Modern Muse: Shin Min-a’s Iconic Beauty Through The Years
Whether she’s a model or actress, ‘gumiho’ or goddess, she’s definitely one of South Korea’s most beautiful!
Whether you’ve been following her since she was a gumiho or you’ve only recently discovered her as a dentist in Gongjin, you probably already know who Shin Min-a is.
For more than two decades now, the 38-year-old has been a fixture in the Korean entertainment industry following her debut both on print and on-screen. Launching her career in the late ’90s and catapulting into fame as a sought-after model and actress, Shin Min-a has a long list of dramas, films, and endorsements to her name that she’s impossible to miss.
Undoubtedly one of South Korea’s most beloved celebrities, the star is currently a part of the powerhouse cast of K-Drama Our Blues (alongside real-life partner Kim Woo-bin)—which only recently began its run locally on Netflix.
A hallyu heavyweight by all accounts, this iconic beauty continues to wow us to this day—not just with her projects, but also with her ever-stunning looks!
Go through our gallery below for a huge dose of Shin Min-a’s bedimpled beauty through the years!
Shin Min-a Evolution
SWIPE LEFT OR RIGHT
TO NAVIGATE BETWEEN PAGES
Pre-Debut
Even as a child, Shin Min-a seems to have been born to be in front of the camera. Check out this little lady already exuding that model-off-duty vibe at an early age!
Photo Credit: @illusomina
Kiki Magazine (1998)
She officially debuted as a model when she landed on the cover of a popular South Korean teen magazine. Who else is feeling this very youthful pre-Y2K look?
Photo Credit: Shin Min-a International Fans
Beautiful Days (2001)
The perfect girl next door, Shin Min-a portrayed the lead’s younger sister Lee Min-ji in the drama ‘Beautiful Days.’ The layered hair, the middle part, and the headband are so early 2000s!
Photo Credit: The Fangirl Verdict
Volcano High (2001)
She then made her film debut in the action-comedy film ‘Volcano High’ where she played a badass kendo team captain—ready to wield her sword in a sleek ponytail.
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Madeleine (2003)
Next, she starred in the romantic film ‘Madeleine’ where she played a charming young woman named Hee-jin. We can only name a few actresses who can pull off the bare-faced beauty so well, and Shin Min-a is definitely one of them.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Punch (2003)
In this romantic drama, 19-year-old Shin Min-a transformed into boxer Jang Yu-bin and proves just how well she can pull off braids!
Photo Credit: IMDb
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
Shin Min-a’s breakout role came when she was cast as Hee-soo in the action film ‘A Bittersweet Life.’ A talented cellist, sleek and sophisticated with a simplicity that just amplified the actress’ undeniable appeal.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Sad Movie (2005)
As hearing-impaired character Ah Soo-eun in ‘Sad Movie’ proved Shin Min-a’s mettle as an actress, but also highlighted her beauty further despite her face being scarred. This also ushered in the era of those bangs!
Photo Credit: YouTube
The Beast and The Beauty (2005)
In this romantic comedy, the actress played the blind yet beautiful Hae-joo. Although already 21 at this point, she still looked every bit like a teenager with those bangs and boho buns!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
A Love to Kill (2007)
The tragic K-Drama ‘A Love To Kill’ turned Shin Min-a into up-and-coming actress Jang Eun-suk. Of course, she looked every bit the part with her flawless skin and bedimpled smile!
Photo Credit: Viki
The Devil (2007)
This mystery drama saw the actress become a librarian named Seo Hae-in who possessed psychic abilities. Shin Min-a’s lovely bangs may be pulled back in this photo, but she definitely rocked it throughout the series, too!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Summer Days (2008)
Shin Min-a starred as herself opposite Hyun Bin and Ryu Seung-beom in this mini-drama shot for LG’s XNote laptops. Among her different looks in the series, it’s this playful side ponytail we can’t forget!
Photo Credit: TMDB
My Mighty Princess (2008)
As Kang So-hwi, Shin Min-a played a young martial artist with super strength on the brink of adulthood. Already approaching her mid-20s at this point, she still impresses as a youthful beauty with the perfect “bare” face and simple hair!
Photo Credit: AsianWiki
My Mighty Princess (2008)
Bonus: Shin Min-a as So-hwi in full martial arts gear proves just how she makes a simple high ponytail look oh-so-chic even when readying for battle!
Photo Credit: AsianWiki
Go Go 70s (2008)
Possibly one of her most memorable looks on camera, Mimi’s permed har in this film set in 1970s Korea proves that Shin Min-a can pull off any hairstyle!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Go Go 70s (2008)
In the same film, we also get this short-haired Shin Min-a, which we also love!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
The Naked Kitchen (2008)
Taking on the role of Ahn Mo-rae in ‘The Naked Kitchen,’ Shin Min-a exudes a different vibe as a married woman. How do you feel about the short wavy hair with the fringe?
