Minah Ends Starring TV Role on a High

Many viewers tuned into the final episode of"Beautiful Gong Shim"starringMinahof Girls Day in her first lead role last week.

Before the weekend soap started, there were concerns thatMinahhad little acting experience, but doubters were soon silenced.

The heroine is unemployed and plain and longs for the love and attention her prettier and smarter sister gets from her parents. For a member of a manufactured girl band used to looking her best at all times it was a challenge.

Minahwas naturally compared toHyeri, another member of the same band who played a leading role in the hugely popular soap "Answer Me 1988" early this year. "AsHyeriplayed that role very well, I did feel some pressure and tried harder",Minahadmits.

Before the soap, she says she lacked confidence because she thought she was not as beautiful as other celebrities. But the part changed that.

"Thanks to Gong Shim I came to think okay, I don't need to be beautiful. I just need to be myself", she says. "Even without eyeliner I felt loved, so now I feel I can accept myself as I am and do anything".

Asked why viewers were so drawn to the plain girl,Minahmuses, "Isn't anyone lovable who follows their dream no matter what?"