Lee Byung-hun Breaks New Ground at the Golden Globes

Lee Byung-hun has already made his mark at this year’s Golden Globes, regardless of whether he nabs the Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical trophy. He’s the first Korean performer to land a nomination in this category, recognised for his standout turn in Park Chan-wook’s satirical thriller No Other Choice. It’s another notch on his belt after starring in Netflix’s most-watched series, Squid Game, and the platform’s top film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Chatting with Variety before the 83rd Golden Globes, which Nikki Glaser is hosting again and will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ tonight (11 January), Byung-hun shared how he heard the news about his historic nod.

“I was sleeping. And my Korean friend texted me. That’s how I found out, but it was like dreaming, because I was sleeping! It was fantastic. And I was so happy but I’m trying to be satisfied only with the nomination, because acting is not about winning or losing. Everybody has their own value. So whatever it is I’m trying to enjoy that day, and it’s going to be my first experience at the Golden Globes. And I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of great moviemakers and actor friends.”

Facing Stiff Competition

He’s up against some big names: Jesse Plemons (Bugonia), Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), George Clooney (Jay Kelly), and Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon). When asked if he’s a fan of any of their work, Byung-hun didn’t hesitate to mention a couple of favourites.

“I liked One Battle After Another and Train Dreams. In Train Dreams, there is this deep pain in that film that sort of continues from the beginning to the end. And it’s a little bit hard to put [into] words, but it’s almost as if a needle is kind of pricking you throughout the film. It’s not like there’s a huge climax or it makes you sob necessarily, but it’s really like that consistency of that feeling was really notable to me.”

Park Chan-wook’s Latest: A Black Comedy with Bite

Among the most talked-about films of 2025, No Other Choice stands out. MovieWeb reviewer Juan Barquin summed it up:

No Other Choice is as pitch-black a comedy as they come, reveling in the messiness of murder and the skewed morals of what is and isn’t right when your life (and the lives of others) depends on it. That dark tone is bound to be off-putting for some, unable to grapple with the playfulness with which Park presents monstrous actions, but that indulgence in cruelty is part of the point.

Barquin goes on to say that Park Chan-wook seems to be having a ball with this one. His trademark humour is on full display, as he pokes at moral dilemmas and isn’t shy about finding laughs in even the most earnest or twisted moments. It’s a style that’s evolved from his earlier works like The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave.

Style and Substance: Park’s Evolving Vision

What’s most striking in No Other Choice is how Park’s approach keeps shifting. His visual flair is more relaxed, with playful touches that feel less tied to the characters’ emotions or the story’s beats, and more about simply looking sharp. The way he uses cuts, transitions, and dissolves between scenes isn’t just about narrative anymore—it’s about style for its own sake.

For punters keen on dark comedies with a twist, and those following the rise of Korean talent on the global stage, Lee Byung-hun’s nomination is a moment worth watching. Whether he takes home the gong or not, he’s already made history.