A Korean Twist on a Beloved Hollywood Film
Director Kim Do-young, known for empathetic storytelling in films like "Kim Ji Young: Born 1982" (2019) and "Once We Were Us" (2025), spoke during a press conference in Seoul on Monday about the challenges of remaking the 2015 Hollywood hit "The Intern" for Korean audiences. "Because the original was so widely loved, remaking it was not easy," Kim said, as reported by The Korea Times.
Kim emphasized her focus on making the original narrative feel relevant to modern Korean viewers. "Since the original came out over a decade ago, times and perspectives have changed," she explained. "I tried to reflect Korean cultural nuances, such as modern workplace slang, while capturing a relatable office life story for audiences across all generations."
The upcoming film, scheduled to hit local theaters on Sept. 19, follows Sun-woo (Han So-hee), the passionate CEO of a fast-growing fashion startup. The story unfolds as Gi-ho (Choi Min-sik), a veteran worker with 37 years of experience, joins her company as a senior intern to start his second career.
Adapting Iconic Roles
In this remake, Choi steps into the lead role originally portrayed by Robert De Niro, while Han plays the young entrepreneur originally performed by Anne Hathaway. Both actors discussed how they approached these well-known characters.
Choi admitted feeling pressure about taking on such a famous role but said the uniquely Korean story drew him to the project. "It would be a lie to say there was no pressure because the original film and its actors were so outstanding," Choi said. "However, I felt that translating the story through a Korean lens, incorporating our local struggles, intergenerational conflicts and reconciliation, would bring a fresh flavor."
Han stressed that she deliberately stepped away from the original portrayal to craft a performance of her own. "I tried hard to forget the original film," she said. "As I focused on interpreting Sun-woo through my own lens, my actual friends who are office workers or startup employees became a great reference point for me." Han also paid close attention to her character's wardrobe, choosing outfits that project charisma while remaining practical, reflecting the professional yet dynamic nature of her fictional startup CEO.
Grounded Realism and Workplace Sentiment
Director Kim also emphasized that the relationship between Gi-ho and Sun-woo focuses on grounded realism. She highlighted workplace anxieties and isolation as key themes, aiming to capture the everyday challenges of modern office life. The director's focus on authenticity extended to the film's dialogue and character interactions, striving for a connection with audiences across generations.
Han's portrayal of Sun-woo also incorporates her interpretation of a passionate, driven leader, balancing authority with openness to learning from experience. The chemistry between her and Choi, as an older intern bringing decades of experience, is central to the film's narrative and emotional depth.
The release in September will offer Korean audiences a fresh take on a story that captured global attention, but with the local flavor and sensibilities that distinguish this production.