[Professional Interview] Meet model and photographer Hojin Lee
hello. Spotlight, where brands and talent meet. The presence of a model is essential to make your brand more appealing and emphasize your identity. Today, models from all over the world are working where they shine brightest. But unlike the glamorous world of modeling, there are challenges to being a model for a living. Have you ever wondered about the world of models, a profession that showcases the infinite possibilities of fashion and is an important part of the zeitgeist?
Today, we're talking to Lee Ho-jin, a mixed-race model who grew up between Korea and France, about his views on fashion, the role of a model, and the challenges of being a model.
Interview with model Hojin Lee
Q. How did you first become a model?
I never really thought about modeling, but my modeling career started when I got a street casting my junior year of high school. I was offered to shoot a lookbook for a brand and started my professional modeling career.
Q. So, have you ever regretted your decision to become a fashion model?
(Haha) Being a fashion model is a harder job than it looks. You might think it's just us standing in front of a camera, smiling and moving. But what you see is only part of the story, and there are always challenges that aren't as visible. Especially when it's fashion season in a place like Europe, the reality is that you don't have to deal with travel expenses, but that's something that models struggle with a lot, and weight control is always a challenge.
Q. Can you tell us more about your challenges as a model?
If I'm being honest, I feel like we're always being asked to do too much in our profession. Sudden requests, extra hours, little time for meals and breaks... it's hard. Some fashion shows or shoots are called off unnecessarily early. Especially in Korea, models are underpaid and have long wait times for shows. These improvements will make life a little easier for all models, including me.
Q. Thank you for your candid answers. If so, tell us about one meaningful moment in your career.
I've always dreamed of walking the catwalk at European Fashion Week. I still remember the moment when I was selected as the first Korean male model for Saint Laurent (YSL) in 2021 and walked on stage for the first time. Someone told me I was the first Korean model they'd ever worked with, and I'm happy for them, but I'm not 100% Korean, I'm mixed race, so I had a lot of trouble with that statement.
My future dream is to work for Chanel and Celine as a male model.
Q. I'm curious about the difference between working as a freelancer and working for an agency.
In an agency, you have to share your schedule with a lot of people, with last-minute schedules and meetings. I personally prefer the freelance model, even though it requires a lot of personal effort.
Since I'm the one who negotiates the price, not the agency, it's very important to negotiate the price, and I have to do my own PR and social media activities.
Q. What is your final advice to those who want to grow as a model in Korea?
I think the most important quality for a fashion model is humility. We are extremely ordinary people in our day-to-day lives. Never be complacent, always be learning and gaining knowledge about fashion, and never be complacent. When you're on the global stage, you meet so many great models. I want Korean models to experience more and grow as well. If you want to work as a professional model on a regular basis, always be learning and have a hobby related to fashion. Fashion should be a way of life.
Working with global brands such as Saint Laurent and Arcane Studios, Lee has been working hard both domestically and internationally, so we thought we'd share a candid interview with him. Throughout the interview, you could really feel his love and confidence in his job. We'll continue to interview professionals in the future, so stay tuned!
Want to cast an international or mixed-race model to showcase diversity?
If "diversity" is important to your brand, take note! By representing diversity, foreign or mixed-race models expand the scope of fashion and offer new perspectives. If you want to expand your presence as a global brand, foreign or mixed-race models can be a great choice for your brand's lookbook shoots, fashion shows, commercials, and more!
Spotlight has models of all ethnicities and backgrounds working in the country, including international models living and working abroad. Casting a professional model like Lee Ho-jin who fits our brand, without going through an agency, all on the platform! Find the global model you're looking for in the spotlight today!