In her upcoming Netflix series Still Shining, Kim Min-ju takes on her first leading drama role as Mo Eun-ah, a character whose journey spans the bright optimism of youth and the quiet resilience forged through years of hardship. The romantic melodrama traces a teenage love story that ends in separation, only for the two leads to cross paths again a decade later—now shaped by loss, time, and personal growth—as they rediscover the enduring light each still holds for the other.
Kim Min-ju plays Mo Eun-ah, once a hotelier and now the dedicated manager of an aging traditional Korean guesthouse. Her character radiates genuine enthusiasm and unwavering passion in every pursuit, whether embracing the thrill of first love or quietly carrying the weight of past sorrow. Thoughtful, warm, and deeply devoted to those she cares about, Mo Eun-ah represents a rare purity that remains compelling even through life's inevitable trials.
The actress spoke warmly about what drew her to the project. “I loved the warmth that ‘Still Shining’ conveys. I was drawn to the way Yeon Tae-seo (Park Jin-young) and Mo Eun-ah love each other for who they are, cherish one another, and grow together.” She continued, explaining her early connection to the role: "What stood out to me was how sincere she is about the people and things she loves, and how she always gives her best. I think that kind of purity makes her very charming.”
To portray Mo Eun-ah’s transformation across different life stages, Kim Min-ju paid close attention to subtle shifts in performance. “To express how her personality changes after going through various experiences, I tried to adjust my tone of voice and the way I spoke. I also experimented with different styling choices,” she said. Yet she remained mindful of the traits that define the character at her core. “At the same time, I thought a lot about what aspects of ‘Mo Eun Ah’ would remain unchanged even as she grows older.” This careful balance allowed her to show a woman whose fundamental sincerity and passion endure, even as she matures and faces new realities.
Kim Min-ju highlighted the series’ ability to speak to a wide audience. "From a fresh and refreshing romance to very realistic stories, I think this is a drama that everyone can relate to. Because of that, viewers will be able to see it from their own perspectives and have many conversations about it. Please show lots of anticipation and interest.” By weaving tender reunion moments with grounded, everyday struggles, Still Shining invites viewers to reflect on their own paths through love, heartbreak, second chances, and personal evolution.
Still Shining premieres exclusively on Netflix on March 6, 2026, with new episodes dropping every Friday. The 10-episode series will also broadcast on JTBC in Korea starting the same date at 8:50 p.m. KST.
Netflix recently released a trailer for Still Shining:
