SEOUL — The highly anticipated South Korean cinematic adaptation of the hit Hollywood film The Intern has offered audiences an intimate look behind the curtain, releasing a series of candid, behind-the-scenes photos from its production set. The newly unveiled images capture a vibrant, tight-knit camaraderie among the cast, showcasing a warm generational bridge that mirrors the core narrative of the film itself. Starring veteran powerhouse Choi Min Sik and contemporary star Han So Hee, the film has already begun generating significant box office traction and critical discussion across South Korea for its localized, emotionally resonant take on workplace dynamics.
Main Facts: Generational Synergy in ‘The Intern’ Remake
The South Korean remake of The Intern preserves the heartwarming premise of the 2015 Nancy Meyers original—which famously starred Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway—while seamlessly translating its narrative beats into the unique, fast-paced environment of Seoul’s modern corporate landscape.
The story follows the unexpected professional and personal relationship that develops between:
Park Gi Ho (played by Choi Min Sik): A 70-something senior intern possessing 37 years of prior professional experience. Despite his extensive background, Gi Ho enters a completely unfamiliar, digital-first environment as a low-ranking intern.
Sun Woo (played by Han So Hee): The hyper-focused, workaholic CEO of WOO22, an e-commerce fashion startup. Under her relentless leadership, the brand has emerged as an industry "dark horse," skyrocketing to mainstream success just three years after its initial launch.
The narrative begins when Gi Ho is hired as part of a senior internship program at WOO22. What starts as a clash of generational values, technological competencies, and corporate hierarchies gradually evolves into a deep, mutual mentorship. The newly released behind-the-scenes stills emphasize that this on-screen harmony was heavily supported by a genuine, affectionate bond shared by the actors off-camera.
Chronology: From Hollywood Original to South Korean Theatrical Release
The journey of adapting The Intern for South Korean audiences involved a meticulous development process aimed at balancing the charm of the original IP with domestic cultural nuances.
Production companies secured the remake rights to the Warner Bros. property, initiating a screenwriting process designed to adapt American workplace culture to South Korea’s rigid corporate hierarchy. Writers focused on reframing the "senior intern" dynamic within a society deeply rooted in Neo-Confucian respect for age and seniority.
2. Casting Announcements (Late 2024)
The casting of Choi Min Sik—a legendary figure in Korean cinema known for intense, dramatic roles in Oldboy, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, and the horror-mystery blockbuster Exhuma—sent shockwaves through the industry. His pairing with Han So Hee, a globally recognized style icon and versatile actress (My Name, The World of the Married, and the upcoming Project Y), was hailed as a brilliant casting coup designed to attract moviegoers of all demographics.
3. Principal Photography (Early to Mid-2025)
Filming took place across various modern business districts in Seoul, utilizing sleek, high-tech startup offices to contrast with the traditional, grounded warmth of Choi Min Sik’s character. Production insiders noted that the atmosphere on set was exceptionally collaborative, with Choi serving as an industry mentor to the younger cast and crew.
4. Promotional Campaign and BTS Rollout (Late 2025)
Following the completion of post-production, the marketing team initiated a strategic rollout of teasers, trailers, and promotional stills. The release of the candid behind-the-scenes gallery represents a key phase of the domestic marketing campaign, highlighting the genuine affection between the stars to draw family audiences during its theatrical run.
5. Theatrical Release (Current)
The Intern is currently playing in theaters nationwide across South Korea, performing strongly as a heartwarming counter-programmer to high-octane action films and thrillers.
Supporting Data: A Close Analysis of Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
The newly released production stills offer concrete evidence of the cast’s close-knit chemistry, displaying moments of levity, mutual respect, and spontaneous joy during grueling shoot schedules.
Choi Min Sik’s Infectious On-Set Warmth
Despite his formidable reputation as one of South Korea’s most intense actors, the behind-the-scenes photos reveal a remarkably playful and approachable side of Choi Min Sik. One standout photo shows the veteran actor playfully poking his head through a doorway with a broad, boyish grin, instantly disarming the crew.
Another still captures Choi in deep, laughing conversation with Kim Geum Soon, who portrays Hee Sook, WOO22’s romantic and highly popular in-house barista. The comfort between the two seasoned actors highlights the mature romantic and platonic subplots that ground the film’s workplace comedy.
The Intergenerational Intern Trio
A particularly endearing image showcases the unique bond shared by the startup’s new recruits. Choi Min Sik is flanked by rising stars Kim Yo Han and Yoon Sang Jung, who play his fellow, much younger interns.
