Yeom Hye-ran Shines Globally with Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice'

Actress Yeom Hye-ran is currently experiencing a global moment with her starring role in Park Chan-wook’s highly anticipated film, 'No Other Choice'. The movie, set for release on September 24th, has already sold over 300,000 pre-sale tickets, solidifying its status as one of Korea's most anticipated fall releases.

In the film, Yeom portrays Lee Ara, an aspiring artist who maintains her confidence despite numerous failed auditions. Reflecting on the film's world premiere at Venice, Yeom shared her initial anxieties. "I was worried about how a uniquely Korean expression like ‘no other choice’ would be translated and whether the audience would connect with it," she admitted. "But when the film ended, it felt like I had climbed a mountain. It was overwhelming and such an honor to be there as an actor."

Describing her character, Yeom explained, "Ara carries the image of Eve. She’s curious and proactive rather than passive. Though she stumbles often, she’s a woman who always rises again." She confessed that she initially questioned why director Park Chan-wook chose her for the role. "When I first read the script, I wondered why director Park Chan-wook chose me. But the role drew out hidden feelings I had long set aside. It made me face parts of myself I once avoided."

Yeom further noted the distinction between her past roles and Ara. While previous characters often embodied openly expressed desires, Ara represents hidden, even taboo ones. "Audiences may find that side of me unfamiliar, but it expanded my perspective and broadened my world," she stated.

Her versatile acting career, showcased in works like 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', 'Wall to Wall', 'The Glory', 'Mask Girl', 'The Uncanny Counter', and 'When the Camellia Blooms', is seen as a journey of self-discovery. "Portraying such different women is like building a treasure chest. Each role becomes a precious asset, and playing self-driven women has been both meaningful and joyful," Yeom expressed.

She also highlighted her sense of responsibility as an actress and mentor. "I’m conscious of what I must pass on to the next generation — not only through words, but by example. I hope more stories will be told where women aren’t just functional, but fully alive as characters."

Concluding her thoughts on what she hopes to reveal in 'No Other Choice', Yeom shared a metaphor: "A monk once said, after seeing thousands of Buddha statues, that they all lived inside him. Acting is the same for me — discovering countless versions of myself. I can’t wait to see what else emerges." Her striking charisma was also recently featured in a new Cosmopolitan spread, hinting at this new chapter.

Yeom Hye-ran has garnered critical acclaim for her diverse roles across various hit dramas and films, showcasing remarkable acting prowess. Her ability to embody complex characters with nuanced emotional depth has earned her a dedicated fanbase and numerous awards. This latest venture with director Park Chan-wook marks a significant step in her expanding international career.