Cover Despite being together for a decade and even starring in one drama together, Shin Min-a and Kim Wo-bin have kept their relationship extremely private (Photo: IMDB)
Despite being together for a decade and even starring in one drama together, Shin Min-a and Kim Wo-bin have kept their relationship extremely private (Photo: IMDB)
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Long-time Korean power couple Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin are set to tie the knot on December 20. Here are the highlights of their decade-long romance
The world of celebrity is full of flash-in-the-pan romances, which is why Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin’s relationship has always stood out. Curiously, their relationship has always moved with quiet grace, as if they knew love didn’t need a spotlight. From a 2015 ad shoot to their 2025 wedding announcement, this couple has quietly defied tabloid noise, industry drama and even a life-shaking cancer diagnosis.
Over the years, they’ve given fans subtle glimpses into their love: thoughtful gestures, steady support and moments of genuine humanity. Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin’s story isn’t loud—but it’s real, and that makes it one of the most beautiful love stories in recent K-drama history. Here are five moments that prove why.
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The 2015 Giordano ad that sparked it all
Above Who would’ve thought that a commercial could lead to a decade-long romance?
Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin first crossed paths while modelling for a Giordano advertisement in 2015; what began as a professional collaboration turned into genuine chemistry that captivated viewers. By mid-2015, their agencies confirmed their romance, letting fans in on what many already sensed. From that ad set, a decade-long love story quietly unfolded—one without public drama, without headlines, but with unmistakable mutual respect.
Why fans remember: Their understated start proved love doesn’t need fireworks; sometimes, it just needs two people looking at each other honestly.
Shin Min-a’s food-truck surprise
In March 2016, while Kim Woo-bin was filming Uncontrollably Fond, a food truck rolled onto set: everyone assumed it was his thoughtful gesture. But it was Shin Min-a behind the surprise. It was her quiet, heartfelt way of showing care without fanfare. That small act of love, amidst busy schedules and media scrutiny, instantly became legendary among fans who adore sincerity over spectacle.
Since then, the pair have been sponsoring food trucks for each other’s projects. Kim Woo-bin did the same when Shin Min-a was shooting Chief of Staff in 2019.
Why fans remember: Because it wasn’t grand; it was real. This couple always showed a little kindness that said, “I see you, I support you,” loud enough to echo across tabloid-flooded headlines.
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Their unshakeable commitment through cancer
In 2017, Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and withdrew from public life to undergo treatment. Throughout his hospitalisations, chemotherapy and radiation, Shin Min-a quietly stood by his side. She was often seen accompanying him to appointments, offering emotional support and shielding their privacy with dignity. Reportedly, she even turned down roles to stay with Kim Woo-bin.
By 2019, he was in remission, and their strength together became a touchstone of loyalty and real love in the entertainment world.
Why fans remember: Their unity in crisis showed that the greatest love scenes don’t end on screen. They unfold in waiting rooms and in quiet endurance.
The resurfacing post-recovery
After Kim Woo-bin’s recovery, the couple resurfaced in public life not with fanfare, but with subtle joy. In 2019, they took a quiet getaway to Australia, complete with simple snapshots, peaceful smiles and a sense of healing that fans welcomed like long-lost hope. They also sent each other small tokens of support on set: coffee trucks, encouraging notes. It was presence over publicity. It was an unspoken promise: life goes on, and love endures.
Why fans remember: Because it wasn’t a comeback tour. Rather, it was a soft return to normalcy, a reminder that love sometimes heals best in stillness, not drama.
Their super-sweet wedding announcement
Above Shin Min-a’s long-time hairstylist posted the couple’s wedding invitation on Instagram, complete with doodles from the actress and Kim Woo-bin’s calligraphy.
Shin Min-a’s long-time hairstylist posted the couple’s wedding invitation on Instagram, complete with doodles from the actress and Kim Woo-bin’s calligraphy.
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On November 20, 2025, after a decade together, Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin announced they would marry on December 20 in a private ceremony in Seoul. The news—released via a handwritten letter by Kim Woo-bin and confirmed by their agency—felt less like a star-studded headline and more like the quiet culmination of a long, steadfast journey. Shin Min-a’s long-time hairstylist revealed their wedding invite, and it was a doodle by the actress completed by calligraphy by Kim Woo-bin.
Why fans remember: Because real love doesn’t need drama. It needs trust, respect and patience. It’s a message: some love stories are built on quiet moments, not tabloid chaos.
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Sasha Lim-Uy Mariposa is a lifestyle journalist who is known for her food writing. Based in Manila, she also covers entertainment and dining, as well as a broad range of topics. She was the former digital editor at Esquire Philippines and was the digital managing editor at Spot.ph, and now writes for the different Tatler Asia markets as a contributing writer for T-Labs.
