A Korean remake of the 2015 film *The Intern* has been released, presenting a localized adaptation of the original story about a senior intern who supports a young CEO navigating the challenges of running a startup. While the remake maintains the comforting tone of the original, it features notable Korean actors Choi Min-sik and Han So-hee in the lead roles.
Choi Min-sik plays Ki-ho, a retiree with 37 years of work experience who joins a fashion startup as a senior intern. Han So-hee portrays Sun-woo, the company’s young and driven CEO who has turned the business into a thriving enterprise. Both actors acknowledged the inherent challenge of stepping into roles made famous by Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Choi noted that remakes inevitably face comparisons and embraced the opportunity to make the story distinctly Korean.
In this version, the character of Ki-ho diverges from De Niro’s polished and gentlemanly Ben by embodying a more down-to-earth persona, described by Choi as akin to a typical Korean father figure. The character displays genuine care through small gestures, such as keeping traditional snacks on hand to uplift Sun-woo when she feels overwhelmed. This adjustment emphasizes a cultural approach to mentorship and support, with Choi highlighting the familial undertones of the relationship as a key difference.
Han So-hee actively sought the role, impressed by the chance to work alongside Choi Min-sik, a veteran actor renowned for intense roles in films like *Oldboy* and *The Admiral: Roaring Currents*. She acknowledged embracing a different aspect of her range in this film, stepping away from the physically demanding action roles she recently took on. Instead, she focused on portraying emotional vulnerability and resilience within a more subdued, dramatic context.
One pivotal scene, set in a bar, showcases the dynamic between Sun-woo and Ki-ho as Sun-woo confides about personal betrayals and professional setbacks. Choi intentionally altered the dialogue delivery by dropping honorifics during a key moment, intended to provoke a natural and authentic reaction from Han. Han responded by maintaining the emotional flow, and both actors cited this exchange as a highlight of their collaboration.
The film’s conclusion also deviates from the original narrative, with Han expressing appreciation for the fresh direction taken with Sun-woo’s character arc. Both leads described the experience as an opportunity to explore new facets of their craft, with Han reflecting on the positive qualities of Ki-ho’s character—emphasizing that true mentorship is defined less by advice and more by leading a life worth emulating.
The remake is currently screening in cinemas nationwide, inviting audiences to experience a familiar story interpreted through a Korean cultural lens while maintaining the core themes of connection across generations and personal growth.