View source for Shim Eun-ha

{{Short description|South Korean actress (born 1972)}}
{{family name hatnote|Shim||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Shim Eun-ha
| image              = Shim Eun-ha.jpg
| caption            = Shim in 1994
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1972|9|23}}
| birth_place        = [[Seongnam]], South Korea
| years_active       = 1993–2000
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Ji Sang-wook]]|2005}}
| children           = 2
| module             = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul       = %심은하
| hanja        = 沈銀河
}}
| signature          = Shim Eun-ha signature.png
}}

'''Shim Eun-ha''' ({{korean|심은하}}; born September 23, 1972) is a retired [[South Korean actress]]. She is widely regarded as one of the early figures associated with the title "Nation's First Love"<ref>{{Cite web |last=rianaromadhon |date=2024-05-21 |title=Selain Bae Suzy, Ini Deretan Aktris Korea yang Dijuluki Nation's First Love - Haluan Lifestyle |url=https://lifestyle.haluan.co/2024/05/21/selain-bae-suzy-ini-deretan-aktris-korea-yang-dijuluki-nations-first-love/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=lifestyle.haluan.co |language=en-US}}</ref> due to her portrayals of pure and emotionally resonant characters in film and television.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=6 Pesona Artis Cantik Korea yang Dijuluki Nation's First Love |url=https://www.beautynesia.id/life/6-pesona-artis-cantik-korea-yang-dijuluki-nations-first-love/b-186312/amp |access-date=2025-04-24 |magazine=life |language=id}}</ref>

Shim rose to popularity in the 1990s, starring in some of the highest-rated [[Korean drama]]s of all time, such as ''[[The Last Match]]'' (1994), ''M'' (1994), and ''Trap of Youth'' (1999). However, she is best known for her acclaimed performance in [[Hur Jin-ho]]'s melodrama ''[[Christmas in August]]'' (1998), for which she swept the Best Actress awards. This was followed by another well-received turn in romantic comedy ''[[Art Museum by the Zoo]]'' (1998). Shim suddenly retired from show business after the [[Dogme 95]] film ''[[Interview (2000 film)|Interview]]'' (2000), at the height of her fame in 2001, and her mystique solidified her status as the most beloved South Korean actress of that decade.<ref name="Paquet" />

==Career==
Shim Eun-ha made her acting debut in 1993 after being recruited by [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]. In 1994, she starred in the basketball-themed TV drama ''The Last Match'', and quickly became the nation's most popular and talked-about star. After more forays into television (including the horror drama ''M'') and two lesser-known films (including ''[[Born to Kill (1996 film)|Born to Kill]]'' with [[Jung Woo-sung]]), she made a permanent mark on the film industry with her performance in [[Hur Jin-ho]]'s modern-day classic ''[[Christmas in August]]'' (1998). Later that year ''[[Art Museum by the Zoo]]'', which presented a more down-to-earth side of the actress, saw her win more critical praise for her acting abilities. Throughout this period, Shim consistently topped magazine polls as the most popular actress in the film industry.<ref name=Paquet>[http://www.koreanfilm.org/actors.html#shimeh "Actors and Actresses of Korean Cinema: Shim Eun-ha"]. Koreanfilm.org. Retrieved 2012-11-04.</ref>

In ''Trap of Youth'' (1999), Shim originated the [[anti-hero]]ine in modern [[Korean drama]]s, when her innocent-looking character got revenge on the love who had betrayed her. It was enormously popular, with viewer ratings soaring to 35.7 percent.<ref>{{cite web|title=Villains Rule the TV Scene|url=http://www.hancinema.net/villains-rule-the-tv-scene-18480.html|publisher=KBS Global via [[Hancinema]]|date=March 11, 2009}}</ref>

She then reunited with [[Han Suk-kyu]] in ''[[Tell Me Something]]'' (1999), and their star power combined to create one of the most highly anticipated movies in Korean film history (though most viewers ultimately expressed disappointment at the film's convoluted narrative).<ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Mark|title=Slasher tale cuts path as a confusing thriller|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1906698|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=July 30, 2002}}</ref> The following year she appeared in Korea's first [[Dogme]] film ''Interview'' (2000) opposite [[Lee Jung-jae]], which would end up being her last appearance.<ref name=Paquet />

