'The Intern' Korean Remake Garners Praise and Support from Original Director Nancy Meyers Ahead of Release

The film "The Intern" is heading to theaters with strong support and encouragement from the original director.

"The Intern" tells an office life story that transcends generations and job titles, beginning when Gi-ho (Choi Minsik), a 37-year veteran senior intern, joins the company of Seon-woo (Han So-hee), who rapidly emerged as a dark horse in the fashion industry within three years of launch. Director Nancy Meyers, who wrote and directed the 2015 original film that achieved worldwide box office success and remains a "life-changing film" for many, shared a special message of support for the Korean remake.

A veteran director who has worked across writing, directing, and producing in Hollywood with films like "The Holiday" and "Something's Gotta Give," Nancy Meyers expressed unique affection, saying, "I started this movie out of a wish that someone had been there to quietly support me when I was young."

She continued, "I was glad to hear that it is being newly produced in Korea, and as a creator, I am very excited. It is deeply meaningful that this story can resonate across different cultures," expressing her anticipation for "The Intern" as it is newly born through Korean sentiment and office culture.

She also showed trust in the lead actors Choi Minsik and Han So-hee. Regarding Choi Minsik, who plays the senior intern Gi-ho, she said, "I was truly happy to hear the casting news of actor Choi Minsik, who represents the Korean film industry. I have high expectations that he will show a depth, dignity, and playfulness distinct from Robert De Niro."

In addition, about Han So-hee, who plays the workaholic CEO Seon-woo, she shared, "I believe she will charmingly portray the confident, energetic, and modern leader role. I am already curious about the special chemistry the two actors will showcase," lending strength to their synergy. Finally, sending an affectionate greeting to Korean audiences, she added, "I am always grateful to the Korean audiences who deeply loved the original. I hope you will feel warm laughter and comfort through the Korean version of "The Intern," and I sincerely cheer for it to be a work that is long remembered by everyone."

"The Intern" will be released in theaters across nine Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, on October 16 (Friday), one month after its domestic release. This marks the largest scale for a Korean film presented by Warner Bros. Korea in the Asian region.

Kurt Rieder, Head of Theatrical Distribution for Warner Bros. Asia Pacific (APAC), shared his thoughts, saying, "We are thrilled to restart Warner Bros. Korea's Korean film projects through "The Intern." We have great expectations as we present an IP that has already been loved by countless audiences in a new way in Korea. As Korean actors have uniquely reinterpreted Nancy Meyers' classic masterpiece, I sincerely hope fans in Korea and across Asia will enjoy it."

"The Intern" will meet audiences in theaters on September 16 (Wednesday).

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)