Photo Credit: AsianWiki
Sisters on the Road (2009)
She then starred in the film ‘Sisters on the Road’ as Park Myung-eun, an illegitimate child recently reunited with her sister after their mother’s death. Although the story’s quite dramatic, we think this short bob (with the shades, of course) is a total lewk!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
A Million (2009)
Shin Min-a then took on the role of Jo Yoo-jin, a survival reality TV show contestant in the thriller drama film ‘A Million.’ How she could still look this beautiful even when disheveled proves just how stunning she really is!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Calvin Klein (2009)
Already 25 years old at this point, Shin Min-a is definitely coming into her own and impressing fans constantly as she transforms into her sexiest in a shoot for Calvin Klein. Smoky eyes + big hair = bombshell!
Photo Credit: Twitter
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)
(1/2) Definitely one of her most iconic roles, the gumiho in ‘My Girlfriend is a Gumiho’ saw her go through several looks throughout the series. Of course, it’s this crazy sexy one that we remember the most!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)
(2/2) Bonus: This curly-haired Shin Min-a is super kyeowo!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Giordano (2012)
Did you know Shin Min-a became close with real-life partner Kim Woo-bin on the set of a Giordano shoot? Here’s just one of her many campaigns with the global brand. You can’t miss the fierce model look anywhere!
Photo Credit: Hello K-Pop
Arang and the Magistrate (2012)
In her comeback drama after the hit ‘My Roommate is a Gumiho,’ Shin Min-a returned to the small screen as Arang—a beautiful ghost seeking vengeance for her wrongful death. A haunting beauty? Definitely!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
The X (2013)
Shin Min-a turns up the mystery with big waves, oversized sunnies, and dark lips as Mi-ah in the action-thriller ‘The X.’
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Gyeongju (2014)
A coffee shop owner based in the countryside, Gong Yoon-hee is a simple yet stunning beauty brought to life by Shin Min-a in the film ‘Gyeongju.’
Photo Credit: Hancinema
My Love, My Bride (2014)
Now transitioning into more mature roles, Shin Min-a then took on the role of Mi-young in the romantic comedy ‘My Love, My Bride.’ If there’s anything we can’t get enough of the actress in this film (aside from her acting), it’s definitely her rosy complexion.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Oh My Venus (2015)
(1/3) The hit series ‘Oh My Venus’ saw Shin Min-a transform into different versions of her character Kang Joo-eun—including this high school ‘Venus of Daegu’ who wins every guy’s heart in school.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Oh My Venus (2015)
(2/3) Years pass and Joo-eun develops hypothyroidism, causing her to gain weight. Shin Min-a had to don a bodysuit for the role to realistically portray the character. Although she put a few pounds on, we still think she’s super cute!
Photo Credit: @illusomina
Oh My Venus (2015)
(3/3) Spoiler! After dieting and exercising religiously, she eventually goes back to a healthier weight with the help of a trainer. Weight gain or no, Shin Min-a is a true beauty!
Photo Credit: IMDb
Tomorrow With You (2017)
Shin Min-a then follows up her appearance in ‘Oh My Venus’ with romantic fantasy drama ‘Tomorrow With You’ as Song Ma-rin—a former child star-turned-photographer with the loveliest hair colour, prettiest waves, and wispiest bangs!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Chanel Beauty (2019)
A few years later, Shin Min-a began her string of ambassadorships for luxury brands starting with Chanel Beauty. Do we love the red lip or do we LOVE it?
Photo Credit: @illusomina
Chief of Staff (2019)
(1/2) Next up, she brought Kang Sun-yeong to life in the two seasons of ‘Chief of Staff.’ Here, she played an ambitious lawyer with her no-nonsense straight bob and clean everyday makeup.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Diva (2020)
On her return to the big screen, Shin Min-a takes on the character of Choi Yi-young in the thriller film ‘Diva.’ As a talented diver, she’s mostly seen with her hair up in a high bun ready to take on the board!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
(1/2) Who didn’t fall in love with city-turned-countryside girl Yoon Hye-jin? Among the many looks Shin Min-a served as Gongjin’s only chigwa, this laidback but is definitely our hands-down favorite!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
(2/2) A close runner-up would be Hye-jin’s glowing bridal look. Girl crush alert!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Gucci (2021)
Late last year, Shin Min-a was also officially announced as a global ambassador for Gucci—and she announced this in true model fashion with this perfectly pristine profile shot. These air bangs are *chef’s kiss*!
Photo Credit: @illusomina
Givenchy Beauty (2021)
After her stint with Chanel, she then became the face of yet another luxury brand’s beauty line. This is one of her shoots with Givenchy Beauty featuring an ethereally beautiful rosy pink look. Can we talk about that impeccable gradient lip?
Photo Credit: @illusomina
Our Blues (2022)
Currently, Shin Min-a is starring alongside other Korean entertainment heavyweights In the ongoing drama ‘Our Blues.’ Here, she plays Min Seon-ah, a depressed divorcee living in the countryside. Although playing a more somber, more mature character, she continues to prove her beauty is ageless with flawless skin and perfect hair!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Lead photos via @illusomina and Hancinema
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023