==Post-retirement==
In 2001, after rumors surfaced of an engagement which was later called off, Shim was chased and hounded for months by reporters from local tabloids and entertainment programs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Park|first=Soo-mee|title=The dark side of ''Midnight TV''|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1898075|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=December 9, 2001}}</ref> Because of this, she decided to quit acting, citing a desire for an ordinary life. In the ensuing years, despite periodic rumors that she would resume her film career, Shim has tried her best to remain out of the public eye, studying in France and taking up painting.<ref>{{cite web|last=Choi|first=Jie-ho|title=Fat mags give women skinny on life|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1972043|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=April 29, 2003}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In September 2005, Shim appeared in the news again when she announced in a press release that she was marrying [[Ji Sang-wook]].<ref>[http://www.hancinema.net/actress-shim-eun-ha-to-marry-next-month-4032.html "Actress Shim Eun-ha to Marry Next Month"]. [[The Korea Times]] via [[Hancinema]]. September 21, 2005.</ref><ref>[http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=764 "Shim Eun-ha to get married in October"]. KBS Global. September 21, 2005.</ref> The couple wed at a private ceremony attended by about 150 people at Aston House, [[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Grande Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on October 18, 2005.<ref>[http://www.hancinema.net/shim-eun-ha-marries-4225.html "Shim Eun-ha Marries"]. [[The Korea Times]] via [[Hancinema]]. October 18, 2005.</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:심은하, 결혼으로 은퇴 아닌 더 큰 뉴스메이커로 부각|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20051019n62814|publisher=Newsen via [[Nate (web portal)|Nate]]|language=ko|date=October 19, 2005}}</ref> At the time she reaffirmed that she would not return to acting.<ref name=Paquet /> The couple have two daughters, the first born on March 2, 2006, and the second on November 28, 2007.<ref>[http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=327 "Shim Eun-ha Gives Birth to Second Daughter"]. KBS Global. November 29, 2007.</ref><ref>Lee Hyo-jeong. [http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2883505 "Stork, not stardom, pays visit to Shim"]. [[Korea JoongAng Daily]]. December 5, 2007.</ref>

Having expressed regret that she hadn't pursued further education while she'd been acting, Shim entered the [[Korea National Open University]] in 2009 to study for a [[liberal arts]] degree.<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/02/03/2009020361008.html "Former Actress Shim Eun-ha to Study for Open University Degree"]. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. February 3, 2009.</ref> She then displayed her artwork at the 2009 Seoul Open Art Fair, where the Oriental ink-and-wash landscape paintings, done in classical Korean style, attracted attention for their exquisite detail.<ref>Cathy Rose A. Garcia. [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/04/139_43263.html "Actress Kim Hye-soo Unveils Painting"]. [[The Korea Times]]. April 15, 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Seoul Open Art Fair to Feature Celebrity Artworks|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/15/2009041561024.html|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=April 15, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sung|first=So-young|title=Stars play new roles in other media|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2919486|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=April 22, 2010}}</ref> She sold her first painting at a fundraiser exhibit later that year.

After being appointed as spokesperson for the [[Liberty Forward Party]],<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/02/12/2010021200660.html "Liberty Forward Party Appoints New Spokesman"]. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. February 12, 2010.</ref> Shim's husband Ji unsuccessfully ran for [[mayor of Seoul]] in 2010.<ref>[https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/182_66043.html "Shim Eun-ha has 1.7 billion won in cash"]. [[The Korea Times]]. May 17, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/05/18/2010051800749.html "Ex-Actress Shows Up at Husband's Seoul Campaign Office"]. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. May 18, 2010.</ref><ref>Kwon Mee-yoo. [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/09/117_66830.html "Will 'star marketing' help win votes?"]. [[The Korea Times]]. May 31, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/06/02/2010060201032.html "Seoul Mayoral Hopeful Casts Ballot"]. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. June 2, 2010.</ref> Ji subsequently joined the [[Liberty Korea Party|Saenuri Party]] and was elected a member of the [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly]] for Seoul in April 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/04/15/2016041500908.html|title=Stars on the Stump Don't Guarantee Election Win|newspaper=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=15 April 2016|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> Ji now joined [[Bareun Party]].

