'The Intern' Korean remake tests legacy of beloved original hit

The Korean remake of The Intern has topped the local box office, marking the first time a domestic film has achieved this in 50 days. The 11-year-old adaptation of the original film, which released 11 years after its predecessor, has immediately captured the interest of audiences. It offers a comforting sense of familiarity to returning fans while also attracting new viewers with its warm and emotionally resonant tone.

However, adapting a highly acclaimed and well-received classic comes with significant expectations. This sets the stage for a more critical reception, as audiences compare the remake to the original. The remake hit the top spot for two consecutive days upon its release on September 16, a feat it achieved by dethroning the long-running success of The Odyssey.

The film, helmed by director Kim Do-young, who previously directed the hit film Kim Ji-young, has been received positively by audiences. This is evidenced by its strong performance, holding the number one position for a full week after its release. Audience response has been particularly favorable, with a 95 percent score on the CGV Golden Egg Index and a 9.0 audience rating at Lotte Cinema.

The story delves into the dynamics of office life when Gi-ho, a seasoned 37-year veteran intern, joins a fashion startup led by the ambitious CEO Seon-woo.