Shim Eun-kyung Says She Let Herself Have Fun in Latest Role

Actress Shim Eun-kyung plays the daughter of a man who suddenly gains superpowers in "Psychokinesis", which will hit local theaters next Wednesday.

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Shim lends credibility to this "unrealistic" story, her strong acting and lively facial expressions helping viewers suspend their disbelief. "I had to play a very ordinary girl in this supernatural story, so I watched TV every morning to observe how people go about their everyday lives", Shim said.

Shim began her acting career at the age of 11 when her parents, worried about their introverted and shy daughter, sent her to an acting academy.

She appeared in the hit drama "Jewel in the Palace" in 2003 as a child actress and shot to stardom with appearances in a series of hit films including "Sunny" in 2011, "Masquerade" in 2012 and "Miss Granny" in 2014.

"It was the hardest time of my life", she said. "I suddenly received a lot of attention. People began to recognize me everywhere I went, and there were so many comments about my acting online. I felt pressured and intimidated, and worried about making a mistake", Shim said.

She grew reluctant to leave her home and even thought about giving up acting. Despite such anxieties, she joined the new project and gave a lot of serious thought to her performance.

Ryu Seung-ryong, who plays her father in the movie, offered her encouragement. On the set, when she worried about how to approach her role, he told her, "At your age you shouldn't worry so much. Play more, enjoy yourself more, and act the way you feel".

"I had acted before as if I were solving a difficult math problem, but this time I tried to do it as if I were playing", she said.