Cover Whether she is navigating the high-stakes world of politics or capturing the nuance of a quiet seaside romance, Shin Min-a’s performances consistently define the landscape of Korean television (Photo: Jihyeong Seo/Netflix © 2025)
Whether she is navigating the high-stakes world of politics or capturing the nuance of a quiet seaside romance, Shin Min-a’s performances consistently define the landscape of Korean television (Photo: Jihyeong Seo/Netflix © 2025)
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Dive into the impressive career of Shin Min-a with our guide to twelve must-watch dramas for every K-drama fan
Shin Min-a occupies a distinct space in the South Korean entertainment industry. Since beginning her career as a model in the late nineties, she has established a body of work that reflects a commitment to diverse characterisation rather than a single genre. Her filmography reveals a progression from early supporting roles to leading performances that anchor complex narratives. Whether tackling lighthearted romance or intense thrillers, her approach to acting remains grounded. This collection of twelve television shows highlights her range and provides a roadmap for viewers looking to explore her career. From high-concept fantasies to grounded human dramas, these productions represent the consistency she brings to the screen.
Read more: 7 short K-dramas under 12 episodes you can finish in one weekend, from thrillers to rom-coms
‘Karma’ (2025)
Above Shin Min-a anchors this gritty exploration of morality and debt where a single accident pulls six lives into a spiral
This crime thriller weaves a dark web involving six individuals whose lives collide in the wake of a hit-and-run incident. The narrative explores the desperate fallout as these strangers find themselves bound by a debt-driven murder plot and the ensuing moral decay. Shin Min-a plays the role of Ju-yeon, navigating the high-stakes tension alongside Park Hae-soo. This production is currently available to stream on Netflix.
‘No Gain No Love’ (2024)
Above A smart take on modern convenience, this show features Shin Min-a in a fake marriage born from a desire for a promotion
In this pragmatic romantic comedy, a woman chooses to enter a fake marriage to ensure she does not lose a promotion at her high-pressure job. The story follows her unlikely partnership with a part-time convenience store worker who seeks to avoid conflict at all costs. Shin Min-a delivers a sharp performance as the ambitious Son Hae-young, starring opposite Kim Young-dae. You can find this series on TVING and Prime Video.
‘Our Blues’ (2022)
Above Set against the backdrop of Jeju, this series provides a raw look at interconnected lives featuring Shin Min-a at her best
Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Jeju Island, this omnibus-style drama captures the bittersweet and triumphant moments in the lives of various residents. The show masterfully balances multiple character arcs to paint a complete picture of human resilience. Shin Min-a provides a poignant portrayal of Min Seon-a, a woman struggling with depression, alongside co-star Lee Byung-hun. This title is available to stream on Netflix.
‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (2021)
Above This balanced romance captures the friction and eventual harmony between a local and the dentist played by Shin Min-a
When a perfectionist dentist from the city decides to open a clinic in a scenic seaside village, she encounters a local handyman who operates by his own set of rules. Their contrasting philosophies provide the foundation for a slow-burn romance that feels authentic. Shin Min-a shines as the protagonist Yoon Hye-jin, sharing the screen with Kim Seon-ho. The show is available to watch on Netflix.
‘Chief of Staff’ (2019)
Above The high-stakes world of national politics is laid bare as Shin Min-a navigates the power players within the assembly
This political drama pulls back the curtain on the cutthroat world of the National Assembly where power is the only currency. The narrative focuses on the ruthless machinations of aides and lawmakers as they manoeuvre through legislative battles. Shin Min-a steps into a challenging role as the determined politician Kang Sun-young, acting alongside Lee Jung-jae. The entire series is available for viewing on Netflix.
‘Tomorrow With You’ (2017)
Above Time travel acts as the catalyst for love in this narrative where Shin Min-a helps a man race to change his grim future
The story follows a wealthy time traveller who discovers he is destined for an unhappy future. He decides to marry a photographer in an attempt to change his fate, only to find that their relationship becomes the core of his life. Shin Min-a portrays the optimistic Song Ma-rin with Lee Je-hoon playing the complex lead. The production is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
‘Oh My Venus’ (2015-2016)
Above This is a determination-filled journey where the character portrayed by Shin Min-a works to reclaim her physical health
A former high school beauty queen who has prioritised her career over her health finds herself at a personal crossroads. She decides to enlist the help of a world-famous personal trainer to reclaim her physical and mental well-being. Shin Min-a delivers a charming performance as Kang Joo-eun, starring with So Ji-sub. This series is available for streaming on both Netflix and Viki.
‘Tale of A-rang’ (2012)
Above Supernatural intrigue meets historical drama as the ghost character played by Shin Min-a seeks the truth of her death
In this historical fantasy also known as Arang and the Magistrate, a vengeful ghost who has lost all memory of the circumstances surrounding her death encounters a magistrate who has the ability to see spirits. They join forces to solve the mystery of her murder while navigating supernatural dangers. Shin Min-a commands the screen as the title character Arang alongside Lee Joon-gi. The drama is available to view on Viki.
‘My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho’ (2011)
Above Fantasy and charm collide in this story where Shin Min-a portrays a legendary creature freed from an ancient painting
A college student who dreams of becoming a martial arts star finds his life turned upside down when he inadvertently releases a mythical nine-tailed fox from a painting. As she adapts to human life, the two develop an unlikely bond. Shin Min-a plays the titular Gumiho with Lee Seung-gi, creating a memorable dynamic. This classic fantasy romance is available to stream on Viki.
‘The Devil’ (2007)
Above A tense psychological hunt links a detective and a lawyer to a secret involving the character played by Shin Min-a
This intense psychological thriller centres on a dedicated detective and a prominent lawyer who are both caught in a series of murders. They soon discover that these crimes are deeply connected to a shared event from their youth. Shin Min-a provides a haunting performance as Seo Hae-in, the woman who holds the key to the past, with Uhm Tae-woong and Ju Ji-hoon. Watch this mystery on Viki.
‘A Love to Kill’ (2005)
Above Raw emotion defines this dark tale where a man attempts a revenge plan against the actress played by Shin Min-a
A gritty tale of vengeance follows a K-1 fighter who believes a famous actress is responsible for his brother’s tragic downfall. He sets out to destroy her life, only to find himself falling in love instead. Shin Min-a portrays the vulnerable Cha Eun-seok, acting alongside the intense presence of Rain. This drama is currently available for streaming on Viki.
‘Beautiful Days’ (2001)
Above Early career talent is on display as Shin Min-a navigates the cutthroat nature of the music business in this drama
This early melodrama examines the cutthroat music industry and the complex family dynamics that define the lives of its central characters. The story tracks their struggles for professional success and personal connection. Shin Min-a makes an impression as the younger Lee Min-ji, starring with Choi Ji-woo and Lee Byung-hun. The series is available to stream on Viki.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