==Filmography==
{{cleanup|reason=Incorrect romanizations, use [[Template:Ko-translit]] to automatically generate correct ones instead.|date=June 2025}}
===Film===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! English title !! [[Hangul|Korean title]] !! [[Korean romanization|Romanization]] !! Role 
|-
| 1995 || ''My Old Sweetheart'' || 아찌 아빠 || ''Ajji appa'' || Nam Yoo-ri 
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Born to Kill (1996 film)|Born to Kill]]'' || 본 투 킬 || ''Bon tu kil '' || Jung Soo-ha 
|-
| rowspan=2 | 1998 || ''[[Christmas in August]]'' || 8월의 크리스마스 || ''Palweolui Keuriseumaseu'' || Kim Da-rim
|-
| ''[[Art Museum by the Zoo]]'' || 미술관 옆 동물원 || ''Misulgwan yup dongmulwon'' || Lee Choon-hee 
|-
| rowspan=2 | 1999 || ''The Uprising'' || 이재수의 난 || ''Lee Jae-su-eui nan'' || Il Sook-hwa 
|-
| ''[[Tell Me Something]]'' || 텔 미 썸딩 || ''Telmisseomding'' || Chae Soo-yeon 
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Interview (2000 film)|Interview]]'' || 인터뷰 || ''In-teo-byoo'' || Lee Young-hee 
|-
|}

