Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae offered fans a glimpse into the depth of their characters in the romantic comedy No Gain, No Love, where they play Son Hae-yeong, a determined office worker, and Kim Ji-uk, a convenience store worker. The drama revolves around their unlikely relationship, which begins with a fake marriage born out of desperation, but eventually evolves into genuine love.
Shin Min-ah reflected on her character, Hae-yeong, admitting that taking on this role made her more aware of how often she questions her own situation. “I’ve started to consciously ask myself, ‘Am I really losing out here?’” she shared, explaining how portraying Hae-yeong has encouraged her to assess her own life more deeply.
Kim Young-dae, who plays the calm and composed Ji-uk, found his character’s tendency to avoid conflict relatable, stating, “Ji-uk hates causing trouble for others and prefers to take the damage himself.” He explained that playing this role made him reflect on how considerate he is towards others, adding that Ji-uk’s self-sacrificing nature was a valuable lesson for him.
Both actors found personal connections to their characters. For Kim, portraying Ji-uk reminded him of a childhood memory, working at his relative’s fried chicken restaurant, which taught him how hard it is to earn a living. For Shin, Hae-yeong’s strong-willed and determined personality was both admirable and relatable. Despite Hae-yeong’s “calculating” nature, Shin emphasized that her character’s actions stem from a desire to secure her place in the workplace.
Shin concluded by saying that playing Hae-yeong taught her the importance of taking breaks, urging her character—and others like her—to slow down and enjoy life more. “It’s okay to slow down, take a breather, and reflect on yourself so you can enjoy life more,” she advised.
No Gain, No Love also stars Lee Sang-yi and Han Ji-hyun, who will lead the spinoff Spice Up Our Love.