Shim Eun-kyung Explains Her Decision to Study Abroad During Career Highlights

Shim Eun-kyung Shares Her Journey of Study Abroad in New York

During the June 25 episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, acclaimed actress Shim Eun-kyung opened up about her decision to study in New York, revealing personal insights about her growth and experiences during that pivotal time in her life.

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A Leap of Faith

Host Yoo Jae-suk remarked on the actress’s achievements, stating, “Despite the success of her film, after working on Sunny, she ventured to study alone in the U. S.” To this, Shim Eun-kyung explained her motivation: “I realized that if I didn’t embark on this journey then, I might never experience life as the teenage version of myself. I longed to savor more of what school life had to offer during my late teens, which led me to New York for approximately two and a half years.”

Diving into Music

Curiosity piqued, Yoo Jae-suk inquired about her musical interests, particularly how she got involved with classical music and jazz. The actress shared, “New York is home to numerous renowned jazz bars and performance venues. Friends took me to these spots, introduced me to influential figures in the music scene, and taught me invaluable lessons.”

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Overcoming Language Barriers in Japan

Yoo Jae-suk also touched on her transition into the Japanese entertainment industry, noting, “You won significant awards in Korea but started anew in Japan. Portraying emotions in Japanese must have posed a considerable challenge.” Shim Eun-kyung candidly admitted, “The Japanese language has been the most daunting aspect of my work there. When I received a project offer, I undertook about six months of intensive language study.”

Describing her preparation, she explained, “Initially, I read the script translated into Korean to grasp the full narrative. Then, I tackled the Japanese script while practicing my lines. I complemented this with audio files, self-study, and personalized lessons with a teacher to ensure my pronunciation was on point. Continuous reading and practice were vital before I stepped onto the set.” Yoo Jae-suk marvelously responded, “Just three years into your Japanese career, you achieved the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Awards for your role in The Journalist—what an extraordinary accomplishment!”

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A Moment of Triumph

Recalling the award nomination, Shim Eun-kyung expressed her astonishment: “When they called my name as ‘Shim Eun-kyung from The Journalist, ’ I was so overwhelmed that I nearly lost my balance. I barely made it to the stage.”

Her journey not only captivated the show’s hosts and viewers but served as an inspiring testament to the value of perseverance, humility, and the quiet strength that comes from taking risks in both artistic and personal growth.

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