▲ Actors Choi Min-sik (L) and Han So-hee are seen in this Yonhap file photo. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- “The Intern,” starring Choi Min-sik, topped the box office on its opening day, surpassing Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.”

 

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network Thursday, “The Intern” drew more than 61,000 viewers on its opening day Wednesday, accounting for 31.5 percent of box office revenue.

 

The film follows Ki-ho (Choi Min-sik), who joins a fashion startup as an intern after retiring from more than 30 years of working life. The startup is led by Sun-woo (Han So-hee), a CEO in her third year.

 

It is a remake of the 2015 Hollywood film “The Intern.” The Korean adaptation drew attention by casting Choi and Han in the roles played by Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway in the original. Kim Do-young, director of the 2025 film “If We Were,” directed the remake.

 

The film has posted a relatively high CGV Egg Index of 95 percent, based on actual audience reviews. Viewers have praised the lead actors' performances and chemistry, as well as the film's warm storyline.

 

“The Odyssey,” directed by Nolan, drew more than 41,000 viewers Wednesday, accounting for 28.8 percent of box office revenue, placing second behind “The Intern.”

 

“The Odyssey” had held the No. 1 spot at the daily box office for 42 consecutive days since its release Aug. 5, marking the first time it has relinquished the top spot.

 

Shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, the movie has drawn audiences with its sweeping visuals and sound. It became the second film this year to surpass 10 million viewers, following “The Man Who Lives with the King.” Its cumulative audience stood at more than 10.92 million, approaching the 11 million mark.

 

In advance ticket sales, “The Odyssey” ranked first as of 9 a.m. Thursday with a 22.4 percent share and about 121,000 tickets sold.

 

“Assassins,” starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho and set for release Sept. 23, ranked second with 17.7 percent and about 95,000 tickets sold. Directed by Hur Jin-ho, the film is based on the 1974 assassination attempt against First Lady Yuk Young-soo during a Liberation Day ceremony.

 

“The Intern” ranked third in advance ticket sales with 13.0 percent and about 70,000 tickets sold.

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