On the first episode of MBC's variety show 'So-ra and Jin-kyung,' aired on the 26th, the two legendary models from the 90s met after 15 years. The nationwide viewership rating was 2.5%.
Lee So-ra, who debuted as Korea's first supermodel in 1992 and dominated the broadcasting and advertising industries, and Hong Jin-kyung, who emerged like a comet by winning the Best Pose Award at the 1993 Supermodel Contest as the youngest participant, were once close friends but naturally lost touch over time.
Their reunion was filled with palpable awkwardness and silence, highlighting the 15 years that had passed. The ice was broken by a letter from Hong Jin-kyung that Lee So-ra had cherished. Hong Jin-kyung, who had always been formal with Lee So-ra, burst into laughter upon discovering the informal language used in a 2005 letter. They exchanged heartfelt gifts, with Lee So-ra giving a pen and Hong Jin-kyung offering homemade pickles.
The two then planned to challenge the 'Paris Fashion Week,' the pinnacle of high-end fashion. Lee So-ra, who had hesitated due to past dieting traumas, decided to take on the challenge with a positive outlook. Hong Jin-kyung supported the endeavor, citing the trend of senior and retired models returning to the runway, emphasizing their 50s comeback.
The first hurdle for their Paris journey was creating a portfolio for local agencies, dubbed 'Legendary Records.' Lee So-ra's illustrious history included winning the first supermodel contest, dominating the advertising world, hosting a legendary diet video, and being an MC for a fashion designer audition program. Hong Jin-kyung recalled being the first Korean model for a global brand and her first Paris collection experience at 16. Their 'all-rounder' achievements in ads, photo shoots, fashion shows, and variety shows were also highlighted.
Despite their glamorous past, the reality was harsh. Top model Shin Hyun-ji, who came to assist them, bluntly remarked that their portfolio books looked like menus, shocking them. Unlike the past when portfolios were carried physically, today's MZ models use tablets or social media. She explained the five essential steps: applying to overseas agencies, interviews, brand audition applications, casting auditions, and fittings. She also reminded them of the harsh reality where even top models might not walk the runway if their outfits are pulled last minute.
Junior models Jung So-hyun, Ahn Jae-hyung, and Kim Ho-yong, who joined to help, had a unique aura. Their stories, like standing against a wall for posture correction until the wallpaper turned black, and their success in international shows, motivated Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung. They taught them modern walking techniques, emphasizing a natural turn and brand-specific styles, from powerful strides to cat-like elegance and avant-garde quirkiness.
The legendary duo continued their efforts in snap photo and walking video shoots. Lee So-ra, known for her laughter, struggled to keep a straight face during the shoot, while Hong Jin-kyung, obsessed with angles and natural light, brought humor as 'Hongjjok.' Despite challenges with their old walking style, they mastered the modern walk with Jung So-hyun's guidance, reducing arm swings and widening strides. Their completed snap photos and walking videos were finally sent to Paris, leaving them in an anxious yet exciting wait for the agency's response.
By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr