Modern Muse: Shin Min-a’s Iconic Beauty Through The Years | ABS-CBN

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Modern Muse: Shin Min-a’s Iconic Beauty Through The Years

Modern Muse: Shin Min-a’s Iconic Beauty Through The Years

Elaine Carag-Calderon

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Updated May 11, 2022 04:21 PM PHT

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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.

Shin Min-a for Gucci @illusomina

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!

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Go through our gallery below for a huge dose of Shin Min-a’s bedimpled beauty through the years!


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!@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?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!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.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.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!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. 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!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!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! 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!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!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!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!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!Hancinema

Go Go 70s (2008) - In the same film, we also get this short-haired Shin Min-a, which we also love!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?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!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!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!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!Hancinema

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010) - (2/2) Bonus: This curly-haired Shin Min-a is super kyeowo!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!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!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.’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.’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.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.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!@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!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! 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? @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.Hancinema

Chief of Staff (2019) - (2/2)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!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!Hancinema

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) - (2/2) A close runner-up would be Hye-jin’s glowing bridal look. Girl crush alert!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*!@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?@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!Hancinema


Lead photos via @illusomina and Hancinema


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