Shim Soo-bin Shines in Debut Feature 'The Road to Erasing' at Busan Film Festival
Actress Shim Soo-bin has made a significant mark with her first feature film lead role in 'The Road to Erasing,' earning an official invitation to the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
'The Road to Erasing' tells the story of Yoon-ji (played by Shim Soo-bin), a high school student who becomes pregnant after a secret relationship with her homeroom teacher. The film follows her journey as she decides to seek an abortion while searching for the vanished teacher. This debut as a lead in a feature film, coupled with the BIFF competition section invitation, marks a momentous occasion for Shim Soo-bin.
Meeting with Sports Seoul in Busan, Shim Soo-bin expressed her feelings: "I'm still a bit dazed. I had many worries initially, but now I feel I can enjoy it." She described her emotions leading up to the film's premiere as 'fear,' stating, "It was scary and embarrassing to see my work screened in a theater. I felt there were many regrettable parts and things I didn't do well."
Despite the immense pressure of her first feature film, Shim Soo-bin found solace in her personal 'error notebook,' a method for self-reflection and inner strengthening. "Not knowing how to act or how I would appear, my fear grew over time. But when I saw the film at the preview screening, it was more enjoyable than I expected. I also saw aspects I hadn't noticed. Writing in my error notebook afterward helped alleviate my fears, and I feel much better now," she shared.
Shim Soo-bin found a deep connection with the character of Yoon-ji, recalling her own school days while portraying the character's struggles, friendships, and confusion. "Yoon-ji has more scars than I do, but every moment felt understandable and relatable," she said. She also highlighted her strong bond with co-star Lee Ji-won, who plays her roommate Kyung-sun. "Lee Ji-won was incredibly professional. In the final scene on the hill behind the school, when she reached out her hand to me, I truly felt like we were Kyung-sun and Yoon-ji," she recalled with affection.
Addressing the sensitive themes of teenage pregnancy and illegal abortions, Shim Soo-bin noted the director's evident sense of mission. "I focused more on Yoon-ji's mindset. While her decisions when cornered might be flawed, I saw them as a passion for life. I hope the audience can root for Yoon-ji, even if her choices aren't perfect," she stated. This debut feature has opened up new possibilities for her as an actress, and she aspires to portray realistic characters in future projects, focusing on stories grounded in everyday life.
"I love myself the most. My strength lies in acting without losing myself."
Shim Soo-bin initially encountered the role of Yoon-ji through an audition, prompted by her agency, and felt an immediate connection to the character. Looking ahead, she expresses a preference for films that explore realistic characters and grounded stories, moving away from fantasy or superhero genres. She views her self-acceptance and ability to stay true to herself while acting as her primary strengths, indicating a commitment to a resilient and authentic acting career.