by REERA YOO | @reeraboo
reera@iamkoream.com
After 21 cycles, America’s Next Top Model has finally cast its first-ever male model of Korean descent, and he’s got a “smize” that will make Tyra proud.
Hailing from Springfield, Virg., Justin Kim, 23, stands over six feet tall and already has quite a following on social media for his dashing good looks. The Korean American model has over 10k followers on Instagram, and it’s only been a week since ANTM Cycle 22 premiered. According to Model Mayhem, a popular modeling network site, Kim has prior experience in editorial, erotic, fitness, swimwear and promotional modeling.
That three-piece.
A photo posted by Justin Kim (@seoulful_j) on
Nov 14, 2013 at 11:10am PST
A photo posted by Justin Kim (@seoulful_j) on
Aug 26, 2013 at 7:10am PDT
womancrushwednesday. #tyra #justinantm #antm #cycle22 #oppoxantm #oppo #wcw
A photo posted by Justin Kim (@seoulful_j) on
Jul 29, 2015 at 5:25pm PDT
Meet the newest models of #ANTM and get ready for the premiere of Cycle 22 Wednesday, August 5 at 8/7c!
A photo posted by America's Next Top Model (@cw_antm) on
Jun 25, 2015 at 9:29am PDT
In an interview with DCW Television, Kim admitted that he only saw the previous two cycles of ANTM and never thought that he would actually make it onto the show. While modeling may not be a common career many Asian Americans pursue, Kim said he received early support from his family.
“Some Asian Americans, like myself, come from a conservative cultural background in terms of professions and careers you want to pursue,” he said. “Fortunately for me, my parents were supportive of whatever route I chose.”
By being cast on ANTM, Kim also said he hopes to break stereotypes about Asian American men being short and unattractive.
This is not the first time an Asian male model has been cast in ANTM. In Cycle 21, half-Malaysian model Adam Smith became the first Asian American male model to be cast on the show and even made it to the semi-finals, which took place in Seoul. Previous female Korean models on ANTM include Gina Choe (Cycle 6) and Jennifer An (Cycle 13).
You can watch the first episode of ANTM Cycle 22 on the CW website. The show airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.
See Also
Irene Kim Named Estée Lauder’s New Global Beauty Contributor
Shoe Designer Jinny Kim’s Sole Effort
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H/T to Audrey Magazine
