Shin Eun-soo Finds Growth Through Netflix's 'History of Confession'

Actress Shin Eun-soo has written a new chapter in her 'history of growth' with her role in the Netflix original film 'History of Confession.' Meeting the character Park Se-ri, Shin Eun-soo experienced a significant step forward in her acting journey.

In a recent interview with Sports Seoul, Shin Eun-soo shared, "Director Namkoong Sun really helped me find the essence of Se-ri within me." Set in 1998, 'History of Confession' tells the story of 19-year-old Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), who embarks on a determined effort to straighten her severely frizzy hair, a lifelong complex, ahead of a life-altering confession. She navigates this challenge with the help of a transfer student, Han Yoon-seok (Gong Myung).

The film, a coming-of-age youth romance, captured Shin Eun-soo's heart from the first read. "I felt good as soon as I read the script. Not just Se-ri, but all the characters were so lovable, and the script radiated happiness," she recalled. Shin Eun-soo particularly resonated with Se-ri's defining characteristic: her curly hair. "Doesn't it suit the character so well? She's free-spirited from the top of her head!" she laughed. While Se-ri disliked her curls, Shin Eun-soo found herself loving the character regardless. "Everyone longs for what they don't have. For Se-ri, perhaps it was straight hair versus her curly hair," she interpreted.

To truly embody Se-ri, Shin Eun-soo dedicated immense effort to mastering the Busan dialect. As a Seoul native, she memorized the entire script to portray the native Busan resident authentically. "Working with a dialect coach, I refined the details. There's a unique vibe to native Busan speakers. It felt like learning a new language, just a subtle difference," she explained. "What was a bit regrettable was that even when I wanted to ad-lib, I couldn't fully express myself due to the dialect. So, later on, I focused on conveying points through expressions and actions."

Beyond its youth romance genre, 'History of Confession' highlights the growth of a teenage girl. Se-ri, for whom love seemed to be everything, matures significantly upon meeting Han Yoon-seok, who loves her 'just as she is.' Shin Eun-soo also took a step forward through her portrayal of Se-ri.

"I really like the saying, 'Time heals all wounds.' When you do your best in the present, the times you worried about seem insignificant," she stated. "Through Se-ri, I experienced playing a bright character for the first time. I realized that if you do well with what's given, various opportunities will find you."

Simultaneously, Shin Eun-soo discovered aspects of herself she hadn't previously recognized, influenced by the extremely extroverted Se-ri. This encounter sparked a positive shift within the introverted Shin Eun-soo. "Meeting Se-ri made me much brighter. Although I was always cheerful, I used to be quite shy around new people. Now, I feel like that has faded a lot," she said with a smile.

Shin Eun-soo debuted in the 2016 film 'Vanishing Time: The Boy Who Returned.' She garnered attention for her mysterious and ethereal aura, earning her the nickname 'Little Shim Eun-ha.' Since then, she has consistently expanded her acting range through various projects.