At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival held on Lido Island, Venice, Italy, director Park Chan-wook's film "Decision to Leave" successfully completed its world premiere screening. The film received a standing ovation lasting nine minutes, eliciting a passionate response from the audience. From the moment director Park and the cast members Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yum Hye-ran stepped onto the red carpet, the audience greeted them with great cheers.

The film was praised overseas as a "satire that transcends the times." Director Park expressed positive expectations about the audience's reaction, saying, "I hope those words are sincere." Approximately 1,000 viewers attended the screening held on the evening of the 29th (local time) at the festival's main theater, Sala Grande. Many film fans flocked to the red carpet event, creating a huge crowd despite the rain and wind.

After the screening, the audience watched the film in silence, and when the end credits rolled, they gave a unanimous standing ovation. Director Park and the cast responded to this reaction, continuing to engage with the audience. CJ Group Vice Chairman Lee Mi-kyung also watched the scene with a smile.

The overseas film industry's response has been positive. The American entertainment media Variety described it as "decisive proof that Park Chan-wook is the most dignified director currently active." The British daily The Guardian stated, "It may not be Park's greatest masterpiece, but it is the best film among those that have competed in Venice so far."

Praise for Lee Byung-hun's acting skills also followed. The film-specialized media Deadline reported, "A work that proves Lee Byung-hun's excellent comedic sense." These reactions were anticipated from the two press screenings held at the festival. One audience member said, "It was more interesting than expected," adding, "It well expressed the monster created by society."

The film "Decision to Leave" tells the story of Mansu (played by Lee Byung-hun), a middle-aged office worker who, after being fired, decides to find a new job to maintain his family's stable life and eliminates his job competitors. This project is known to be one that director Park has wanted to make into a film for a long time.

"Decision to Leave" was selected as the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, and its first meeting with domestic audiences will take place on the 17th of next month. The official domestic release is scheduled for the 24th. Director Park shared his thoughts, saying, "It has been 20 years since I competed in Venice, and it has also been 20 years since I decided to make this work into a film."

"Decision to Leave" is director Park Chan-wook's twelfth feature film and is based on the novel "The Ax" by American novelist Donald Westlake. Through this work, director Park has well captured his cinematic mise-en-scène. Amid ongoing audience reactions and critical acclaim, "Decision to Leave" is expected to communicate with even more viewers through upcoming film festivals and releases.