Core Insights - The film "No Way Out," directed by Park Chan-wook, has sparked significant discussion in both South Korea and internationally since its release on September 24, 2023, with over 2.64 million viewers in South Korea by October 14, 2023, and is being hailed as a phenomenon in the Korean film industry [1][4]. Group 1: Film Overview - "No Way Out" features a cast including Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, and Park Hae-il, and is adapted from Donald Westlake's novel "The Ax," focusing on a middle-aged office worker, Yoo Wan-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), who, after being laid off, resorts to eliminating potential competitors to regain employment [4]. - The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2023 and has been praised for its unique blend of black humor and suspense, reflecting contemporary societal absurdities [4]. Group 2: Critical Reception - The film has received acclaim for its cinematography, music, and symbolic staging, leading to a surge in repeat viewings among audiences [4]. - "No Way Out" topped the South Korean box office in its fourth week of release, despite facing competition from other new films [4]. - Internationally, the film has been well-received, with positive reviews highlighting Park Chan-wook's signature tension and unease, and it achieved a 100% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes [4]. Group 3: Comparisons and Expectations - There are expectations that "No Way Out" could become a significant global representative of Korean cinema, similar to Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite," which won multiple prestigious awards [5]. - The film shares thematic elements with "Parasite," focusing on family and the anxieties of class struggle in a capitalist society, but distinguishes itself with a more stark humor that emphasizes the brutal competition among workers [5]. - Despite the overall positive reception, the film's audience score on the CGV cinema chain was reported at 84%, indicating some polarized opinions regarding the pacing and emotional resonance of the latter half of the film [5].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Jun Ji-hyun's new drama "The Storm Circle" has led to multiple brands, including LV and La Mer, removing her endorsement materials, indicating a swift response to potential backlash from Chinese audiences [1][5][6] Brand Response - Brands have rapidly cut ties with Jun Ji-hyun, with many deleting promotional materials and hinting at contract terminations, reflecting a standard procedure in handling controversies [5][6][8] - The established protocol for brands is to sever connections quickly to avoid association with scandals, which has become a routine practice in the industry [5][6][8] Impact on Jun Ji-hyun - Jun Ji-hyun's silence during the initial backlash contrasts with the swift actions of brands, raising questions about her response strategy [1][5] - Reports indicate that a planned advertisement with a Chinese clothing brand was canceled due to the controversy, although her agency claims it was merely postponed [4][5] Industry Trends - The luxury brand sector has developed robust mechanisms to manage celebrity controversies, often resulting in minimal impact on their overall performance [6][8] - Historical data shows that brands like Prada have faced multiple scandals without significant long-term damage to their sales or brand equity [6][8] Market Dynamics - The Korean entertainment industry is experiencing a decline in production quality and profitability, with only six local films turning a profit in 2023, a stark contrast to previous years [11][12] - The entry of Netflix into the Korean market has shifted talent and resources away from local productions, making collaborations with international platforms like Disney+ more appealing for actors like Jun Ji-hyun [14][15]