Shin Min-a

Shin Min-a is a South Korean actress and model who has been a fixture of Korean television and film for over two decades. Born Yang Min-a, she first made her mark as a commercial model before stepping into acting in 2000. Today she is one of the most recognized faces in K-drama, known for a warm screen presence that carries both romantic comedies and heavier dramatic work.

Her filmography includes the fantasy romance My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, the historical drama Arang and the Magistrate, and the beloved slice-of-life hit Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. She continues to work steadily, with the Disney+ series The Remarried Empress on the horizon in 2026. Off screen, she has been dating actor Kim Woo-bin since 2015, and the pair are one of South Korea's most closely watched celebrity couples. [edit]

Shin Min-a grew up in Seongnam, a city just southeast of Seoul, with her parents and an older brother. Her family was supportive but not connected to the entertainment world, and she has described her childhood as ordinary. She attended local schools and showed an early interest in fashion and the arts, though she had no formal acting training.

Her entry into the public eye came through modeling. As a teenager, she was scouted and began appearing in print ads, notably for the teen magazine KiKi. Her fresh face and natural charm quickly made her a sought-after commercial endorser, and she became one of the most in-demand CF models of her generation, appearing in campaigns for everything from cosmetics to food brands. This exposure opened the door to acting, and she made her screen debut in the 2001 action-comedy film Volcano High, playing a supporting role. It was a modest start, but it set her on a path that would lead to leading roles within a few years. [edit]

Shin Min-a's breakthrough came in 2005 with the melodrama A Love to Kill, where she starred opposite Rain. The role established her as a leading lady and showed her ability to carry emotional, intense storylines. She followed it with a mix of films and dramas, including the 2007 movie M and the 2009 romantic comedy My Love by My Side.

Her popularity soared in 2010 with the fantasy romance My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, playing a nine-tailed fox who falls in love with a human. The drama was a ratings hit and remains one of her most beloved works. She continued to choose varied projects: the historical fantasy Arang and the Magistrate in 2012, the romantic comedy Oh My Venus in 2015, and the ensemble drama Our Blues in 2022. In 2021, she starred in the feel-good hit Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, which became one of the most popular K-dramas of that year. More recently, she took on the crime thriller No Gain No Love in 2024, showing her range. In 2026, she is set to star in the Disney+ series The Remarried Empress, based on the popular web novel, and she has also become a global ambassador for Omega watches. [edit]

Shin Min-a is widely regarded for her elegant and timeless beauty, often described as chic and sophisticated. In the media, she is seen as a versatile actress who can move between romantic comedy and serious drama with ease. Her fashion sense is frequently praised, and she has become a style icon in South Korea. Fans admire her for her down-to-earth personality and her long-running, stable relationship with Kim Woo-bin, which has earned them a devoted fanbase. She is also known for her charitable contributions, though she rarely publicizes them, which has only added to her positive image. [edit]

Shin Min-a's audience is defined by a quiet, devoted loyalty rather than organized fan clubs or color-coded rallies. Unlike the idol-driven fandoms of her peers, her supporters gather around her consistent screen presence and the enduring narrative of her personal life, particularly her steadfast partnership with Kim Woo-bin. There is no formal name for this group; fans simply identify through their engagement with her work and social media interactions, often celebrating her elegance and private nature as much as her acting. This organic following has grown alongside her career, fueled by viral moments like Lee Kwang-soo's enthusiastic cheering at an awards show and her recent return to the big screen with The Eyes, which proved her range beyond romantic comedies. Her status as a global ambassador for Omega further cements her appeal among audiences who value timeless style and authenticity. The scale of her influence is measured by how she consistently commands attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide without needing to force visibility. She holds a steady position in the global consciousness, recognized not just as a star but as a cultural fixture. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Shin Min-a is the 53rd most famous person in South Korea, holding steady from the previous cycle. She stands as the 74th most famous person from South Korea in the same period. Within her specific field, she ranks as the 31st most famous person in K-Drama, maintaining her standing among the industry's top talents.[edit]

Born Yang Min-a, she adopted the stage name Shin Min-a early in her modeling career before transitioning to acting in 2000. Beyond her visual work, she has lent her voice to singing, contributing songs to various drama soundtracks. A dedicated dog lover, she frequently shares photos of her two pet dogs on social media, offering glimpses into her private life despite being famously guarded about her relationships. Her philanthropic efforts remain equally discreet, with donations made quietly over the years. A defining chapter in her public story involves her unwavering support for actor Kim Woo-bin during his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer starting in 2017; this period became a beloved piece of Korean entertainment lore symbolizing deep loyalty. In 2026, she successfully shed her 'rom-com queen' label with the thriller The Eyes, a remake of Julia's Eyes that surpassed 1.5 million viewers. Another viral moment occurred in August 2026 when friend Lee Kwang-soo loudly cheered for her after she won a Grand Prize, an interaction that delighted fans. Her iconic status was further reinforced in July 2026 when she was appointed a global ambassador for Omega, celebrated for her goddess-like figure post-marriage.[edit]

Shin Min-a was born to her father, mother, and an older brother. She has kept her family largely out of the public eye, but has mentioned that they have been supportive of her career. As of 2026, she is not married and has no children. She lives in Seoul, and her household includes her two pet dogs, which she often features on Instagram. Her relationship with her partner Kim Woo-bin is well-known, but she keeps details of their home life private. [edit]

Shin Min-a is best known for her long-term relationship with actor Kim Woo-bin, whom she has been dating since 2015. The couple is one of the most popular in Korean entertainment, often seen supporting each other at public events. She is also close friends with actor Lee Kwang-soo, who is a friend of Kim Woo-bin and has publicly cheered on their relationship. In her career, she has worked with many top actors, including Rain in 'A Love to Kill' and Lee Seung-gi in 'My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho'. [edit]

Shin Min-a has been in a public relationship with actor Kim Woo-bin since 2015. The couple met on a photoshoot and began dating, quickly becoming one of South Korea's most beloved celebrity couples. They have supported each other through various career milestones, including Kim Woo-bin's battle with nasopharyngeal cancer, which Shin Min-a stood by him through. As of 2026, they are still dating, and there have been no reports of engagement or marriage. Before Kim Woo-bin, Shin Min-a was linked to a few co-stars, but she has kept her past relationships private. She is known for being discreet about her personal life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Shin Min-a's net worth to be $20 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects her long-standing dominance as a leading actress in both television dramas and films, where she commands top-tier rates for her performances. Her financial portfolio is significantly bolstered by commercial endorsements, having remained one of South Korea's most sought-after CF models for over two decades. Strategic partnerships with luxury brands like Omega contribute substantially to her earnings, aligning with her reputation for timeless elegance. Over the years, her wealth has grown steadily, mirroring her consistent presence in high-profile projects and her discerning choices in brand collaborations.[edit]

Shin Min-a has won several awards for her acting, including Best Actress at the KBS Drama Awards for her role in 'My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho' and at the MBC Drama Awards for 'Arang and the Magistrate'. She has also received recognition for her commercial appeal, winning popularity awards at various ceremonies. Her performance in 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' earned her critical acclaim and further award nominations. [edit]