Actress Shin Hyun-bin (38) is enchanting audiences as a real-life Cinderella in the Coupang Play series Cinderella at 2 AM. Debuting on the 24th of last month, she takes on the role of Yoon-seo, a woman who opts for separation over fairy-tale romance, showcasing a refreshing take on an older woman-younger man relationship.
Cinderella at 2 AM (written by Oh Eun-ji and directed by Seo Min-jung and Bae Hee-young) is an office romantic comedy that follows the journey of a capable woman who decides to end her relationship with a perfect chaebol man. In a recent interview with Sports Chosun, Shin Hyun-bin shared, “It was enjoyable watching the show, and while it felt similar to my previous work, there was also something new about it. The endless scenarios in the series allowed me to tackle each scene individually, which I believe contributed to its engaging portrayal.”
Shin Hyun-bin’s on-screen romance with Moon Sang-min, who is 14 years her junior, brought a unique dynamic. She reflected, “Initially, we were both a bit shy, which made interactions awkward. He would often look down while speaking, leaving me unsure of where to direct my gaze. However, he was very forthcoming about our chemistry, and I found him to be genuinely fun to work with.”
She further described Moon Sang-min as someone who occasionally says things that seem out of character for his age, and noted, “He often uses outdated expressions and is surprised by old songs, which I find amusing. His occasional unconventional remarks make our interactions more comfortable and enjoyable.”
In terms of their on-screen chemistry, Shin Hyun-bin and Moon Sang-min captivated viewers with their noticeable height difference. She noted, “I’ve worked with many tall actors, but this is the first time I’ve partnered with someone who is 190 cm tall. Being 168 cm myself, I wore heeled shoes to compensate, but even then, the height difference was significant. Sang-min often remarked on my height, which made me feel a bit self-conscious (laughs). When not filming, I had to wear his special shoes to keep the height disparity manageable.”
Recalling the kiss scene, Shin Hyun-bin expressed confidence in Moon Sang-min’s abilities, despite his relatively short acting career. “I believed he would perform naturally and well, given his talent. I aimed to create a comfortable environment to bring out the best in him and was pleased with the positive response he received from viewers.”
This role marks Shin Hyun-bin’s first romantic comedy in 15 years since her debut. She remarked, “I felt it was a good choice, as the series offers a mix of romantic comedy and serious moments. The story resonates with realistic issues faced by women in their 30s, and the fresh twists on romantic comedy clichés added to its appeal.”
Despite her enthusiasm, Shin Hyun-bin admitted to some concerns about the acting aspects. “I worried that while the role might seem like a positive change, it could also come across as unfamiliar to viewers. Nevertheless, I felt it was important to challenge myself with a romantic comedy now, rather than waiting further.”
Previously, Shin Hyun-bin starred in a romantic drama with Jung Woo-sung, who is 13 years her senior. She commented, “Age differences don’t really concern me. When I shared my involvement in this project with friends, they encouraged me to embrace the diversity in age, both vertically and horizontally. I appreciate their support and am grateful for the opportunity.”
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