Kim Min Ju is preparing to greet audiences with her first leading drama role in Still Shining, a youth romance that traces the emotional journey of young people who once shared a world of their own and gradually become each other’s guiding light. As anticipation builds ahead of its premiere, Kim Min Ju has opened up about what drew her to the project and how she approached portraying a character shaped by both warmth and hardship.
In Still Shining, Kim Min Ju takes on the role of Mo Eun Ah, a former hotelier who now manages an old-house stay. Full of enthusiasm and sincerity, Mo Eun Ah embraces everything she loves with unwavering devotion. From the sparkling innocence of first love to the quiet burdens she carries alone, the character navigates life’s challenges with a purity that remains intact even as she matures.
Explaining why she chose Still Shining as her first leading project, Kim Min Ju shared that she was deeply moved by the warmth embedded in the script. She was particularly drawn to the relationship between Yeon Tae Seo, played by Park Jinyoung, and Mo Eun Ah, noting that their love is rooted in accepting one another for who they truly are and growing side by side. According to Kim Min Ju, this emotional authenticity became one of the strongest reasons she felt compelled to join Still Shining.
Reflecting on her initial impression of Mo Eun Ah, Kim Min Ju described the character as someone who gives her all to the people and passions she cherishes. She emphasized that this unwavering sincerity is what makes Mo Eun Ah especially charming. At the same time, portraying the character required careful thought, particularly in illustrating the transition from youthful innocence to a more seasoned adulthood.
To express Mo Eun Ah’s evolution, Kim Min Ju revealed that she adjusted her tone of voice and speech patterns to reflect the character’s changing mindset. Styling choices also played a key role in visualizing the passage of time. However, she was equally mindful of preserving the core qualities that define Mo Eun Ah, ensuring that even as the character grows older, her fundamental warmth and authenticity remain unchanged.
Kim Min Ju concluded by highlighting the relatable nature of Still Shining. She noted that the drama moves from fresh, refreshing romance to deeply realistic storytelling, allowing viewers to interpret the narrative through their own experiences. With Still Shining set to premiere on March 6 at 8:50 p.m. KST, Kim Min Ju expressed hope that audiences will look forward to the journey and engage in meaningful conversations sparked by the series.
