More than a decade after The Intern won audiences over with its heartfelt story about friendship across generations, the beloved Hollywood film is getting a fresh Korean adaptation. The first trailer, released on August 4, offers a charming glimpse into how the familiar story has been reimagined within the fast-paced world of South Korea’s fashion industry. Led by veteran actor Choi Min Sik and Han So Hee, the remake blends workplace comedy with emotional storytelling while exploring how different generations learn from one another.
Rather than simply recreating the original scene for scene, the Korean version introduces cultural touches that reflect modern office life in South Korea. From the clash between traditional work habits and Gen Z culture to the pressure of running a successful startup, the remake appears to retain the emotional core of the original while giving it a distinctly Korean identity.
Choi Min Sik steps into the senior intern’s shoes
The newly released trailer introduces Kim Gi Ho, played by Choi Min Sik, a seasoned professional with 37 years of experience who decides to begin a completely new chapter as a senior intern. His first day at the fashion startup Wootutu is filled with excitement, curiosity, and a fair share of awkward moments as he finds himself surrounded by much younger colleagues.
One of the trailer’s standout moments comes during his interview with Vice President Young Hwan, played by Kim Jun Han. Asked to describe his strengths and weaknesses, Gi Ho responds, “My strength is that I am very experienced, and my weakness is that I am very old.” His honest answer immediately wins over the interviewer and earns him a place at the company, setting the stage for a story built around warmth, humor, and mutual respect.
The teaser also highlights the amusing culture shock Gi Ho experiences in his new workplace. While younger employees rely on sleek digital gadgets, he carefully arranges his desk with everyday items like a cream bun, a bottle of water, a desk clock, and a traditional pencil box. Another memorable sequence shows him searching online for advice on “how to work with MZ generations,” only to become confused by modern slang commonly used by millennials and Gen Z employees in South Korea.
Han So Hee plays the ambitious CEO
Opposite Choi Min Sik, Han So Hee takes on the role of Sun Woo, the driven founder and CEO of Wootutu. Like Anne Hathaway’s character in the original film, Sun Woo has built her fashion company from the ground up in just three years and now faces the pressures that come with rapid success. The trailer hints at an initially awkward working relationship between the experienced intern and the young executive before the two gradually begin learning from each other’s perspectives.
Joining the lead pair are Kim Jun Han, Ryu Hye Young, and Kim Geum Soon in supporting roles. The film is directed by Kim Do Young, who appears to be preserving the emotional heart of the original while adapting its workplace dynamics for a modern Korean audience. The remake is scheduled to arrive in South Korean theatres on September 16, 2026, during the Chuseok holiday, one of the country’s biggest festive release windows.
A story loved across generations
Released in 2015, Nancy Meyers’ The Intern became one of the most beloved workplace comedies of the decade. The film followed Ben Whittaker, played by Robert De Niro, a retired executive who joins an online fashion company through a senior internship program after finding retirement unfulfilling. His unexpected partnership with Anne Hathaway’s ambitious CEO Jules Ostin gradually evolves into a meaningful friendship built on trust, mentorship, and mutual understanding.
The movie earned praise for its warm storytelling and thoughtful exploration of work-life balance, leadership, and aging. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, it resonated with audiences through relatable characters and heartfelt moments, making it an enduring favorite years after its release. Those themes appear to remain at the center of the Korean adaptation while being reshaped to fit contemporary Korean workplace culture.
The story is also set to receive an Indian adaptation, although that project has experienced multiple delays. Originally announced in 2020 with the late Rishi Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, the film later brought Amitabh Bachchan on board following Kapoor’s passing. Reports later suggested Deepika Padukone would remain attached only as a producer through KA Productions, but no major updates have emerged in recent years. Meanwhile, Deepika is currently preparing for upcoming projects including King alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Raaka with Allu Arjun.
The first trailer suggests the Korean remake isn’t trying to replace the original but instead offers a culturally rooted interpretation of a story that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. With Choi Min Sik and Han So Hee leading the cast, the film could introduce The Intern to a new generation while reminding longtime fans why the original became such a cherished classic.