===Television series===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! English title !! [[Hangul|Korean title]] !! [[Korean romanization|Romanization]] !! Role !! Network
|-
| 1993 || ''{{ill|Three Families Under One Roof|ko|한지붕 세가족}}'' || 한지붕 세가족 || || Yoo Ji-hee || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| rowspan=4 | 1994 || ''[[The Last Match]]'' || 마지막 승부 || ''Majimak Seungbu'' || Jung Da-seul || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| ''MBC Best Theater:''<br>"Little Thief" || MBC 베스트극장 - 작은 도둑 || || Lee Jung-eun || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| ''{{ill|M (South Korean TV series)|ko|M (드라마)|lt=M}}'' || M || || Park Ma-ri/Kim Joo-ri || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| ''Shoal'' || 여울목 || || Na Seung-ri || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| rowspan=2 | 1995 || ''{{ill|Hotel (South Korean TV series)|ko|호텔 (드라마)|lt=Hotel}}'' || 호텔 || ''Ho-tel'' || movie actress ([[cameo appearance|cameo]]) || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| ''{{ill|Sook-hee|ko|숙희}}'' || 숙희 || ''Suk-hui'' || Kim Sook-hee || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| rowspan=3 | 1996 || ''{{ill|1.5 Generation (South Korean TV series)|ko|1.5 (드라마)|lt=1.5 Generation}}'' || 1.5 || || Cha Hye-kyung || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| ''TV Literature:''<br>"Between Heaven and Earth" || TV문학관 - 천지간 || ''Cheonjigan'' || woman || [[KBS1]]
|-
| ''{{ill|Power of Love (South Korean TV series)|ko|사랑한다면|lt=Power of Love}}'' <!--aka Love Me--> || 사랑한다면 || ''Saranghanda Myeon'' || Kim Young-hee || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]
|-
| rowspan=2 | 1997 || ''{{ill|Beautiful Lady (South Korean TV series)|ko|아름다운 그녀|lt=Beautiful Lady}}'' || 아름다운 그녀 || ''Areumdawoon Geunyeo'' || Yoo Seon-young || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]]
|-
| ''SBS 70-Minute Drama:''<br>"I Want" || SBS 70분드라마 - 나는 원한다 || ''Naneun Wonhanda'' || Hong Young-ki || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]]
|-
| 1998 || ''[[White Nights 3.98]]'' || 백야 3.98 || ''Baekya 3.98'' || Anastasia Jang || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]]
|-
| 1999 || ''{{ill|Trap of Youth|ko|청춘의 덫 (1999년 드라마)}}'' || 청춘의 덫 || ''Cheongchunui Deot'' || Seo Yoon-hee || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]]
|-
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Nominated work !! Result
|-
| rowspan=3| 1994 || 30th [[Baeksang Arts Awards]] || [[Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actress (TV)|Best New Actress (TV)]] ||''The Last Match'' || {{won}}
|-
| Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards || Best Dressed, TV Actress category || {{NA}} || {{won}}
|-
| [[MBC Drama Awards]] || rowspan="2" | Best New Actress || ''The Last Match'', ''M'' || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |1996
|34th [[Grand Bell Awards]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Born to Kill (1996 film)|''Born to Kill'']]|| {{nom}}
|-
|17th [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]]
|[[Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actress|Best Leading Actress]]|| {{nom}}
|-
| 1997 || 31st Tax Payer's Day || Prime Minister's Commendation || {{NA}} || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | 1998 || 34th [[Baeksang Arts Awards]] || [[Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actress (Film)|Best Actress (Film)]] || rowspan="6" |''[[Christmas in August]]'' || {{won}}
|-
| 18th [[Korean Association of Film Critics Awards]] || Best Actress || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | 19th [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]] || [[Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actress|Best Leading Actress]] || {{won}}
|-
| Popular Star Award || {{won}}
|-
| 1st [[Director's Cut Awards]] || rowspan="3" | Best Actress || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="9" |1999
|Asian Film Critics Association Awards
|{{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 36th [[Grand Bell Awards]]|| rowspan="2" |''[[Art Museum by the Zoo]]''|| {{won}}
|-
| Popularity Award || {{won}}
|-
|35th [[Baeksang Arts Awards]]
|[[Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actress (TV)|Best Actress (TV)]]
| rowspan="4" |''Trap of Youth''|| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[SBS Drama Awards]]|| '''Grand Prize (Daesang)''' || {{won}}
|-
| Top 10 Stars || {{won}}
|-
| Highest Popularity Award || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |20th [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]]
|[[Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actress|Best Leading Actress]]
| rowspan="6" |''[[Tell Me Something]]''|| {{nom}}
|-
|Popular Star Award|| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="6" | 2000 || 1st Korea Visual Arts Festival || Photogenic Award, Film Actress category || {{won}}
|-
| 23rd Golden Cinematography Awards || Most Popular Actress || {{won}}
|-
| 37th [[Grand Bell Awards]] || Popularity Award || {{won}}
|-
| 1st Korean Film Festival || Best Actress || {{won}}
|-
| [[SBS Drama Awards]] || Big Star Award || rowspan="3" |''[[Interview (2000 film)|Interview]]''|| {{won}}
|-
| 21st [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]]|| [[Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actress|Best Leading Actress]] || {{nom}}
|-
| 2001 || 38th [[Grand Bell Awards]]|| Popularity Award || {{won}}
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Korean cinema]]
* [[Korean drama]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{kmdb person|00003871}}
* {{IMDb name|0793534}}
* {{HanCinema person}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Shim Eun-ha
|list =
{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best Actress}}
{{Paeksang Arts Award Best Actress Film}}
{{Paeksang Arts Award Best Actress Television}}
{{Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actress (TV)}}
{{Grand Bell Awards for Best Actress}}
{{Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Best Actress}}
{{Director's Cut Awards for Best Actress}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shim, Eun-ha}}
[[Category:South Korean film actresses]]
[[Category:South Korean television actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century South Korean actresses]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Seongnam]]
[[Category:Best Actress Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners]]
[[Category:Best Actress Paeksang Arts Award (television) winners]]
[[Category:Best New Actress Paeksang Arts Award (television) winners]]
[[Category:Best Actress Blue Dragon Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Best Actress for Grand Bell Awards winners]]
[[Category:Cheongsong Sim clan|Eun-ha]]