Interview: Han So-hee on 'The Intern' and Working with Choi Min-sik

The Hollywood film 'The Intern' has been adapted to reflect the competitive startup ecosystem in South Korea. The movie features Han So-hee as CEO Sun-woo, who has transformed the fashion brand 'Wootutu' into an industry dark horse within three years, alongside veteran intern Gi-ho, played by Choi Min-sik.

In her role, Han So-hee captures the essence of a talented but vulnerable third-year workaholic CEO. She skillfully portrays the pressures of youth hidden behind a facade of perfection, as well as the emotional nuances of a character who finds solace in a simple gesture from Gi-ho.

"I really enjoyed the original work. When I heard that Min-sik was cast first, I met with the director. Honestly, I wondered when I would ever get to act alongside Min-sik in a film. During our discussions, I felt a strong connection with the director and was confident in their ability to provide detailed direction," Han said.

As she transitioned the character of Jules to Sun-woo, Han noted the subtle differences in speech and relationships, particularly within the context of Korean workplace culture, where formal and informal language coexist. She aimed to portray both the authority and awkwardness of a young CEO.

"In Korea, we have both formal and informal speech. I thought about how to blend these in a way that would allow Sun-woo to appear authoritative while also showing her clumsiness. I considered how someone who built a company in three years would interact with their staff, and how the tone would differ when addressing long-time members versus newer employees. Sometimes, saying 'Why did you do this?' can feel more intimidating than 'Why did you do this?'" she explained.

Han So-hee also recognized her own traits in Sun-woo, particularly the tendency to tackle problems alone and set high standards for herself. "I think I share a perfectionist tendency, but I also have my imperfections. Sun-woo struggled alone until Gi-ho appeared. I also tend to solve problems on my own rather than seeking advice. Throughout filming, I often wished I had someone like Gi-ho to guide me," she said.

The pressure to perform well is a familiar feeling for Han So-hee, who constantly contemplates her present and future. "The pressure to 'do well' and the anxiety of 'am I doing well?' are thoughts I grapple with daily. I worry about the present, future, and past. Sun-woo embodies those feelings, which I believe many people experience," she shared.

As she prepared to work with Choi Min-sik, Han felt both excitement and apprehension. They engaged in multiple readings before filming, which helped build rapport not only between them but also with the other actors portraying Wootutu employees.

"I worried about whether Min-sik would dislike me. We did a lot of group readings before filming, and I think that helped us connect. I also got to know the actors playing the staff well during those sessions," she said.

On set, Choi Min-sik's dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on Han. "He arrives two hours early and stays late, often monitoring the scenes even when he isn't filming. Watching him, I realized how sincere he is about his work. He doesn't dictate how things should be done; instead, he blends into the environment and creates a positive atmosphere. I believe it's important for actors to infuse their unique personalities into their roles," she noted.

After filming, Han So-hee recognized Choi Min-sik as an insurmountable figure in her career. "By the end of the shoot, I felt that Min-sik is a mountain I cannot climb. I often felt a sense of inadequacy compared to his experience and career. I also felt a sense of gratitude and hope to work with him again in the future," she reflected.

In a surprising party scene, Sun-woo dances to Aespa's 'Whiplash,' a moment that was not originally scripted but came from Han's improvisation. "At that time, I was in the middle of fan meetings, and the only dance I knew was 'Whiplash,' so I improvised. Ji-eun, who plays Baek-lu-da, mirrored my moves. I heard that the final version of the music was not originally 'Whiplash,' but it turned out to be a wise choice because the dance fit the rhythm so well," she explained.

One of the most notable changes in the Korean version of 'The Intern' is Sun-woo's final decision. Han believes this conclusion aligns with Sun-woo's character, who takes responsibility for her own life and choices. "I think it's possible to forgive a cheating husband, but Sun-woo is a character who values her autonomy and does not regret her dreams or past relationships. When she breaks up with Min-wook, she expresses that she does not regret loving him or ending the relationship. I think this allowed me to portray Sun-woo's growth more effectively," she said.

However, Han did not approach her performance with the intention of creating a distinctly 'Korean version' from the outset. "I didn't think, 'I will make this different from the original.' While there are adaptations, such as the divorce and cutting ties with a betrayer, I didn't create it based on 'Korean sentiment.' I simply adapted it to fit Sun-woo and Gi-ho's circumstances. I remained faithful to the script without trying to impose a different feel from the original," she clarified.

Reflecting on the image of 'instability' that often accompanies her, Han acknowledged that her approach to acting may contribute to that perception. However, she expressed a desire to evolve beyond that. "I tend to push myself to the edge when preparing for a role. I see myself as imperfect and unfinished, which drives me to push harder. This may create an impression of instability. But now, I want to shift my mindset. I can't rely solely on that approach forever. While I hope for a strong intersection between myself and my characters, I believe I need to lead projects from a more stable place. I appreciate that people see me this way, but I want to grow beyond it," she stated.

While Han So-hee and Choi Min-sik are central to 'The Intern,' she emphasized that the film cannot be defined solely by the two actors. She believes the film's success is due to the ensemble cast surrounding Sun-woo and Gi-ho. "I feel like we are in an era where the concept of a single protagonist is fading. It's not a solo performance but rather an orchestra. If it were just Sun-woo and Gi-ho, 'The Intern' wouldn't exist. The presence of all the other characters made their stories possible. So, I feel a bit awkward calling it a two-lead film. I believe all films and dramas need to move harmoniously to be effective," she concluded.

As 'The Intern' competes with various films for audience attention during the Chuseok holiday, Han So-hee expressed her hope for everyone's success rather than focusing on competition. She confidently highlighted one unique aspect of 'The Intern': "Choi Min-sik is in it. You will see the warmest side of him that you've never seen before. Honestly, I just want everything to go well. I don't see it as competition. Plus, I also dance and sing in it!"