Shin Min-a

Shin Min-a Profile and Filmography — From Gumiho to Empress Navier in The Remarried Empress

Born on April 5, 1984, Shin Min-a began her career as a model before making her acting debut in 2001 with the film Volcano High and the television drama Beautiful Days. In 2026, she took on consecutive high-profile roles, starring as Empress Navier in Disney+'s The Remarried Empress and portraying twin sisters in the film Eyes. While long recognized as a quintessential rom-com favorite, her choices in recent years mark a striking departure from that sunny image.

Quick Facts

Empress Navier in The Remarried Empress

In The Remarried Empress, Shin Min-a plays Navier, the Empress of the Eastern Empire. After the Emperor falls for the runaway slave Rashta, Navier agrees to a divorce—on the condition that she is granted permission to remarry Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom. Episodes 1 through 4 premiered on November 3, 2026, with two new episodes dropping every Wednesday across its 10-episode run. For the release schedule and character relationships, check out The Remarried Empress Guide. The series co-stars Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young.

What to Watch: Best Roles by Genre

For newcomers, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is widely recommended as the easiest entry point. Following dentist Yoon Hye-jin's relocation to a charming seaside village, it offers an instantly engaging, heartwarming watch. In contrast, her portrayal of Min Seon-ah in Our Blues reveals a completely different side of her craft, exploring the quiet struggles of a character living with depression.

Shifting Gears: 2025 and Beyond

In the 2025 Netflix series Karma, she portrayed Lee Joo-yeon, a trauma-scarred physician driven by vengeance. Released on June 24, 2026, the suspense thriller Eyes—based on the Spanish film Julia's Eyes—saw her pull off her first big-screen dual role, simultaneously playing Seo-jin, a photographer gradually losing her vision, and her twin sister Seo-in.

Looking across these recent projects, the trajectory is unmistakable. By diving into gritty revenge, psychological thrillers, and grand imperial fantasy, she has steadily broken free from the confines of standard romantic comedy.

Notable Film Roles

Her filmography features several standout titles, including A Bittersweet Life (2005), Go Go 70s (2008), Gyeongju (2014), and Diva (2020). In Go Go 70s, she stood out as Mimi against the backdrop of the 1970s rock scene, while Gyeongju showcased her nuanced presence in a contemplative indie piece directed by Zhang Lu. With Diva, she took her first bold step as a thriller lead, playing competitive diver Yi-young.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Shin Min-a play in The Remarried Empress? She stars as Navier, the Empress of the Eastern Empire.

What is her official Instagram account? Her verified handle is @illusomina.

What kind of movie is Eyes? It is a suspense thriller about uncovering the truth behind a twin sister's death, released on June 24, 2026.

Where can I find more related guides? Check out the drama schedule in The Remarried Empress Guide, and explore other profiles on the Actors page.

Sources

• TopStarNews, The Remarried Empress release schedule & cast (2026-11-02): https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=16265747
• The Fact, Eyes production press conference (2026-05-26): https://news.tf.co.kr/read/ogmeta/2326135.htm
• MyDaily, Eyes dual role coverage: https://www.mydaily.co.kr/page/view/2026052611001670399
• Wikipedia filmography (years and roles cross-referenced): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Min-a

Last verified: November 6, 2026.