Why was Shin Min Ah chosen for My Girlfriend is a Gumiho?
What is the story behind Shin Min Ah surpassing Jun Ji Hyun and Shin Se Kyung for the main role in the SBS drama, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho?
Originally, Min Ah was never the first pick for the role. The original plan was for either Jun Ji Hyun, or the hottest star of the MBC sitcom Highkick Through the Roof, Shin Se Kyung, to act out the Gumiho. However due to the burdens of coming back as an actress in a drama, Jun Ji Hyun rejected the offer. While Shin Se Kyung was considered too young to act alongside actor Lee Seung Ki and her image from Highkick Through the Roof might have tarnished the lovable and cute character.
The producer of My Girlfriend is a Gumiho revealed that they chose Shin Min Ah for her CF Queen image. The producer said, “Even though Shin Min Ah gained the CF Queen image from shooting many CFs rather than dramas, for the role of the Gumiho, we wanted someone who did not have a particular image as an actress. When we directly met with her, we felt that she could act out as a Gumiho who had not woken up in 500 years.”
Meanwhile, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is currently scoring 10% in viewer ratings and very popular in other countries.