Real-Life Friends, On-Screen Couple
Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin are bringing a different kind of spark to the screen in It Can’t Be Helped (Korean title: Sikatanai), playing a married couple in director Park Chan-wook’s newest drama. At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the duo opened up about stepping into the shoes of a long-married couple—and why their connection felt effortless from day one.
The Story Behind ‘It Can’t Be Helped’
The film follows Yoo Mansoo (played by Lee Byung-hun), a man who thought he had it all figured out—stable job, loving family, his own home. But when he’s abruptly laid off, Mansoo finds himself waging a deeply personal battle to protect everything he’s built. Son Ye-jin plays Miri, the wife who stands by him as they navigate this quiet storm of career disruption and domestic resilience.
Director Park Chan-wook, known for visionary works like Oldboy and Decision to Leave, chose to open the film at the festival, alongside an all-star cast including Park Hae-soon, Yum Hye-ran, and Lee Sung-min.
“Surprisingly in Sync” Without Rehearsal
Their chemistry might be award-worthy, but according to Son Ye-jin, it came with zero stress. “When playing a married couple, it’s important for the intimacy to feel real,” she told the crowd. “Even though we didn’t rehearse, it instantly clicked. I was honestly surprised how in sync we were.”
She credits familiar vibes and mutual respect: “I’ve known Byung-hun oppa for a while, and we share a good rapport. It was fun, relaxed, and even humorous at times.”
A Real-Life Couple Circle
As it turns out, the secret sauce behind their easygoing dynamic might be personal. Lee Byung-hun revealed a cozy connection: “Ye-jin is a long-time friend of my wife, Lee Min-jung. It’s not just us—our spouses often hang out together, golfing or grabbing meals.”
This longtime bond meant there was no need for awkward small talk. “It felt like we skipped the whole get-to-know-you phase and just jumped straight into character,” Lee said with a smile.
Kicking Off BIFF with Star Power
It Can’t Be Helped is the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival, running until the 26th. The movie hits Korean theaters on the 24th and is already turning heads for its understated take on middle-class life and the quiet desperation behind a smile.
Final Takeaway
From real-life double dates to zero-rehearsal performances, Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin prove that sometimes familiarity breeds not contempt—but magic. With It Can’t Be Helped, they’re not just delivering drama—they’re serving up a portrait of marriage that feels both painfully real and strangely hopeful.
