Korean-British painter turned world top model
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Kim Sang-woo’s painting
This is the fourth in a series of interviews on Korea's leading models. ― ED.
By Kim Jae-heun
Kim Sang-woo, 21-year old painter and model, never expected to become a model ― sure enough not the first Korean model to walk the runway at the Burberry Prorsum show in 2014. He is 184 centimeters tall, which does not reach the standard for runway models nor does he have clear-cut features drawing instant attention.
However, when the Korean British rookie debuted in London Fashion Week at the age of 19, he immediately captivated the world’s best fashion designers and Kim participated in the collection shows of top brands including Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood and Diesel.
Kim has already proven his potential and prominence on the fashion scene. Yet, modeling is a platform for Kim to achieve his ultimate goal ― being a successful artist. He studied fine art at Central Saint Martins, where he started modeling for his friends in the fashion design department, and now Kim is continuing his course at Goldsmiths University of London.
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Korean-British model Kim Sang-woo walks the runway at 2015 S/S Dolce & Gabbana collection at Milan Fashion Week.
Everyday life is an inspiration for Kim as an artist including his modeling career. His works contain feelings of the moment in daily life.
Kim visited Korea for two weeks for modeling and it’s the first time he ever stayed in the country for such a long time. He moved to London when he was only six-month old and lived his whole life there. Still, Kim finds the sense of belonging to the culture of his motherland. He owes a debt of gratitude to his parents for allowing him to grow up in two cultures that barely share any similarities. He is not sure if he will raise his own child under the same conditions though.
The young model, who sat down for an interview with The Korea Times during his tight schedule in Korea, is preparing his online photo exhibition for Harvey Nichols, a London-based department store, in the coming month.
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Kim Sang-woo walks down the runway at 2014 F/W Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week. / Courtesy of Select Model Management
Q: Please introduce yourself.
A:
My name is Kim Sang-woo. My name Sang-woo originates from traditional Chinese like most Korean names. “Sang” means each other and “woo” means helping. I would like to think that it resonates with my lifestyle and I will always remember as my parents have purpose in naming me the way they have.
I think introducing and describing myself is the hardest thing in the world. The only word that comes to mind when I am told to describe myself is “empathetic.” Empathy can mean more than one thing _ empathy can mean that I understand people well, I can make people laugh and I am a listener.
Q: You make a great first impression with your looks. What do you think about your looks? And how do you describe your personality?
I have been told that I have very strong and intense looks. I don’t know anything different. Seeing as I was born this way I just look like myself, so I wouldn’t know.
In terms of the way I look, being ethnically different and being an “Asian” brought up in London, it was only natural that my self-esteem about looks was low. That's how I saw things at the time. Casual racism was very apparent when I was younger, which is understandable when kids are naive or ignorant. At the time I didn't really understand and was hurt so I didn't ever have any confidence about my looks.
Q: You hold British citizenship. How did you move to England?
I was born in Seoul and moved to London when I was six months old. So, I don't ever remember living in Korea. London has always been my home. My dad's company appointed him to work in the London offices for a few years which turned out to be 13 years and then he moved back to Korea when I was 13. Me, my brother and mom stayed because our lives were too involved in London. However family is family wherever you are and we appreciate and respect my dad. He has sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am.
There was a massive conflict that I never really understood when I was younger ― the conflict of growing up in the British culture but being brought up by Korean parents. It was a conflict that was really difficult for me to understand at a young age. I had to either always disappoint my parents or disappoint my friends, as some things were very opposing in cultural acceptance. Now it is completely fine as we have all learnt to appreciate both cultures and understand each other for the unique experience we had growing up in a foreign country, which is definitely home now. I appreciate it now seeing as I can have the best of both worlds. It's a privilege to experience these two beautiful cultures.
Q: How did you start modeling and how long have you been doing this?
It all happened two years ago. I am very lucky it has happened to me. At the time when I was studying at Central Saint Martins, fashion students needed models so I started modeling, doing favors for my friends, not really having a clue why me but if it was going to help them for their projects or portfolios I was more than willing to help. With a lot of encouragement from my friends, I finally pushed myself to walk into an agency
One thing I remember that my booker told me that I will never forget and that I still go by. “Just carry on with your life. We want you to carry on with your life and just pick up the phone. If you can do the job, great; if you can’t, never mind.”
There was no pressure, and there is still no pressure. This gives me the freedom to do things that I really want to do when I don’t model.
Q: Which shows have you participated in so far and which was the most memorable?
My most memorable show would be Burberry. It was my first show. Seeing as I am a British citizen but Korean it was a privilege to be the first Korean male model to walk for such a British heritage brand. Burberry is very specific with who they cast and I wasn’t initially called for the casting. I was quite cheeky and turned up to the casting uninvited. It just worked out perfectly and I managed to walk the show. I guess I created my own chance and luck.
Q: What goals do you have as a model and what meaning do you find in the job? You are also a painter. Do you have enough time to handle two jobs? Also, what do you want to be called ― a model or an artist?
Don't get me wrong. Modeling is an incredible opportunity. I get to travel the world, make friends from all different nations and meet incredible people ― especially creative people within the industry who I can relate to as an artist. It’s an unexpected journey full of surprises. I never expect anything is going to happen and I never have any greed since it’s a job that I just need to thank my parents for the way I look. I get picked for jobs so I don’t necessarily feel any sense of achievement.
However, the fashion industry has enabled me to further my art, for example, with Dansk magazine placing my drawings alongside an editorial. I am continually trying to push myself with my artwork and collaborating with industry people who I meet on jobs. It’s a great platform for me as an artist. Last year I did an exhibition with Red Bull UK, which was a great success.
Currently I am working on a photo-manipulated documentary project with Harvey Nichols and also partaking in a charity auction next month for the African Arts Trust with Avenir magazine, which is in association with Sotheby's. It is truly a huge privilege to be working with such prestigious names and clients doing what I love. Most importantly this job enables me to really appreciate my life.
Modeling is a major part of my life. It is my job, but also a lifestyle, however I cannot rely on it. At the end of the day, I’ve got a goal. It is being an artist and the modeling gives me great opportunities to meet people that can really help me in the art world. I feel that metaphorically the modeling can open doors for my art, but people need to trust my art and l trust myself to open these doors and give me the opportunity.
Q: Can you introduce the fine art that you are doing?
I paint, I draw, and I take photos. Anything creative is fine art I think. My influence and inspirations revolve around my day-to-day life, instinct. I feel that the most personal moment in the case of painting is a spontaneous mark that is created from you rather than a contrived mark created by thought. A lot of my work is very on the spot, a momentary experience.
A lot of my work is admittedly reminiscent of the Abstract Expressionist period. I feel that they had the same innate influence in their work. Works of Franz Kline and (Willem) De Kooning are always favorites. Actually my all time favorite artist is Lucian Freud due to his commitment to portrait painting and his pure innocence of the art world. Of course, the subject and the whole picture are stunning but what I am mainly inspired by is his sculptural way of painting with texture and impasto in his paintings. I am still too young to really define my artwork but I am very appreciative of the people that believe and trust my work. Thank you to those people. You can see my work on my website
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Q: What is your goal as an artist?
Being an artist isn’t a specific thing ― it is a lifestyle choice. I haven’t chosen to be an artist because it’s a job. I am an artist because it teaches me about life and lets me appreciate the things around me whether that is my family, nature and beauty.
Francis Bacon once said “Beauty moves me. Nothing else.” If I have a dream as an artist, I am thinking too far into the future. It is what it is and whatever happens will happen. As long as I can live the artist lifestyle, I guess that’s the dream already fulfilled.