Shim Eun-woo Launches YouTube Channel After Five-Year Hiatus from Acting

Shim Eun-woo: Courtesy of Instagram

Korean actress Shim Eun-woo has made her return to the public eye with the launch of her personal YouTube channel, marking her first major public appearance since stepping away from acting five years ago. The actress, best known for her role in the hit drama "The World of the Married," posted her debut video titled "It's been 5 years | EP0. Shim Eun-woo" on July 5th, opening up about her hiatus and personal struggles.

In her emotional comeback video, Shim Eun-woo addressed her prolonged absence from the entertainment industry, sharing candid details about the challenges she faced following school bullying allegations that surfaced in 2021. The actress revealed that she had been working as a yoga instructor for eight years during her time away from acting, finding solace in teaching and guiding others through yoga practice.

Legal Battle and Vindication

The actress became visibly emotional as she discussed the school violence allegations that led to her career hiatus. In March 2025, the actress has risen again with evidence from her long legal battle against the victim on charges of defamation, with police investigations ultimately concluding that the allegations could not be substantiated.

Shim Eun-woo tearfully shared, "I fought for a long time and ultimately received the result that it wasn't school violence." The actress described the period as personally challenging but also transformative, stating that she learned about "true rest" and spent considerable time in self-reflection.

Career Transition and Personal Growth

During her five-year break from acting, Shim Eun-woo established herself as a dedicated yoga instructor, a career she has been pursuing for eight years. The actress expressed gratitude for the experience, noting how it allowed her to help others while finding her own path to healing and personal growth.

She revealed that she had only one audition during her entire hiatus, emphasizing the significant impact the controversy had on her acting career. Despite the challenges, the actress maintained her daily routine and focused on personal development during this difficult period.

YouTube Channel and Future Plans

The launch of her YouTube channel represents a new chapter for Shim Eun-woo, who expressed her desire to give back to those who supported her during her darkest moments. She stated her intention to provide content that offers viewers a sense of rest and peace, drawing from her experiences as both an actress and yoga instructor.

The actress also hinted at her hopes to return to acting, expressing her desire to show fans a positive side of herself as a performer once again. Her YouTube channel appears to be a stepping stone toward rebuilding her public image and reconnecting with her audience.

Impact of "The World of the Married"

Shim Eun-woo's role as Min Hyun-seo in "The World of the Married" catapulted her to fame, with the series becoming the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, overtaking Sky Castle. The drama's success made her a household name in South Korea, making her subsequent hiatus all the more significant for fans and the entertainment industry.

The actress expressed continued gratitude for the love and memories she received from the drama, acknowledging how the experience shaped her career and personal life. Her return through YouTube represents not just a comeback, but a new approach to connecting with her audience on a more personal level.

Looking Forward

As Shim Eun-woo embarks on this new journey, her YouTube channel launch signals a careful and thoughtful return to public life. The actress's emphasis on giving back to her supporters and sharing her experiences through both acting and yoga instruction suggests a multifaceted approach to her comeback.

With her legal vindication and personal growth over the past five years, Shim Eun-woo appears ready to rebuild her career while maintaining the authenticity and vulnerability she displayed in her debut YouTube video. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of personal transformation in the face of public scrutiny.

The actress's return comes at a time when the Korean entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of accountability and redemption, making her carefully orchestrated comeback particularly noteworthy for both fans and industry observers.