Choi Min-shik and Han So-hee Lead the Korean Remake of The Intern
The Korean remake of The Intern, opening on the 16th, is set to be a major career turning point for acclaimed actors Choi Min-shik and Han So-hee. Adapting the emotional power of the 2015 Hollywood original starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway with unique South Korean cultural nuances, the 132-minute film moves at a brisk pace. In interviews in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, both actors reflected on their roles, with veteran Choi expressing immense enthusiasm for taking on fresh challenges and Han bringing a vulnerable sincerity to her performance.
A Fresh Cultural Twist on a Classic Dynamic
Directed by Kim Do-young of the film βWhat If We,β the movie follows the fashion startup βWOO22,β led by young CEO Seon-woo (Han So-hee), and her newly hired 37-year-experience silver intern, Gi-ho (Choi Min-shik). Gi-ho mirrors Ben from the original as a well-mannered gentleman who respects boundaries, but infuses a distinct South Korean paternal warmthβsuch as offering traditional snacks for an energy boost or swapping pocket squares for tissues. A standout scene features an unscripted, direct scolding where Gi-ho tells a struggling Seon-woo to pull herself together, blurring the line between mentor and father figure to deliver profound encouragement.
Shedding Heavy Images for Nuanced Growth
Both leads embraced roles vastly different from their previous intense personas by stripping away excess and focusing on natural immersion. Han shared that her character Seon-woo learned through Gi-ho that letting go of toxic control does not mean complete collapse, resulting in a satisfying marital conclusion that differs from the original. According to Warner Bros. Korea, this character-driven narrative highlights mature emotional evolution, proving that the Korean remake of The Intern offers a uniquely compelling cinematic experience for global audiences.
