Actress Shin Min-a recently shared the fascinating story behind how she first entered the entertainment industry as a teen model.
Appearing on the YouTube channel ‘Lee Eun-ji’ in an episode titled “(Even though I’m directionless) The pretty gumiho Shin Min-a walking proudly anywhere,” the star opened up about her early career beginnings.
When host Lee Eun-ji asked what made her choose an acting career, Shin Min-a explained, “I actually didn’t debut through acting. In 1998, I started out as an exclusive model for the teen magazine ‘Kiki’. After that, I filmed Sung Si-kyung’sβwait, Cho Sung-mo’s music video for ‘To Heaven’ (As I Know), and then naturally transitioned into acting through the movie ‘Volcano High’.”
Curious about her origins, Lee Eun-ji asked, “Did you become a ‘Kiki’ model because everyone in your neighborhood kept telling you that you were ‘pretty’ and ‘looked like a celebrity’? How did you become a model in the first place?”
Shin Min-a recalled, “Modeling was a massive trend back then. Magazines like ‘Kiki’ and ‘CeCi’ featured many young teen models, and I applied as well, ending up taking first place and starting my activities.”
Reflecting on winning first place for the very first time in her life, she added with a laugh, “After starting modeling, I didn’t have to go to school as often. Debuting in the second year of middle school at such a young age, skipping school for work felt like a special vacation or a form of rebellion. I was so happy.”
When asked if she ever regrets debuting at such a young age, Shin Min-a humorously misspoke before clarifying, “Sometimes I do. I wish I could’ve experienced things like late-night self-study sessions at school.”
