Modeling in Korea: problems no one talks about & why working as a foreign fashion model is hard
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video I will tell you about the main problems of local market and why working as a foreign fashion model is hard here.
Many foreign models are staying silent about it for a different reasons yet I believe this is something we should talk about to change the situation.
With this video I’m not trying to say that Korean modeling market is hopeless, it’s not like this at all. I just want you to be realistic and see both good and bad in it and after doing your research deciding whether this path is for you or not.
Please share your opinion in the comments down below ❤
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♫ from TH-cam audio library
#modeling #modelcoach #modelingtips #modelinkorea #koreanmodel #foreignmodel #foreignerinkorea #modelinginkorea
Hello beautiful people ~ With this video I’m not trying to say that Korean modeling market is hopeless and you shouldn’t work as a model / entertainer here, it’s not like this at all.
I just want you to be realistic and see both good and bad in it ( pros and cons) and after doing your research deciding whether this path is for you or not.
Please share your thoughts in the comments down below and thank you for watching! ❤
And let me know if you’d like me to film a video about pros of work as a fashion model in Korea too.
I've been working here as a freelance model for two years now and I've never had a job under 100,000 won. The problem with the current market is that a lot of girls call themselves models and try to get jobs without real posing skills or not having the right looks for the market, or a portfolio and etc. Just chasing their Kpop dreams without real marker research and checking their chances. As a photographer friend told me, there are still not so many people in the freelance modeling market, who are really suitable for modeling work. Plus, the vast majority of well-working models are fluent in Korean. I think it helps a lot in finding clients :)
I 100% agree with everything you said. The models who actually fit into the industry standards and are good at their job won't ever have problems with work here not the low-payment because they know their worth ( and it should be like this for sure ). And there aren't many freelance models that are actual professionals and willing to reside in Korea and work here long-term.
The main problem is that we have so many "so called models" in a first place... The companies have started sponsoring their visas and it has led to a mess. There are also the actors / voice actors / other professionals who are the part of entertainment industry as well and aren't supposed to have certain measurements, height etc yet have to work on E-6 visa. And I think all of them have started struggling more since the market has become so full of people dreaming about the K-drama / K-pop life.
Thank you so much for sharing your opinion and please feel free to say "hi" on IG, I'm always happy to meet new people from the industry :)
Sending hugs ❤️
@@TatianaKurnosova you’re right!
I mean, I also have my difficulties like having 95cm hips which don’t disappear whatever I do haha so I’m out of standard on one point, but I knew risks when I started, I know, that I won’t get some kind of shootings, but I still fit in 95% of criteria so just made efforts in making my client base, portfolio and etc.
I don’t think it’s worth coming here if you aren’t going to move heaven and earth literally haha and hope people will understand it someday
I’ve seen a lot of models who are living and working in Seoul permanently doing side jobs like TH-cam or part time jobs in Korea (which can be hard as a foreigner) I hope it gets better though and easier :)
I really hope so too! Depending on the visa type, sometimes you can only do modeling / entertainment jobs and not allowed to do anything besides that, so it's hard for people to find additional sources of income. Working on other jobs would be illegal...
Thank you for watching and your kind comments ❤
It appears that modeling in South Korea is pretty intense and competitive. It sucks that the market has became quite saturated since the pandemic and the pay isn't that great. Hopefully the landscape will change in this field there.
Yes, I hope so too! Thank you so much for watching 🤍
I didn’t know you lived in Korea !! But yeah it’s super harsh and the beauty standards are crazy it can be overwhelming to keep up with it all , although I guess there are some good parts too ! I love your diet videos do make more 🤍🍵
Thank you so much dear! Sure, there are good parts in this job and I've talked about it many times on my channel, just wanted to highlight some realistic problems here too.
And I love filming diet videos as well, going to film more soon! :)
I’m definitely not cut out to be a model in any country lol but I imagine it’s tougher going to a foreign place and try to fit in to what they need.
Yes, working and living in a foreign country is definitely hard yet it's exciting, especially if you love this place and its culture :) But I agree that fitting into the industry standards is important otherwise you will most likely be struggling and it will be really hard to get normal job offers.
Thank you so much for watching! :)
Thank you for sharing. What you share here however is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure you know.
You're welcome. And so true! I just hope that these things will change eventually.
Do you think somebody with acne scars/ other facial scars can become a model in SK ?
Yes, but it depends on your visual appearance in general. I’ve talked about modeling with scars / tattoos / braces in this video th-cam.com/video/anLQ6bTGPZ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0JbkGEJlc-wMPROW So, I would recommend you to watch it.
And if you only have acne scars and don’t have problems with your skin - it it’s more doable than if you’d have a very sensitive skin that can be triggered by many factors like using cosmetics etc. And acne scars can be treated too, so if it’s your only concern - don’t worry that much and improve what you can.
👍
Thank you for support friend!
This has nothing to do with modelling in Korea but...
I was scouted by an independent agent in Paris. I am from Canada. She had me meet with an assessor (casting agent) to confirm my target markets which my agent said are Print in London, Paris and Milan. The assessment was positive and the markets were confirmed. My agent is willing to work with me however...I have no Book. The photos I have are not up to the standard my agent wants. She only wants me to work with photographers immersed in the target markets mentioned: London, Paris and Milan. Being in Canada this is presenting itself to be quite a challenge. It is very difficult to find these photographers and not only photographers, but the whole team needed to make this work. Do you have any advice for me? Perhaps we could talk about having a session if necessary. Thank you.
