Park Chan-wook reveals that he has been contemplating the adaptation of Donald Westlake’s novel 'No Exit' for over twenty years. His journey began when he read the book in 1997, and he sought to acquire the rights early in the 2000s. Despite the difficulties, including the fact that Costa-Gavras was also working on a film adaptation, Park remained undeterred. He later realized that his vision for the story was significantly different, which fueled his determination to eventually make the film. Throughout the years, he has continued to work on other projects while keeping the essence of 'No Exit' in mind, always believing that its themes would remain relevant.

The narrative of 'No Exit' centers around a man who loses his job after twenty-five years in the same company. This premise resonates deeply in today’s context, where economic challenges and job security are pressing concerns for many. Park emphasizes that the struggles of the unemployed, marked by despair and criminal tendencies due to desperation, are significant issues that need to be addressed in contemporary cinema. The film aims to provide a lens into these realities, exploring the psychological and societal impacts of long-term unemployment.

Thus, through 'No Exit', Park Chan-wook not only hopes to share a story that has lingered in his mind for decades but also to shed light on a universal issue that continues to affect individuals and communities worldwide. He believes that by tackling this subject matter, the film can resonate with audiences and provoke thought about the broader implications of unemployment on human behavior and society as a whole.