Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' Wins Seven Awards at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards

[Financial News] 'No Other Choice,' directed by Park Chan-wook and selected as Korea's entry for Best International Feature Film at next year's 98th Academy Awards (Oscars), demonstrated overwhelming strength by winning seven awards at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards. The film swept major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.
Notably, Son Ye-jin, returning to the screen after seven years, won Best Actress. Her husband, actor Hyun Bin, also took home Best Actor for his performance in 'Harbin,' creating a rare moment where both spouses received acting trophies at the same ceremony.
On the 20th, distributor CJ ENM announced that 'No Other Choice' won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Cheongjeongwon Popular Star Award, Best Music, and Best Technical Achievement at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards held on the night of the 19th. The film, which received the most nominations this year with twelve, achieved the remarkable feat of winning in seven categories.
Jim Paek, CEO of Moho Film, took the stage and remarked, "It took 20 years for director Park Chan-wook to make 'No Other Choice.' I am deeply grateful to everyone at CJ ENM who supported this project without hesitation, even when investment was difficult." She shared the honor of the award with the film's staff and crew.
Director Park Chan-wook and actor Lee Byung-hun were unable to attend the ceremony due to overseas commitments. Instead, actors Lee Sung-min, Son Ye-jin, and Yeom Hye-ran were present. Park Chan-wook received his fourth Best Director award, following 'Joint Security Area (JSA)' (2000), 'Oldboy' (2003), and 'Decision to Leave' (2022).
Lee Sung-min accepted the award on Park Chan-wook's behalf, saying, "'No Other Choice' is a project that has been a dream since I first read the original novel 20 years ago. I cannot express how proud I am that we were able to make this story into a Korean film. It was possible thanks to the actors and staff who exceeded all expectations. At first glance, the film may seem simple and comedic, but with each viewing, it becomes more complex and tragic. I believe the judges recognized this, and I accept this award with gratitude," relaying Park Chan-wook's sentiments.
Son Ye-jin, who previously won Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for 'My Wife Got Married' (2008), also received the Cheongjeongwon Popular Star Award. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I thank director Park Chan-wook for creating the character 'Miri' so well." Lee Sung-min, who portrayed the veteran 'Beom-mo,' desperate for re-employment, won Best Supporting Actor and commented, "I believe I received this award thanks to director Park Chan-wook, who gave me the wonderful character 'Beom-mo.' I hope our film will achieve great results overseas as well."
Additionally, music director Jo Yeong-wook, who enriched the film with a wide-ranging score, won Best Music, while costume designer Cho Sang-kyung, who highlighted the characters' individuality through her designs, received the Best Technical Achievement award.
[email protected] Shin Jin-ah Reporter