On August 19, at the “No Other Choice” press conference in Seoul’s CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall, director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won were in attendance. During the event, Son Ye-jin shared, “Becoming a mother has helped me deeply in portraying this character,” reflecting on her post-childbirth return. Actor Lee Byung-hun jokingly remarked, “The child actor kept asking questions, but Son Ye-jin never answered once,” which led to laughter. Son clarified that she had been too immersed in emotional scenes to respond.
However, this short clip spread across SNS and YouTube, sparking harsh criticism accusing her of neglecting child actors.
Child Actor’s Family Defends Son Ye-jin
As criticism escalated, child actress Choi So-yul’s mother stepped in on August 24 via SNS to clarify: “It was just a lighthearted story, but it became a controversy. In truth, she was very kind to my daughter.” She also revealed that Son had even gifted So-yul a hard-to-find toy, highlighting her generosity.
Son Ye-jin’s Longstanding Charitable Efforts
Adding to this defense, reports surfaced about Son Ye-jin’s ongoing quiet support for struggling single mothers and children in need. She has been consistently donating to “Baby Box” facilities in Sillim-dong, Seoul, where abandoned or at-risk babies are safely cared for. Unlike one-time donations, Son personally checks how funds are used and has visited the site in person.
Her philanthropy extends beyond this cause: she has supported children with rare diseases, provided scholarships for low-income children with disabilities, and contributed to charity bazaars. In 2024, she donated 300 million KRW (approximately $225,000 USD) to Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center for pediatric care and medical research.
Screen Comeback with “No Other Choice”
Meanwhile, “No Other Choice”, Son Ye-jin’s much-anticipated return to the big screen, tells the story of a laid-off breadwinner struggling to protect his family and home. The film is set to premiere this September and is already generating considerable buzz.
Sources: Nate
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