Ahn Shin-ae’s New Challenge as a Sexy President: “I Feel Like I’m Finally Learning About Life”

Pursuing beauty in the next round of her life

“Golf is no longer my number-one business. Through meeting all kinds of people and listening to what they have to say, I’ve discovered something new that I want to pursue.”

Women’s golfer Ahn Shin-ae (35), who became popular as the “Sexy Queen” thanks to her miniskirts, tight-fitting outfits and stunning figure, flashed me a mischievous smile. She won three tournaments on the Korean tour, including a major, and began competing on the Japanese tour in 2017. Two years after retiring from professional golf in September 2024, she has chosen a surprising career for her second act.

“I launched a skincare brand called ‘MERBEI,’ and now I’m playing the role of its president. When I was still competing, I often thought I could make better sunscreen and cosmetics myself. I was someone who was frequently exposing my skin, after all (laughs). I’d always wanted to try running my own business, and since I was going to do it, I wanted to pursue something I genuinely loved. That’s how I entered the beauty industry.”

After retiring, she immediately began preparing to establish her company. At the same time, she was caring for her father, who was battling cancer. He passed away in May last year. After spending time looking after her mother, who was devastated by the loss, Ahn says it was only this year that she was finally able to focus on her business.

“People often ask me, ‘Do you have a patron?’ But I funded the startup using my earnings from my playing days, including prize money. I oversee product development, of course, and even visit the factories to check the fragrances and ingredients. I started studying everything from scratch because I wanted to create skincare products that I would genuinely want to use myself.”

It has been just over a year since she launched the brand. When asked how sales were going, she smiled and replied, “Why is this so difficult? (laughs)” instead of giving a direct answer. On the golf course, she could rely solely on her own skills, but in business, she cannot move forward without help from others.

“Until now, I’d lived in a world where working hard at practice meant I could earn money. My only opponent was always myself. But business isn’t something you can do alone. Every day, I’m asking lots of people for advice, commissioning work and trying to sell my products.

As a company president, I’m still very much an amateur. I don’t know whether I can become a professional from here. And, going even further, I don’t know whether I can become a legend like Ji-eun Shin onni (Korean for older sister), who has won 30 tournaments on the Japanese tour. That’s exactly why this challenge is worth taking on.”

Everything is a new experience for her, and she has learned a great deal along the way. As Ahn says, “I feel like I’m finally learning what ‘life’ is all about.” Her eyes shine just as brightly as they did during her playing days.

In the November 6 issue of “FRIDAY,” on sale October 23, and its paid edition, “FRIDAY GOLD,” Ahn Shin-ae also speaks candidly about her private life today, revealing whether she has a romantic partner and sharing some unexpected routines she follows in Japan. The feature includes numerous behind-the-scenes photos and further details.

For the full story and more photos, click here↓↓

From the November 6, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”