"Paid the Deposit" vs "Never Heard of It" Signs of Conflict Over Sim Eun-ha's Comeback Rumors

Sim Eun-ha's Comeback Rumor After 22 Years "Unfounded"
BYPOM "Contracted for Comeback Project This Year"

Actress Shim Eun-ha (51) may be making a comeback after 22 years of retirement. Amid rumors of her return emerging twice within a year from a production company, the two sides have expressed conflicting positions.

Rumors of Shim Eun-ha's comeback were reignited on the morning of the 1st by a report from Ilgan Sports. According to the report, Shim Eun-ha has been discussing a contract for a project appearance with BY4M Studio through an introduction by an acquaintance since last year. BY4M Studio was also reported in March last year to be coordinating Shim Eun-ha's comeback project. At that time, Shim Eun-ha's side denied the rumors as "groundless," but the media explained that various discussions were underway behind the scenes, leading to a contract signing.

Actress Shim Eun-ha [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Subsequently, BY4M Studio released a statement saying, "Last year, we signed a contract with actress Shim Eun-ha for a project appearance and paid the contract fee," adding, "We aim to finalize and produce her comeback project this year." They also stated, "It is an honor to be able to work together on the acting comeback of the top actress of our time, Shim Eun-ha."

Contrary to the confident statement from the production company, Shim Eun-ha's side expressed reluctance. Shim Eun-ha's husband, former National Assembly member Ji Sang-wook, told entertainment media Star News on the same day, "Shim Eun-ha has never been in contact with BY4M Studio," and refuted the rumors as "groundless." He added, "Shim Eun-ha is also baffled and says she feels uncomfortable."

CEO Ahn Tae-ho of Clover Company, which manages Shim Eun-ha, denied the contract signing with BY4M Studio as "groundless." He further stated, "There have been rumors about a comeback from the same production company since last year, and we will take legal action." The representative firmly stated, "She has never met BY4M nor received any scripts. It seems they are using Shim Eun-ha for marketing purposes."

Sim Eun-ha, Ji Sang-wook [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Shim Eun-ha debuted in 1993 as part of MBC's 22nd talent recruitment class and gained recognition that year through the drama Under One Roof. She became a top star with the drama The Last Match and enjoyed popularity as a 1990s top star by appearing in works such as Trap of Youth and the film Zoo Next to the Art Gallery (1998). She stopped acting after the 2000 film Interview and retired the following year.

Shim Eun-ha married former National Assembly member Ji Sang-wook in 2005 and helped with her husband's campaign during the 20th general election in 2016. Additionally, Shim Eun-ha's two daughters made special appearances in the film Operation Chromite (2016).