A casual joke made by veteran actor Lee Byung-hun during a press conference has sparked unexpected controversy for actress Son Ye-jin, but the situation has been resolved after the mother of a child actor involved in the incident stepped forward to defend the star. The controversy emerged from comments made during a production briefing for the upcoming film "No Other Choice," where Lee's lighthearted anecdote was taken out of context and spread across online communities.
The incident originated at a press event held at CGV Yongsan IPark Mall in Seoul on August 19, where the cast promoted their upcoming thriller "No Other Choice." The film marks Son Ye-jin's highly anticipated return to cinema after a seven-year hiatus, where she plays the wife of Lee Byung-hun's character and mother of two children. This project also represents her first acting role since giving birth to her son in 2022.
During the press conference, Son Ye-jin discussed her comeback and how motherhood influenced her performance. "Being with a child felt natural," she explained. "Motherhood is an important part of the role, and it was easier to immerse myself in the positive side of a mother who protects and warms her family." Her comments highlighted how her real-life experience as a new mother enhanced her ability to portray the maternal character authentically.
The controversy began when Lee Byung-hun shared what he intended as a playful story about their young co-star. He recalled how the child actress who played Son's on-screen daughter was very curious on set, constantly asking questions. "On set she kept asking us questions," Lee said with apparent amusement. "I kept answering and sometimes got distracted, but Son never answered her once. When I asked her to respond, she told me, 'Please handle it, I need to stay in character.'"
However, Lee's anecdote quickly became problematic when portions of his comments were shared online without the full context. Social media users and parenting forum participants began criticizing Son Ye-jin, interpreting the story as evidence that she had coldly ignored a child's innocent questions. The crucial detail that Son was maintaining her concentration during emotionally demanding scenes was largely overlooked in the online discussions.
As negative comments about Son Ye-jin's personality began spreading across various online communities, the situation escalated beyond what anyone had anticipated. Critics accused the actress of being unprofessional and unkind to children, with many users expressing disappointment in what they perceived as her attitude toward a young colleague.
The controversy was definitively resolved when Choi So-yul's mother, the child actress at the center of the story, took to Instagram on August 24 to set the record straight. "We were also taken aback," she wrote in her post. "It was just a funny story told playfully, and we feel it is unfair. The fact is, she [Son] was kind." Her intervention provided a firsthand account that contradicted the negative narrative spreading online.
Further supporting Son Ye-jin's character, the child's mother shared additional details about the actress's genuine kindness. She revealed a particularly touching gesture from the previous December, when Son had gone out of her way to find and purchase a rare toy that her daughter desperately wanted. "Aurora Ping – even Santa couldn't get it, but Son Ye-jin did. It was the best Christmas present," the mother had written at the time, demonstrating the actress's thoughtful nature behind the scenes.
"No Other Choice" represents a significant project for all involved, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook and based on Donald Westlake's novel "The Ax." The thriller follows a man struggling with unemployment and his desperate search for reemployment, exploring themes of economic hardship and moral compromise. The film's quality and international appeal have been recognized through its invitation to compete at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.
The movie is scheduled to open in South Korean theaters on September 29, marking not only Son Ye-jin's return to the big screen but also another collaboration in Park Chan-wook's distinguished filmography. The incident serves as a reminder of how easily comments can be misinterpreted in the digital age, and how important context is when sharing stories about public figures.
