Quick Answer: Shin Min-a (신민아) is a South Korean actress and model born on April 5, 1984, best known for iconic dramas like “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho,” “Oh My Venus,” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” She married actor Kim Woo-bin in December 2025 after a 10-year relationship and has won multiple awards including APAN Star Award and Chunsa Film Art Award.
Her career officially launched in 1998 when she started working as a model for the teen magazine KiKi. This breakthrough came when she was just 14 years old, demonstrating her natural photogenic quality and charm that would later make her a fashion icon. Her modeling work quickly expanded to commercial advertisements, where her fresh face and elegant presence caught the attention of casting directors. .
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, Oh My Venus, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Latest Work
The Remarried Empress (Disney+, 2026)
Career
Shin Min-a’s career spans more than 25 years, evolving from a teen model to one of South Korea’s most respected actresses. Her journey through the entertainment industry showcases remarkable versatility, strategic role selection, and consistent growth as a performer.
Most Famous Works / Projects
Shin Min-a has built an impressive filmography spanning both film and television. Here are her top 7 most significant works:
Year
Project
Platform
Achievement
2010
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho
SBS
SBS Drama Awards: Top Ten Stars, Best Actress
2015
Oh My Venus
KBS
Hallyu Drama Award: Best Actress
2021
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Netflix
Global phenomenon, massive international recognition
2022
Our Blues
tvN
APAN Star Award: Top Excellence Actress
2005
A Love to Kill
SBS
Established her as drama lead
2005
A Bittersweet Life
Film
Critical acclaim, showcased dramatic range
2026
The Remarried Empress
Disney+
Leading role as Empress Navie, post-marriage comeback
Awards & Achievements
Shin Min-a has received numerous accolades throughout her career, recognizing her excellence in both film and television:
2022: APAN Star Award – Top Excellence Actress in a Miniseries (Our Blues, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha)
2016: Hallyu Drama Award – Best Actress (Oh My Venus)
2015: KBS Drama Awards – Excellent Actress, Mini Series (Oh My Venus)
2015: InStyle Fashionista Award
2012: Best Couple Award (Arang and the Magistrate)
2011: Beauty Icon of the Year
2010: Model of the Year – Korean Advertisers Association
2010: SBS Drama Awards – Top Ten Stars Award (My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho)
2010: SBS Drama Awards – Best Actress Award – Drama Special (My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho)
2010: SBS Drama Awards – Best Couple Award with Lee Seung-gi (My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho)
2008: Best Supporting Actress – South Korean College Students Film Festival (Go Go 70s)
2006: Christian Dior’s Timeless Beauty Awards – Recipient
2003: SBS Drama Awards – New Star Award (Punch)
Shin Min-a Husband
Shin Min-a’s most significant personal relationship is with actor Kim Woo-bin, one of Korea’s most famous leading men. The couple first met in 2015 while working as models for a clothing brand. They officially confirmed their romantic relationship in July 2015 and have been together for over 10 years.
Their relationship became one of the most high-profile in Korean entertainment due to both actors’ massive popularity. During Kim Woo-bin’s treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer (diagnosed in 2024), Shin Min-a was a steady presence by his side, though they kept most details private. Their enduring bond and mutual support through challenging times earned them respect from fans and industry peers.
On December 20, 2025, Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin married in a private wedding ceremony at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Kim Woo-bin announced the marriage through a handwritten letter posted on his official fan cafe on November 20, 2025. The couple promised to “become lifelong partners based on the deep trust built over many years together”
Social Media & Online Presence
Shin Min-a maintains a strong online presence, primarily through Instagram, where she connects with her massive fanbase:
Instagram: @illusomin
FAQ
Q: Who is Shin Min-a (신민아)? A: Shin Min-a is a South Korean actress and model born April 5, 1984, best known for dramas like “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho,” “Oh My Venus,” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” She has won multiple awards including APAN Star Award and is married to actor Kim Woo-bin.
Q: How old is Shin Min-a? A: Shin Min-a is 42 years old, born on April 5, 1984. She turns 42 in April 2026.
Q: What is Shin Min-a’s height and nationality? A: Shin Min-a is 168 cm (5’6½”) tall and holds South Korean nationality. She was born in Yecheon District, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
Q: What is Shin Min-a’s best known work? A: Her most famous work is “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” (2010), which became an iconic fantasy romance drama. She’s also widely recognized for “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021) on Netflix and “Oh My Venus” (2015).
Q: What is Shin Min-a’s net worth? A: Shin Min-a’s estimated net worth is $4–8 million USD (approximately $5 million). Some sources cite values closer to $1 million, but most estimate between $4-8 million based on her 25+ year career.
Q: What are Shin Min-a’s current projects in 2026? A: Shin Min-a is currently starring in Disney+’s “The Remarried Empress” as Empress Navie, scheduled for release in the second half of 2026. She’s also in talks to star in a new romance drama called “Wed Thurs Fri” with Lee Jin-wook as her first post-marriage project.
Q: What are Shin Min-a’s social media handles? A: Shin Min-a’s main social media is Instagram @illusomina with 6 million+ followers. She also has a Facebook page at shinmina. Her agency is AM Entertainment.
Q: What’s a fun fact about Shin Min-a? A: A fun fact is that Shin Min-a started her career at just 14 years old as a model for teen magazine KiKi in 1998, and she has characteristic dimples that fans love. She also married Kim Woo-bin after exactly 10 years of datin
