Much like in the music Industry here in Korea for the longest time seeing a black face happened so rarely that unicorns seemed to be more real than a black performer in K-pop. That’s slowly changing. More and more black voices find expression through K-pop and now, thankfully, the same can be said for black faces in the Korean modelling industry. Slowly, but surely black models in Korea have been popping up in advertising campaigns, billboards, commercials, and yes the Korean Fashion Week runway shows.
Han Hyun-min
The latest face to make a splash in the Korean Modelling industry belongs to 15 year old Han Hyun-min. He’s the son of a Nigerian father and Korean mother. Born and raised in Korea his “exotic” looks challenge the old notion of what it means to be Korean. His presence shines a light on mixed race citizens and illuminates that being black and Korean is not mutually exclusive. His stunning features not only grabbed the attention of SF models but now the general public as well. Hopefully his inclusion keeps the door open for many more black models in the future.
Sam Okyere
A more well known name within Korea belongs to Sam Okyere. He’s known for his television and film work, but before his big break on the Korean show Hello Counsellor he did do modelling gigs so he definitely belongs on the list. Ghanaian by birth Sam arrived in Korea as a student with dreams of becoming an engineer. However, the acting bug has bitten him and he’s off to hopefully a big and bright career in Korea.
Sarah Banim
One of the faces of B&B Entertainment Sarah holds a love for Korea. Originally coming to visit her brother she fell for the country and decided to return as a student and then later as a model. She’s also worked in Korea’s television industry. Her mother hails from Cameroon and her father from Italy but she was born and raised in France! She’s a world wandering wonder in the flesh who’s found a home her in Korea’s burgeoning fashion landscape. You can follow her life in Korea on her youtube channel to check out her latest food escapades and adventures.
Joel Roberts
Joel Roberts holds the distinction of being the first African American model to join a top Korean modeling agency. Signing on with YG KPlus this ping pong enthusiast from D.C. has been making waves in the Korean fashion world. His face can be seen not only in Korean magazines and runways but also on variety shows, music videos, and commercials. He’s been making his mark here for the last few years and from the looks of things his star will continue to shine.
Phoebe Corey
Phoebe Corey made her way to Korea by way of Taiwan, where she studied the culture and language, and St. Lucia, where she was born and raised. Landing in the land of the morning calm, she immersed herself in the fashion world as a freelance and commercial model landing several big gigs with the likes of Naver, Caffe Bene, Laneige, and Samsung. A recognizable face not only in Korean magazines but also at Seoul Fashion week. Now she’s continuing her foray into the fashion world by working on her own collection. She’s a face to be reckoned with!
I just came across this today because I want to find a job there I’m in love with the Korean culture am 22 hope next year I get a chance to travel there. Thanks for the collection it gives me confidence.
I’m glad you found us! Good luck on your korea journey!
Yes!!! Diversity is very needed in Korea and I give big props to all of the above mentioned models and actors for their perseverance in already tough industry. I’d be curious to learn what they do in their off time, like are they waiters and waitresses, or English Teachers or full time students?
Gorgeous! Korea has come a long, long way from the first time I set foot here. And it’s progressing well in terms of its openness to other culture. Korea is still condescending though but we would like to look at the brighter side. Kudos to you for this compilation!
I want to call this post progressive but ever-optimistic me should think that diversity across all industries should be a universal standard by now! Of course, I know this is not the case in Korea, but this is a very positive move and one that encourages me to be hopeful of the future of Korea and in the continued progression of breaking of barriers in a sector of Korean entertainment and lifestyle that is traditionally so homogeneous. Brian, keep up the great work in celebrating Korea at its best! I love what you’re covering.
Changes are slow here, but they are happening step by step. I read an introduction to Joel Roberts’ story a couple of weeks back and found it very interesting. Being different in a conformist, somewhat exclusive community is really challenging, so I applaud the people who are slowly making the breaks to open up minds to acceptance of diversity.
What a nice little compilation you put together here! I’ve been reading more and more about Han Hyun-min lately. I think it’s excellent he’s making splashes because he’s stunning! And to (hopefully) start to change Korea’s attitudes towards beauty. It comes in all diff shapes and sizes! I hope this list continues to go through as time goes by!
Super cool, seems like you’ve done a bit of research for this post and, or picked up a lot of fashion magazines. As a photographer I’d love to be able to work with any of them haha.
Are you also into modelling? lol give me a shout, or if you know of others aspiring to be. All in all Brian a nice read. I’m sure more and more will be gaining some traction here and the country will hopefully continue growing to be more multicultural in the modelling field and every other field as well.
Thanks Don! Though the only modelling I do is gazing into the mirror while I try go shave my head! Does that count? You should totally shoot those guys and gals a message. Every model likes to be photographed, right?
It’s nice to see this diversity in Korea, but I always fear that these things are surface level and a fad or trend in Korea ( of which many come and go so quickly), rather than a deep level change in cultural attitude. We can only hope it’s the latter. (On a side note, I love seeing what other half-Koreans look like, since I’m mother to one of my own – genetic combos are just so interesting!) 🙂
The best thing is that the trend of more people from different backgrounds coming here for work and or being born here will only go up! With greater numbers will come greater pressure to include everyone in all fields equally. At least that’s the hope!
I had no idea black models were even working in korea. Good for them!