Son Ye Jin Makes Her Comeback After Giving Birth
Actress Son Ye Jin is set to return to the screen after a two-year hiatus, starring alongside Lee Byung Hun in the upcoming project “I Can’t Help It,” directed by the acclaimed Park Chan Wook.
On August 12th, Hankyung reported that the production team announced the star-studded cast, including Son Ye Jin, Lee Byung Hun, Park Hee Soon, Lee Sung Min, and other notable artists. Filming is scheduled to begin on August 17th. This marks Son Ye Jin’s first feature film since “The Negotiation” (2018). She later starred in the TV dramas “Crash Landing on You” (2019-2020) and “Thirty-Nine” (2022). The actress took a break from acting after marrying fellow actor Hyun Bin in March 2022, and gave birth to their first son in November of the same year.
“I Can’t Help It” is based on the 1997 novel “The Ax” by Donald E. Westlake. The plot centers around Yoo Man Su (played by Lee Byung Hun), an office worker who unexpectedly loses his job after 25 years of service. Desperate to reclaim his position and protect his family from external threats, he resorts to extreme measures.
Son Ye Jin has been cast as Miri, the wife of Man Su. According to the production team, Miri is a talented, open-minded woman who is determined to keep her family happy despite her husband’s unemployment. This film marks the reunion of Lee Byung Hun and director Park Chan Wook after their collaborations in “Joint Security Area” (2000) and “Three… Extremes” (2004). It also marks Son Ye Jin’s first collaboration with the 61-year-old filmmaker.
According to Kpoppost, in 2017, Park Chan Wook initially planned to partner with a Hollywood company to adapt the project, but it was ultimately canceled. He then decided to pursue a Korean adaptation. At the 2019 Busan Film Festival, the director revealed that “I Can’t Help It” is his “lifetime project,” stating, “I want to make this film and consider it one of the masterpieces of my career.”
Son Ye Jin, now 42, has over 20 years of artistic experience, with notable works such as “Summer Scent,” “The Classic,” “April Snow,” and “Be With You.” Her television drama earnings are approximately 100 million won (over $75,000) per episode. In addition to acting, she earns income from various endorsements, including cosmetics, fashion, and baby products.
Son Ye Jin and her husband, actor Hyun Bin, have a romantic love story. The couple met on the set of “The Negotiation,” later co-starred in “Crash Landing on You,” and publicly confirmed their relationship in January 2021. Son Ye Jin has expressed her gratitude on social media for finding a good man and cherishing the love they share. After giving birth, she focused on family life, while Hyun Bin continued with his film projects, often working abroad. In March 2023, the couple was embroiled in divorce rumors due to allegations of “Hyun Bin’s gambling addiction,” which they both denied.
