Shin Min Ah returns to the screen with a fresh and fearless performance

AKP STAFF

Shin Min-ah, affectionately known as the "Rom-Com Queen," is making her highly anticipated return to the small screen with the tvN X TVING original drama Because I Hate to Lose. At the online production presentation held on the 19th, director Kim Jung-sik and actors Shin Min-a, Kim Young-dae, Lee Sang-yi, and Han Ji-hyun were present to introduce the new series.

"A Soft and Warm Story"

Because I Hate to Lose (written by Kim Hye-young, directed by Kim Jung-sik, produced by CJ ENM Studios and Bon Factory) tells the story of Son Hae-young (played by Shin Min-a), a woman who hates to lose, and Kim Ji-wook (played by Kim Young-dae), a man who becomes her fake groom to avoid causing trouble. The drama is described as a "zero-sum romance" where the two characters try to come out even in love.

The series brings together a powerhouse team with director Kim Jung-sik, known for Drinking Solo Season 1 and Strong Woman Gangnam Soon, and writer Kim Hye-young, who penned Her Private Life. Director Kim introduced the drama, saying, "'Because I Hate to Lose' is a fun, soft, and warm love story. It’s full of touching and relatable moments, and the relationships between the characters are particularly noteworthy. The story is grounded in reality, making it all the more engaging."

He added, "What I found most attractive about this project is how the characters express what they often keep bottled up inside. The satisfaction of finally saying what they really feel is something I think viewers will appreciate. We tackle a variety of themes in this drama, from the reluctance to be a burden on others to the fear of losing out, as well as stories about love, family, and personal growth. Each character's journey is intertwined, creating a rich and enjoyable narrative."

Shin Min-a’s Transformation

Shin Min-a, who has solidified her status as an irreplaceable figure in romantic comedies with hits like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Our Blues, takes on the role of Son Hae-young, a character who meticulously calculates the cost-benefit of love and life. Facing the prospect of losing a promotion at work, Hae-young orchestrates a fake wedding to avoid the setback. Through this role, Shin Min-a not only brings her signature charm but also showcases a bolder, more uninhibited side, including delivering 19+ rated profanity-laden lines and comedic performances.

"The script was just too good to pass up," Shin Min-a explained. "The characters are well-defined, and the story has a clear message. I was drawn to the human element within the relationships depicted in the drama. Although the connections between the characters might seem lighthearted, they’re deeply intertwined, and I believe the audience will find themselves moved by them. As I read the script, I found myself naturally following the character's journey, and I wanted to explore a character with such a clear sense of purpose."

Shin Min-a also spoke about the challenges of delivering comedic lines that include profanity, a new experience for her. "The script was bold and straightforward, with a lot of honest, refreshing dialogue. I was initially worried about how to make these scenes funny yet realistic, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. The use of profanity actually helped convey the character's feelings more accurately, making the scenes even more enjoyable. I hope viewers can relate to Hae-young’s struggles and emotions as much as I did."

A Star-Studded Cast

Kim Young-dae, who plays the male lead, Kim Ji-wook, shared his excitement about the project: "When I first read the script, I was struck by how realistic and relatable the dialogue was. I’ve always admired director Kim’s work, so it was an honor to be a part of this project. And of course, the opportunity to work with Shin Min-a was something I couldn’t pass up."

Lee Sang-yi, who portrays a character named Bok Kyu-hyun, expressed his enthusiasm: "I was intrigued by how the relationships evolve throughout the story. It’s fascinating to see how Kyu-hyun changes after meeting Ji-hyun, played by Han Ji-hyun. Director Kim’s previous works were so well-paced, and I was eager to work with him."

Han Ji-hyun, who also stars in the drama, admitted her excitement about working with Shin Min-a: "When I first read the script, I was immediately curious about how the story would unfold. The script was so engaging, and when director Kim asked me to join, I was thrilled. It was an honor to work alongside Shin Min-a, who has been an inspiration to me."

Director’s Vision

Director Kim Jung-sik shared his thoughts on the casting process: "While reading the script, I couldn’t picture anyone else but Shin Min-a in the role of Son Hae-young. She was simply irreplaceable. The story revolves around how far Hae-young is willing to go to avoid losing out, and by the end, you’ll understand her journey. As for Kim Young-dae, he perfectly balances warmth and intensity, making him ideal for the role. Lee Sang-yi’s character is very complex, requiring a strong actor to bring him to life, which is why I chose him. Han Ji-hyun was a revelation—I cast her within 10 minutes of seeing her audition. She’s incredibly sweet and lovable, like the daughter you’d wish for."

Relationships at the Core

Because I Hate to Lose is not just about romance but also delves into the dynamics of relationships. "We focused on character interactions," explained Director Kim. "These aren’t one-dimensional characters—they cry, laugh, walk, and run. We aimed to show genuine, endearing qualities rather than just pretending to be charming or cute."

The cast also highlighted the drama’s focus on relationships. Han Ji-hyun noted, "The family ties explored in the series are especially touching." Lee Sang-yi added, "The drama showcases various types of relationships—couples, married couples, siblings, and more. The changes these relationships undergo are fascinating to watch." Kim Young-dae emphasized, "The realistic dialogue adds to the relatability, making it a key point for viewers."

Shin Min-a wrapped up by saying, "As a romantic comedy, the fake marriage and office romance between my character and Kim Young-dae’s will be a major highlight. But beyond that, the love stories involving Lee Sang-yi and Han Ji-hyun’s characters are also compelling. I hope viewers will enjoy seeing how each couple’s love story unfolds in its own unique way."