The younger actors strike energetic, stylized poses for the camera.
Choi Min Sik anchors the composition with a comically wide-eyed, surprised expression.
This photo illustrates the lack of generational barriers on set, showcasing how the veteran actor actively encouraged his younger co-stars to express themselves freely both in front of and behind the lens.
Actor
Character
Role in WOO22
Representation
Choi Min Sik
Park Gi Ho
Senior Intern
Veteran wisdom, traditional work ethic, analog values
Kim Yo Han
Fellow Intern
Junior Intern
Gen Z perspective, digital native, modern anxiety
Yoon Sang Jung
Fellow Intern
Junior Intern
Trend-conscious youth, career-driven starter
Han So Hee’s Dual Persona
The promotional stills also highlight the stark, delightful contrast between Han So Hee’s on-screen character and her off-screen personality. In the film, her character, Sun Woo, is a cold, calculated, and high-strung workaholic battling the immense pressure of keeping her startup afloat.
Off-camera, however, the photos depict Han So Hee radiating a warm, bright energy. In one image, she sits inside a vehicle during a lighting setup, holding up a production slate with a dazzling smile. Other candid shots show her laughing during rehearsals, bringing a vitalizing energy to a demanding production schedule.
The pinnacle of this on-set harmony is captured in a photograph documenting Han So Hee’s birthday celebration on set. Wearing a sparkling toy crown and holding a vibrant bouquet of flowers, she stands next to Choi Min Sik, who proudly presents her with a birthday cake. The genuine smiles of the two lead actors speak volumes about the paternal, supportive relationship they cultivated throughout the shoot.
Official Responses: Production Insights on Localizing an American Classic
The creative team behind The Intern has expressed immense satisfaction with how the film’s central theme of mutual respect was naturally mirrored by the cast during production.
In a statement addressing the release of the behind-the-scenes photos, the production company remarked:
"Adapting a beloved Hollywood classic like The Intern required us to find a delicate balance between retaining the heartwarming essence of the original and making the corporate dynamics believable to a South Korean audience. The key to achieving this was the chemistry between our leads. From day one, Choi Min Sik seonbaenim (senior) and Han So Hee hubae (junior) established a mutual respect that transcended their age gap. The warmth you see in these behind-the-scenes photos is precisely what carries the emotional weight of the film on screen."
Members of the crew also shared that Choi Min Sik frequently went out of his way to ease the nerves of the younger staff and actors, often buying meals and creating a relaxed environment where creative risks could be taken without fear of failure. Han So Hee reportedly expressed her deep gratitude to Choi, noting in promotional interviews that working alongside him was "an invaluable masterclass in both acting and professionalism."
Implications: Cultural Adaptation, Demographic Shifts, and Industry Trends
The release and reception of The Intern carry significant implications for the South Korean film industry and its broader cultural landscape.
1. Cultural Adaptation of Western Workplace Narratives
In the United States, the concept of a senior intern is viewed through the lens of individual reinvention and post-retirement fulfillment. In South Korea, where corporate culture is traditionally defined by strict hierarchical age structures (Gondae culture), the arrival of a senior intern poses a profound structural challenge. The film’s success suggests that domestic audiences are highly receptive to narratives that deconstruct these rigid hierarchies in favor of collaborative, cross-generational mentorship.
2. Addressing South Korea’s Aging Demographic
The narrative of a retired professional re-entering the workforce is highly relevant in South Korea, which is rapidly transitioning into a super-aged society. By presenting Gi Ho not as a burden or an outdated relic, but as an indispensable source of emotional stability and practical wisdom, The Intern offers a socially progressive, optimistic vision of senior employment.
3. Star Power and Career Diversification
For both lead actors, the film represents a crucial milestone:
Choi Min Sik continues to diversify his late-career filmography, proving his immense range by effortlessly pivoting from the dark, supernatural tension of Exhuma to warm, feel-good human comedy.
Han So Hee solidifies her standing as a premier leading lady capable of anchoring major commercial films. Her transition from high-concept thrillers like Project Y to a character-driven workplace drama demonstrates a mature artistic range that bodes well for her longevity in the industry.
As The Intern continues its theatrical run, the newly released behind-the-scenes photos serve as a powerful reminder that the most compelling stories are often built on a foundation of genuine human connection—both on and off the silver screen.
By Asro 
Muslim 
Nana 
Basiran 
