“Sunny” Cast Reunites After 14 Years: Min Hyo-rin Absent, Shim Eun-kyung Surprises Everyone
On July 5, MBC’s new variety show I’m Sunny, Thank You aired its first episode, featuring a long-awaited reunion of the lead cast from the beloved 2011 film “Sunny”. Kang So-ra, Park Jin-joo, Nam Bo-ra, Shim Eun-kyung, Kim Bo-mi and Kim Min-young came together for an emotional trip down memory lane—though one notable member, Min Hyo-rin, was absent.
The group expressed excitement and nostalgia as they reconnected after years apart. Initially, both Shim Eun-kyung and Min Hyo-rin were missing, but Shim surprised the cast by arriving later in the episode, drawing cheers from her fellow castmates.
Kang So-ra shared, “We didn’t expect Eun-kyung to come. She’s filming in Japan, so we thought she wouldn’t be able to make it.” She then fondly recalled that Shim was the youngest on set during filming but also the most experienced actress at the time. “She was the only minor among us, but she felt like the sunbae (senior).”
Comedian Lee Eun-ji, who hosted the show, jokingly said Shim Eun-kyung’s entrance reminded her of actor Lee Byung-hun in ‘A Bittersweet Life’. Shim herself noted, “I’m 31 now and living in Tokyo.” Kang So-ra was shocked, “You’re over 30? Wow!”
The program also featured behind-the-scenes stories from “Sunny”‘s production. Nam Bo-ra revealed that she once lobbied the director for Kang So-ra’s role, calling it a bold move from her younger self. Park Jin-joo shared that she even auditioned with lines from another character because she wanted the role of Woo-hee so badly.
Kang So-ra reflected, “Back then, the director would just say ‘Let’s have fun’ instead of calling out ‘Action’, which shows how lively and free-spirited the atmosphere was.” She added that although Shim Eun-kyung was the youngest, her professionalism left a deep impression on everyone.
Despite the 14-year gap, the cast still vividly remembers their time together. The first episode of “I’m Sunny, Thank You” promises more touching moments and untold stories from the making of one of Korea’s most cherished coming-of-age films. Airing at 8:40 p.m. on MBC, this heartfelt reunion showcases not only enduring friendships but also the film’s lasting cultural impact.