Hello Mitchell, you just need to create the similar pictures your agent has requested from you for your book. And for that you're not necessarily need to work with the team from those countries / markets, you just need to show those photos as a reference to your team in Canada. Find a fashion photographer who works with top modeling agencies and knows the markets well, do your research. If you live in a small city, travel to Toronto and Vancouver for that. Canadian market is pretty much similar to US market - it is very commercial... As for Europe, it's more classic. Creating a book for male models is easier than for female models, believe me. And in the most cases there will be enough just to have a good photographer ( and stylist perhaps, or the photographer who can do both). I sometimes work one on one with the model and the pictures come out great. As long as you work with the professional, the result is always good.
If you feel like you need my help and would like to have a coaching session about it, please let me know. I can help with the image references etc. But honestly I think you can do this yourself!
Wishing you best of luck :)
@@TatianaKurnosova Thanks for your reply! My agent seems to be quite strict about this which is fair enough! She also said she doesn't want to see copies of editorials as these have already been done by successful models and that no one wants to look at imitations. She wants avant-garde photos for her models. It seems I really do have to put in the work and earn her respect before she invests anything in me. I totally get where she is coming from. Thanks for the advice. I live about and hour and a half from Toronto. I messaged a few photographers from there that have worked in Paris before. I'm just worried about it being up to my agents standard as she seem very particular. I'll give you a follow on Instagram and keep you updated! At the same time as much as this is a challenge, I'm happy this isn't just being handed to me... You have to work for the things you want and show your willing to put in the time to build a competitive Book. Thanks again for taking the time to reply to me!
You're welcome. If your agent has particular advices for you, then I recommend you to follow them for sure. Don't be afraid to ask her what exactly you need for your book, ask for examples, ask what she's expecting etc. And of course sometimes we need to invest both our time and money to make things happen.
I wasn't talking about copying anything - we usually work with the moodboards and reference pictures to create a story or certain mood / style, this is what you need to keep in mind.
And one more important thing if you're new to the industry: before signing any modeling contracts and going "all in", make sure that your agent is 100% "your person" and is legit. This is really important because this relationship should last long and you two need to be on the same page about everything. Talk to the other models she's been working with, ask more questions, never afraid to ask twice etc. Make sure that you're making the right choice.
When you work with Mother Agency, they usually help with organizing test shoots and building model's book. Many independent agents do this as well yet it depends on the person.
And you've got this, don't worry!
@@TatianaKurnosova Not sure if you will see this reply as it has been over a year... Letting you know everything worked out! Thank you for your insight.
@@mitchellwieler Hey Mitchell! Its good to hear from you and I'm happy that everything worked out. Wishing you all the best :)
My height is around 149cm. Can I become a part time model in Korea?
Hello dear, if by part-time you mean doing it as a hobby, then yes, why not? If you enjoy something you definitely need to embrace it ❤️
I have a playlist about petite modeling and I recommend you to watch it th-cam.com/play/PL2n0G6Jp9TLYUC9SaQJ4X7o6H3xiemFLB.html I'm sure you'll find lots of helpful info there :)
But talking about modeling as a career, if being honest with you - working as a model while being so petite is almost impossible, I'm sorry. You need to be at least 164 - 165 cm tall for this. I would recommend you trying acting / dancing etc. Something that is still creative enough yet isn't limited by the industry standards (aka doesn't have any strict requirements regarding height and measurements).
Wishing you all the best ~
@@TatianaKurnosova this height has always pulled me behind in my life. I got the looks, even I can gain the body but not the height🙂
@@cutelashes2969 Just try to embrace your natural visual features and its uniqueness. Being petite isn't bad, you can pursue modeling (if you really interested in modeling specifically) in a way through being an influencer on social media.
If you need help finding your way into the industry / expressing yourself, you are welcome to my model coaching sessions tatianakurnosova.com/index.php?page=Coaching I'll be happy to help.
And regardless of what you'll decide, I'm sure you'll find your way and what works best for you :)
20 to 50 per hour is low ? 20/30 we can discuss but 50 is not bad is it ? Not “ridiculously low” ? That still 5 times the minimum salary
It depends on what kind of jobs you are talking about. I don't refer to the minimum wage in the country simply because in professional modeling it doesn't work this way. You need to keep in mind that when it comes to such jobs as campaigns, commercials, catalogues etc, the price depends on the photo usage ( how widely they are used, are they being printed or it's for social media / online only etc) as well as the period of usage and how wide it's used ( within the country / worldwide ), exclusivity etc. It should work this way when it comes to both model's and photographer's payment. Plus this job is not an everyday job and it includes agency's percentage.
Of course most of the brands and especially the small ones / new ones don't think about it and sometimes don't even know about it.
I believe someone can accept the most simple job for 50 per hour, but it should be something like IG content or work for a recently opened brand / aspiring designer who obviously doesn't have a budget + we are not talking about the top model obviously. YET, the success of the new brand literally depends on the model and the whole production team, so... I think when you are serious about your brand, it is worth investing. I simply don't know what else to say :)
I guess, the main problem in Korean modeling industry may be exactly what you said: people think that "this is not bad", accept such jobs and everything is staying the same...
The model is a professional and modeling is the same job as any other, so it should be paid accordingly, not the "lowest wage".
Hi my baby 💋
Creep
I disagree with pretty much everything you said .
Your valeu is how much the market is willing to pay.
Yeah of course it’s important how much a market will pay 😂 people work to make money not for fun