CEO Ahn Tae-ho, in charge of Sim's management, reveals directly
"Please disclose the statement... Considering legal action," takes a tough stance
"Please disclose the statement of account showing to whom the deposit was paid."
On the 1st, Ahn Tae-ho, CEO of Clover Company, who manages the management affairs of actress Shim Eun-ha (51), said this in a phone interview with Asia Economy. CEO Ahn stated, "Shim Eun-ha has never contacted By4M Studio, nor has she received any deposit." As Shim Eun-ha's closest aide, CEO Ahn firmly denied the resurfaced rumors of her comeback.
Eun-ha Shim Photo by Asia Economy DB
By4M Studio was reported last March to be coordinating Shim Eun-ha's comeback project. On this day, By4M released a statement saying, "We have signed a contract with Shim Eun-ha for a project appearance and have paid the deposit."
Shim Eun-ha and her husband, former National Assembly member Ji Sang-wook, denied the comeback rumors that arose again after a year as "groundless." CEO Ahn expressed frustration, saying, "Shim Eun-ha and former Assemblyman Ji Sang-wook are also bewildered," and added, "It is embarrassing."
CEO Ahn said that after the first comeback rumor surfaced a year ago, he inquired among acquaintances and met with By4M Studio's CEO Yoo Gwi-seon. Two acquaintances accompanied him to the meeting. At that time, CEO Yoo claimed to have handed the deposit to Shim Eun-ha's side but refused to disclose exactly to whom it was given, according to CEO Ahn.
CEO Ahn raised his voice, saying, "I met CEO Yoo Gwi-seon in person and clearly stated that Shim Eun-ha never received a script or any offer from By4M. I also clearly conveyed that she never received the deposit they claim to have paid. Talking about it again after a year is fraud." He added, "It seems they are using the actress for viral marketing. I don't know what their purpose is."
CEO Ahn also emphasized, "Once can be forgiven, but not twice." He added, "We understand that there are more victims. We plan to collect evidence and consider legal action."
Shim Eun-ha debuted in 1993 as part of MBC Talent's 22nd class and gained recognition that year through the drama 'Under One Roof.' She rose to stardom with the drama 'The Last Match' and was a top star dominating 1990s films and dramas. She stopped working on projects after the 2000 film 'Interview' and retired the following year.
Although 22 years have passed since her retirement, fans' voices longing for Shim Eun-ha remain strong. CEO Ahn said, "Shim Eun-ha wanted to move quietly. She did not want to raise fans' expectations and then disappoint them. Seeing the By4M incident, we judged that it was better to clarify her position." He added, "Shim Eun-ha is open. She is willing to return as an actress if there is a good project anytime. She currently has scripts she has received."
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