Yeom Seung-i Shines at 2025 Santa Maria Music & Film Festival with 'Underground Idol'

Actor Yeom Seung-i has won an award at the 2025 Santa Maria Music & Film Festival for her first leading role in a feature film, 'Underground Idol.'

Yeom Seung-i delivered a captivating performance in 'Underground Idol,' which won the prestigious International Feature Grand Prize at the festival held on December 6 in Santa Maria, Laguna, Philippines.

Directed by Lee Soo-sung, 'Underground Idol' portrays the gritty yet comedic survival story of 'under' artists who remain in the shadows of the glamorous K-POP era. The film was praised for authentically embodying the festival's theme, 'See What Others Can't.'

This award is particularly significant as it marks Yeom Seung-i's debut as a lead in a feature film. She played the role of 'Seung-hyun,' a character who, facing the collapse of her dream to debut in a girl group, disguises herself as a male to join a boy band. Yeom's nuanced and lively portrayal of this character drew audiences into the narrative.

The film delicately captures the joys and sorrows of 'underground idols' struggling against the harsh realities, rather than the glamorous stage personas. Yeom's genuine expressions added depth to her character, blending humor with poignant moments, earning praise for its "honest and human story."

Jennifer Maliwanag, the festival's organizing committee chair, lauded Yeom's performance as "the most beautiful and truthful realization of the festival's theme." This award highlights Yeom Seung-i's limitless potential as an actress on the international stage.

Meanwhile, 'Underground Idol,' Yeom's first feature film as a lead, is currently available on various platforms such as IPTV (KT Genie TV, SK Btv, LG U+tv) for home viewing.

Reporter: Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr