Shin Hye-sun is a highly acclaimed South Korean actress celebrated for her versatility and emotional depth across both television and film. With a career that blossomed from modest beginnings, she has risen to become one of Korea’s most respected and beloved performers. Shin’s acting is widely admired for its sincerity and nuance, often stealing the spotlight even in ensemble casts.
Born on August 31, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea, Shin Hye-sun nurtured a passion for acting from a young age. After graduating from the prestigious Korea National University of Arts with a major in Film Arts, she began her career with minor roles. Her breakout moment came with the 2016 KBS2 drama “Five Enough,” but it was her poignant performance in the drama “My Golden Life” (2017–2018) that skyrocketed her to fame. The show reached record-breaking viewership ratings, solidifying her as a leading lady in the industry.
Shin is best known for starring in hit series like “Still 17” (2018), where her portrayal of a woman who wakes up from a coma after 13 years captivated audiences, and “Mr. Queen” (2020–2021), a historical-fantasy comedy where she brilliantly played a Joseon-era queen inhabited by the soul of a modern-day man. The role showcased her comedic timing and incredible range, earning her widespread critical acclaim.
Apart from television, Shin has taken on film roles such as in “Innocence” (2020), where she played a lawyer defending her estranged mother in a murder trial. Her dedication to crafting authentic characters and her refusal to be typecast have made her a favorite among directors and fans alike.
Despite her celebrity status, Shin remains grounded, known for her quiet lifestyle and deep commitment to her craft. She continues to challenge herself with diverse roles and is poised to take on even more ambitious projects in the years to come.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Shin Hye-sun |
| Other/Nickname | Queen of Melodrama |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1989 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Virgo |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 172 cm (5’8”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 50 kg |
| Body Measurements | 33-24-34 |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A (Rumored: Kim Jung-hyun during “Mr. Queen”) |
| Dating | None confirmed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local schools in Seoul |
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Film Arts |
Controversies
Shin Hye-sun has maintained a remarkably clean public image and is known for her professionalism and humility. However, some minor controversy arose in early 2021 when fans speculated about her off-screen chemistry with “Mr. Queen” co-star Kim Jung-hyun, but both actors maintained that they were only colleagues. The speculation never escalated and was largely dismissed by fans and media alike.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Kimchi stew, sashimi |
| Favorite Movie | “The Notebook” |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Color | White |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe | Local boutique cafes in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | COS, Zara |
| Favorite Book | “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Approx. $50,000 per episode |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million USD |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Known |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Shin Hye-sun |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @shinhs831 |
Personal quote:
“Acting is not about pretending to be someone else; it’s about finding yourself in someone completely different.”
Early Life and Career:
Shin Hye-sun was drawn to the performing arts from an early age and pursued her passion through formal education at Korea National University of Arts. She initially faced a slow start with minor roles in dramas like “School 2013,” but she steadily built a reputation for her solid acting skills and quiet charisma.
Her breakthrough came with “Five Enough” (2016), where she charmed viewers with her bubbly character. She followed this with “Stranger” (2017), “My Golden Life” (2017), and “Still 17” (2018), each one proving her growth and range. By the time she starred in “Mr. Queen,” she had established herself as an elite performer capable of both comedy and intense drama. Her performance in the 2020 film “Innocence” further solidified her cinematic presence.
Current life/Events:
As of 2025, Shin Hye-sun remains in high demand. She most recently starred in the 2024 romantic drama “Tell Me That You Love Me,” opposite Jung Woo-sung, where she played a deaf artist—earning accolades for her expressive, dialogue-free performance. She is also rumored to be cast in an upcoming thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, marking her biggest leap into internationally anticipated cinema.
Facts:
Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Shin Hye-sun:
- She originally wanted to become a singer before turning to acting.
- Shin auditioned for more than 50 roles before landing her breakout performance.
- She’s known for rarely using body doubles and does many of her own stunts.
- Despite her elegant image, she loves action and thriller genres.
- She plays the piano and enjoys classical music in her spare time.
- She is a perfectionist on set and is known to rehearse endlessly.
- Her fans lovingly call her “Nation’s Emotion Queen” due to her expressive acting style.
- She keeps her private life extremely guarded and prefers solitude over nightlife.
- Shin once said she would love to direct films in the future.
