Top Korean Male Models
Korean men are fit, attractive, and dress fashionably. Much like other aspects of Korean culture, Korean fashion is growing in popularity and at the forefront of this wave are the Korean models (and the attractive Korean male models). On top of that, the international fashion scene is showing an increased appreciation for Asian models. At home or abroad, Korean models are making great achievements.
Be it posing for Korean brands or striding down the catwalk for foreign ones, these hot Korean male models look unique and versatile. Some look cute and boyish, some are edgy and more traditionally masculine, and they all make our hearts beat a little faster.
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Top Korean Male Models
It’s difficult to pick between the many great Korean male models that are currently active in Korea and abroad. Korea has modeling academies and Korean models undergo meticulous training in every aspect of their career. It’s no surprise so many Korean models are appearing on international runways.
Here are some of our picks for top Korean male models:
1. Dae Na (나대혁)
Dae Na is a NewYork based professional model who’s been mainly working outside of Korea. Some sources mention him as the first Korean to ever rank on Models.com.
Dae Na looks sharp and can rock versatile styles. He has been very active and has modelled for many labels. Some of his clients include Armani Exchange, United Colors of Benetton, and Tom Ford. In addition, his portfolio is also astonishing with print work for Esquire, GQ Taiwan, Man of the World, and L’Officiel Hommes Germany.
2. Soo Hyuk Lee (이수혁)
Next on our list is the popular actor/model, Lee Soo Hyuk. He first debuted as a model in 2006 and soon after became popular with the designers because of his thin body and pale skin (giving him a distinct look).
He has worked as a model for famous Korean fashion brands including the Knit Company, General Idea, and Song Zio. He has also done several cover shoots for well-known fashion magazines such as GQ, Bazaar, and Elle.
In 2013, he started his acting career with titles such as High School King of Savvy and Scholar Who Walks the Night.
3. Sang Woo Kim (김상우)
Sang Woo Kim is another internationally renowned Korean male model. The stunning model was born in Seoul and raised in the UK. Having studied fine arts, he is also an artist and deals with themes related to identity and belonging as a first-generation immigrant.
He started his modelling career as a way to fund his studies. He is the first Korean male model to walk for Burberry in AW14. He has appeared in campaigns for brands including Diesel, DKNY, and Dolce and Gabbana. As a model and an artist, Sang Woo Kim has gained a respectable status in the public sphere.
4. Sung Jin Park (박성진)
Sung Jin Park is a multi-talented Korean male model and rapper. He debuted as a model in 2010 after graduating from modelling school. He’s a driven person who follows up on his personal visions. As a result, he’s been able to stand out from the crowd and become a popular model and musician.
He has modelled for many brands, such as Hermès, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, UNIQLO, and Calvin Klein. He’s also ranked on models.com and gained attention in the international scene.
To top it all off, he eventually released the clothing line “Silencion” based on his personal favorite sportswear concept.
He’s currently part of a rap duo under the Korean hip-hop label “Just Music”.
5. Tae Min Park (박태민)
Tae Min Park is a professional fashion model who debuted in 2016. The Busan-born model has quickly risen to stardom, and in 2020 he was a runner-up for the male model of the year award.
The young model has walked the runway for brands such as Prada, Dior, Lacoste, Boss, and Calvin Klein. He’s been cast for Prada advertising campaigns as well.
In 2020 he was on the cover of Dazed Korea, clad in Fendi. In the colorful photoshoot, he even rocked a floral headpiece. The versatile model is quickly becoming a name to look out for.
6. Ki Yong Jang (장기용)
Born in 1992, Ulsan, Jang Ki Yong is a South Korean model and actor. The story goes that he was inspired to become a model after seeing runway videos of Lee Soo Hyuk inspiring him to pursue the study of modelling and acting in university. He began his modelling career in 2012.
When he started modeling, he was known for a boy-like image which he feared would prevent him from succeeding in the career. In the following years, he’s worked hard at attaining a versatile image and has become a capable model.
