Choi Min-sik Says Acting Makes Aging Better, Vows Never to Retire

Actor Choi Min-sik said aging has deepened his appreciation for the craft of acting as he discussed his new film 〈The Intern〉 ahead of its Sept. 16 release.

Choi Min-sik, a cast member of the film 〈The Intern〉, which opens on Sept. 16, met with Cineplay on the afternoon of the 7th at a location in Jongno District, Seoul, for an interview ahead of the film's release. The film tells the story of office life that crosses generations and ranks after Gi-ho, a silver intern in his 37th year of working life played by Choi, joins the company of Seon-woo, played by Han So-hee, a fashion industry dark horse who shot to prominence three years after launching. This film is based on the Hollywood movie of the same name.

Choi's role as Gi-ho builds a friendship with Seon-woo grounded in the savvy and composure that come with experience. Like his character Gi-ho, Choi said he continuously strives not to become stagnant as he grows older. "Being an actor makes getting older so enjoyable. After all, an actor's job is to express life. Whether it's love, anger, or hatred, you have to understand life," he said. "Aging as an actor is not a flaw. Rather, it means the time has come when you can bring a truly seasoned depth to the work."

When asked whether he had ever considered retirement, Choi Min-sik answered, "I will not retire," and added firmly, "I want to keep working on good projects until the day I die." He said that getting older has actually broadened his understanding of the world, and revealed his undiminished passion for acting: "My desire and drive to explore a wider range of expression have grown so much that I feel I'm only now beginning to build my real filmography."

The film 〈The Intern〉 opens on Sept. 16.