She had to step away from working in the industry for five years.
A beloved Korean actress recently made her first public appearance for the first time after clearing her name of false school violence accusations.
The actress in question is Shim Eun Woo, who returned to the public eye on July 5 through her newly launched YouTube channel. In a heartfelt video titled “It’s been 5 years,” the actress appeared visibly emotional, thanking fans for the love she received for her performance in The World of the Married. She also revealed that she has been a certified yoga instructor for eight years.
Shim then addressed the five-year-long period she spent away from the entertainment industry because of her school bullying controversy, admitting that she has been finding it challenging to land projects.
I haven’t had much acting work lately. I took a break from work for about five years after facing school bulllying accusations. After a long legal battle, I was officially proven innocent— it was not school violence.
— Shim Eun Woo
She tearfully reflected on the years she lost to the false accusations, confessing that she had a “very hard time.” However, those years away from the industry also taught her what proper rest meant. “I reflected on myself a lot, and as I looked back, I saw the things I was lacking, and although it was a difficult time, I endured it well and tried to maintain my daily life,” she admitted through tears.
The actress expressed her deep gratitude to those who stood by her during the trying times, promising to return the love and support she had received.
Shim also revealed that during her five-year hiatus from acting, she had only once had the opportunity to audition. But now, she was prepared to make a full-fledged return as an actress.
Shim Eun Woo’s scandal broke in March 2021, when a middle school classmate accused her of school bullying. She had to halt all activities in 2020, when she had just bagged her first main lead role in The World of the Married.
However, in March 2025, Shim’s legal team confirmed that the investigation had proven her innocence and vindicated her of all accusations.