In 2014, he debuted as an actor in the popular K-drama “It’s Okay, It’s Love” and has continued to appear on the small screen ever since.
7. Noma Han (노마)
Noma is another internationally active male Korean model. He carries a bad-boy type image and has worked with many Korean and foreign brands such as Calvin Klein Jeans, Jill Stuart, Kenneth Cole, Lane Crawford, Able Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger Denim, Kenzo, Lacoste, Public School, and Dolce & Gabbana.
He has a refreshing style with constantly changing looks and is known for his interesting facial expressions. A look through his Instagram page reveals the wide variety of projects (fashion and non-fashion) that he is active in.
8. Min Seok Lee (이민석)
Min Seok Lee is an up and coming Korean male model who debuted in 2019. He is working internationally and has made a name in Beijing and Milan. During high school, he resided in China where he decided to enter a modeling academy.
In an interview, he expressed that he did not expect to be successful on the international scene because the Asian models who are highly regarded tend to have unique looks and charisma. However, upon his first season, he received a positive response from the designers who praised his cute and beautiful features.
He has worked in fashion shows for Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Prada, Gucci, and many other well-known brands.
9. Xu Meen (수민)
You might not have guessed that he is Korean by looking at the romanization of his name, but Xu Meen is a Korean male model who is ranking in the top 50 list of Models.com. The story goes that he was cast on the street by a passing fashion director. Xu Meen debuted as a model abroad and has become known for his unique look. In the international scene, he is admired for his enigmatic androgynous beauty.
He’s worked with clients such as Lanvin, Kenzo, Boss, Moncler, and Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has also modelled mannequins for its stores all over the world after Xu Meen’s body.
10. Jae Hyung Ahn (안재형)
Don’t mistake him with the similarly named actor. Jae Hyung Ahn is a stunning Korean model who walks the runways in major international fashion centres, even though he is a new face who debuted in 2020.
He’s walked the runway for brands such as Emporio Armani, Givenchy, and Thom Browne. He believes that there is fierce competition between the Asian models who are active abroad. But he hopes to be able to maintain his success as a model by mutually supporting other Korean models. He does not see himself as a person who will only do modeling and dreams of launching his own brand someday.
11. Seung Chan Lee (이승찬)
Seung Chan Lee first debuted as a model in Korea in 2015 however he was not able to become fully active until 2019. After building his career in Korea, he finally debuted internationally in 2020. He’s described as a model with a “baby face” and clear light-coloured skin. He has worked with clients such as Givenchy, Kenzo, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, and Wooyoungmi.
Much like his image, he is a kind and polite young man who is both grateful towards the other Korean models who have paved the path and he wishes to work hard and further improve the recognition of Korean models in the international scene.
12. Chil Du Kim (김칠두)
We could not finish this list without mentioning Chil Du Kim. He began modelling in 2016 and soon caught everyone’s attention with his unique style, confident presence, and amazing facial hair.
Korea has strict social norms when it comes to aging and how people of different ages should live. This has led to many senior actors and models becoming invisible as they age.
But recently, thanks to the handsome presence of new senior public figures such as Chil Du Kim, there has been a push towards age positivity.
He’s walked the runway on Seoul Fashion Week and has done many magazine covers. He’s dreaming of becoming the first Korean senior to become active as an international model. Chil Du Kim is the prime example that it’s never too late to follow up on your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some famous male Korean models include Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Jong Suk, and Park Seo Joon. These models have also transitioned into successful acting careers.
Generally, male Korean models are expected to be at least 6 feet tall and have a slim, toned physique. They should also have symmetrical facial features and clear skin.
The male Korean modeling industry is extremely competitive, with thousands of young men vying for a limited number of spots. Models must not only have the right physical attributes but also possess the charisma and charm needed to stand out in a crowded field. Additionally, many models also face pressure to maintain their looks and stay in top physical shape.
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Do you have any questions about the best Korean male models? Have any other male Korean models that you want to recommend? Let us know in the comment section below.
Written by Nahid Tehari
