Shin Min Ah, known affectionately as the “Romantic Comedy Queen,” has once again proven why she holds this title, bringing her signature charm and depth to the small screen with her latest role in tvN’s and TVING’s drama, No Gain No Love.
The show, which concluded on October 1st, highlighted her evolution as an actress, allowing her to portray Son Hae-young, a dynamic character who navigates life through a lens of practical calculation, balanced by undeniable emotional warmth. In this role, Shin Min Ah embraced both her character’s bold decisions and vulnerabilities, earning praise from viewers who resonated with the humanity and relatability she brought to the character.
No Gain No Love tells the story of a “zero-profit and zero-loss” romance, centering on Hae-young, a woman who enters into a marriage, not out of love but to avoid losing, and a man who becomes her fake groom to avoid causing harm.
Shin Min Ah’s portrayal of Hae-young, a woman who is constantly calculating who and what is a “loss” in any given situation, could have easily made the character seem unlikable or too self-serving. However, her nuanced performance allowed viewers to see beyond the surface and understand the character’s motivations, making her feel more empathetic and real.
Reflecting on the show’s finale, Shin Min Ah admitted to feeling bittersweet now that the project has wrapped up. Having filmed a year ago, she said it felt like she had been living with Hae-young for the past year while watching the original broadcast. The emotional depth of the final scenes, especially those involving Hae-young’s mother’s death, had a profound impact on Shin Min Ah, who explained that she wanted to convey those emotions in a way that felt genuine and reflective of her character’s journey.
She appreciated how the drama touched on themes of foster family love and believed the show’s conclusion, which saw Hae-young and her partner Ji-wook separate after their fake marriage, was the right outcome. She sympathized with the decision, feeling that their separation was a natural development after everything Hae-young had been through.
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Discussing the future of her character, Shin Min Ah imagined that Hae-young’s business would likely thrive, continuing her streak of success thanks to her strong crisis management skills. She expressed a deep fondness for the character, admiring Hae-young’s ability to navigate tough situations with wisdom and confidence. The character’s resilience and practicality were qualities Shin Min-a found inspiring, and she believes Hae-young would handle any future challenges with grace.
When asked about why she was drawn to No Gain No Love, Shin Min Ah said she felt an immediate connection with the script. Despite initial concerns that a character focused on not wanting to lose might come across as selfish, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that Hae-young’s approach to life was mature and self-assured.
Rather than being driven by greed, Hae-young’s calculations were rooted in a desire to maintain balance and protect herself. Shin Min Ah found this aspect of the character refreshing and relatable, noting that Hae-young’s honesty and straightforwardness were qualities she appreciated. These elements made Hae-young stand out from typical romantic comedy protagonists.
One of the character’s standout moments, according to her, was Hae-young’s defiant statement to her teacher, “Hate is a loss for the one who gives it, not the one who receives it.” This line, spoken during a difficult period in Hae-young’s life after her father’s death, reflects the character’s inner strength and her determination to protect herself without causing harm to others. Shin Min Ah admired Hae-young’s proactive nature and ability to face challenges head-on, particularly in moments where the character’s actions—such as faking a marriage—demonstrated her willingness to go to great lengths to achieve her goals.
Regarding her performance, she felt a high level of synchronization with Hae-young, especially by the end of the drama. She noted that while portraying the character, she could empathize with her and felt that their connection deepened as the series progressed. She also put significant effort into making sure Hae-young’s emotions felt authentic, particularly in scenes where the character expressed frustration or swore. These moments were key in bringing Hae-young’s personality to life, and Shin Min-a took pride in how natural and real those scenes felt to audiences. She was particularly pleased with how the comedic elements of the show were received, believing that the balance between humor and emotion was executed well.
Shin Min Ah’s chemistry with co-star Kim Young Dae, who played Ji-wook, was also a highlight of the show. Despite their age difference, Shin Min-a felt no discomfort in their scenes together, crediting the characters’ dynamic for allowing them to maintain a professional distance throughout the series. This tension, which was unique for a romantic comedy, added an extra layer of complexity to their relationship and was something that resonated with older female viewers in particular.
Sharing about her enduring love for romantic comedies, Shin Min Ah expressed her deep fondness for the genre. She enjoys the sense of fun and lightness that comes with these roles, as well as the opportunity to play with the familiar structures of romantic comedy while adding new twists. This passion for the genre has been a major factor in her career success, as audiences continue to remember and appreciate her performances in these types of stories. Nevertheless, she’s equally excited about branching out into different genres. After No Gain No Love, Shin Min Ah transitioned into filming a thriller, demonstrating her desire to challenge herself with new roles and experiences.
Her next project promises to show a completely different side of the actress. Having started filming shortly after finishing No Gain No Love, she is eager for viewers to see her tackle a darker, more intense role. However, she is looking forward to taking a much-needed break. After working non-stop for the past few years, she plans to use this time to relax, travel, and possibly pick up new hobbies. Despite her love for acting, she acknowledges that it’s important to recharge and focus on her well-being after long periods of work.
Though Shin Min Ah admits to being somewhat of a workaholic, she finds joy in each new project, whether it’s a success or a challenge. The thrill of bringing different characters to life and exploring new facets of her craft continues to motivate her. She’s also aware of the evolving state of the entertainment industry, noting the decline in TV programming and production compared to previous years. Despite this, she remains grateful for the opportunities she’s had and is committed to working even harder in the face of these challenges.
Looking back on her career, which began in her teens, she reflected on how her perspective has shifted over the years. In her 20s, she was driven by a sense of impatience and ambition, always striving for success. Now, in her 40s, she’s more focused on taking things at a slower pace, trusting in herself, and maintaining her passion for acting. Going forward, Shin Min Ah hopes to continue exploring different sides of herself and bringing a diverse range of characters to life. She’s determined to approach each project with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has defined her career thus far.
When asked about her long-term relationship with fellow actor Kim Woo Bin, she shared that while there are no immediate plans for marriage, she would share any good news when the time comes. For now, her focus remains on her career and embracing the opportunities ahead, both in romantic comedies and beyond.
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