[Professional Interview] Meet model Hyunseok Lee

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In recent years, the K-content craze has trickled down to the Korean fashion industry. Many K-brands have begun to expand outside of their domestic markets, where scalability is limited. Korean fashion is making waves in the world's top four fashion cities and now extends to the Americas and Europe. Not only brands, but also more and more domestic models working abroad. It's no longer uncommon to see Korean models shining in international collections, including Jung Ho-yeon, who became a global star with her role in Squid Game. For many models or aspiring models, the dream is to go abroad.

In this interview, we're focusing on a story that many of you may be curious about: HyunseokLee, a model who started his modeling career overseas and is now working all over the world.

Interview with model Hyunseok Lee

Q. Hello, Mr. Hyunseok. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Hyunseok Lee, a fifth-year model. In terms of my recent history, I've been doing this for a long time, and I've had some breaks because I've gotten tired of it and I've gotten to the point where I'm starting to push myself. Now I'm getting things ready to start over. Being a model requires a lot of talent, so I'm also studying acting to improve myself.

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Q. What is the most memorable brand for you?

Stone Island. One of the highlights of my career was shooting Stone Island in Milan. Up until that point, I had no domestic presence and was aiming for an international presence. I was lucky enough to go to Milanfor the first time and the first thing I did officially in my first season was work with Stone Island. It was memorable because it was a big turning point in our European activities.
 

Q. Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories?

At the time, I didn't speak English at all. I did everything I needed to do to get into Europe, but I didn't realize the importance of English, so I didn't pay attention to that aspect. Then I realized this wasn't working, so I enrolled in an English conversation school for the first time in my adult life. But when it comes time to shoot, I just get a really bad case of the jitters. Fortunately, the shoot was a success. It's a funny story, but at the time I didn't understand English very well, and I didn't understand Italian, so I was nicknamed Okay Man because I was always saying "Okay" and "Okay" (laughs), so I always emphasize the importance of Englishto the models around me.
 

English is the most important. Find your self-image or strengths and build on them You'll be better served in your career if you put a lot of effort in that direction.

 

Q. What is the casting culture like in Milan? Did you notice any major differences from Korea or China?

The biggest difference is that Korea and China are more "advertising" or commerce-related, whereasMilan is definitely a big four fashion city, so it's a little bit more focused on pure fashion. So I think the model is better monetarily in Korea. The advertising market is probably bigger in Asia, so it's not just TVCs, it's all media, including online. Milan is a little bit more fashion week and fashion show-centric. But if you want to grow in the fashion industry, it makes sense to go to the European market, to Milan.

Q. Is there anything you would like to see improved in the industry?

I don't work in Korea so I don't know much about it, but I've heard that the treatment of models is very different in Korea and abroad. And that includes money. I know a lot of people are switching to freelancing these days because of the more flexible schedule and better pay.

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Q. Is there a brand or campaign you'd like to work with before you call it a day?

Honestly, my end goal is always Ralph Lauren. My ultimate dream is to walk in a Ralph Lauren show, but it won't be easy. I love the history and philosophy of the Ralph Lauren brand, and I love the clothes. I love the "laid-back vibe" that only the brand has. Even when I see brand campaigns or shows, I like the way she looks relaxed, confident, and enjoying the moment, not in a typical style, but at the same time, not overwhelming. There were a lot of times when I thought, "Oh, I'd love to do that.

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Q. Finally, is there anything you'd like to say to anyone interested in a modeling career or struggling in the industry?

I always say to my younger siblings, and I know this may seem like a bit of an asshole, but I always say, "If you have a goal, don't give up, don't doubt yourself, and see it through. I think I was always unsure of myself, and I think I doubted myself a lot. Because it's never going to help you grow. But by sticking with one thing, I'm doing what I want to do. Thankfully. If you keep doing one thing, you'll eventually become something, right?!
 

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Did you enjoy Hyunseok's heartfelt story about his struggles abroad? To learn more about model Hyunseok Lee or to cast him, click here.

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