By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Nuran Sami from Egypt
Photos = Kim Jinkyung

You don't have to be a fashionista to recognize one of the prominent faces in fashion today, as she didn't just stop there. Kim Jinkyung has left her mark in acting and has prospered in it, despite it not being her primary career.

Kim balances her modeling and acting careers in the most outstanding way. She makes the saying, "She who chases two rabbits will catch neither," irrelevant, and alters "spreading oneself too thin," as she has found herself fulfilled in every corner of Korea's modern entertainment industry. Focus, passion, talent and spontaneity are the four pillars of Kim's smooth parallels in modeling and acting.

The standout model and the main actress in the TV show "Andante" (안단테) started her path by being one of the most memorable people on "Korea's Next Top Model" (도전 수퍼모델 코리아). She joined "Korea's Next Top Model" in 2012, where she earned herself second place. She has since taken over numerous ads, like for Fendi and Dior and magazine covers, such as Vogue and Elle Korea, and has become the protagonist in other shows. That same year, she starred with Jota from the pop group Madtown in the TV show "We Got Married" (우리 결혼했어요), for which they got nominated as "best couple" at the MBC Entertainment Awards.

In September 2017, the TV show "Andante" premiered and she was in the lead role opposite Kai from the pop group Exo. Her acting talents were extra captivating on this show, as she has an extremely exceptional ability to personify her complicated character with spontaneity and strong observance of details. She makes the viewer believe immensely that she and the character are two separate people.

This top model has also starred In the music video for the song "Narcissus" by Heechul from the pop group Super Junior. She starred in an interactive one-on-one with the camera. Moreover, she made an appearance in an episode of "Knowing Bros" (아는 형님), also with Heechul.

One of the many major events to which Kim was invited was a Bulgari press event for the "Goldea: The Roman Night" perfume where Kim, Bella Hadid and other figures were in the same room.

Today, Kim talks about her own gigs, style, tips, experience on TV shows and her impression of Kai from the group Exo.



- When and how did you discover your passion for modeling?
When I was 16 years old, I was on "Korea’s Next Top Model," a model competition TV show. I won the second prize and got to start work as a model with the Esteem Model Agency.

- You seem to enjoy snowboarding on a personal level, and your photoshoot with the athletic brand Surfea for Nylon magazine was a professional one. What is a sport that you love and play often, besides working out?
First of all, I like to swim. I've been swimming for two and a half years. It all depends on the season. During the winter, I love to snowboard. Also, I like exotic sports and leisure.

- Which is your favorite look-book photoshoot so far?
Bouton. I liked myself in their look-book that I did with them about three years ago.

- Do you prefer big or small handbags? What is a beauty item that we can say is essential for you on all occasions?
I like small handbags because they're convenient as I usually take the subway or the bus, and a bag is better smaller than bigger.

- From gracing the runway for the most iconic brands of all time, to making remarkable appearances with senior chart-topping pop stars, what's your personal favorite moment you've had in your career so far?
Everything that was new, with which I was satisfied and that I succeeded at, such as "Andante," in which I was the main actress.

- How did your career evolve from being only a model, to being a model and actress with two leading roles feel for you?
As I mentioned, I'm craving something new and exciting.

- What was working with your colleague, male lead and actor Kai like?
In the beginning, we were kind of awkward, but as we started to shoot, he was very generous and nice to make everybody feel comfortable and happy. He is such a funny guy.

- What's a role that you'd like to try out in the future, or you think you'd be good at?
I want to try out for an action movie or drama, something more energetic.

- In Esteem's collaborative photoshoot with Vola, you had a laid-back image with both chic and street fashion outfits. Moreover, the YCH spring collection of 2017, which you modeled at the Seoul Fashion Week, had pieces that contained youthful and fierce vibes. Which style are you most confident with off-camera?
I will give you some key-words of my style: modern, stylish, comfy, simple, pantone colors.

- On your episode of "Get It Beauty," you seem to be a minimalist when it comes to makeup, making the best use of one tool and giving handy tips. What kind of makeup style are you most comfortable with?
I don’t usually do makeup, but I always use sunscreen on my eyebrows and lips.

- Do you have a specific routine that you follow before hitting the runway?
I think of myself as if it's best to focus and concentrate on the runway.

- You've experimented with acting, runway modeling and photo-modeling. Which is your most favorite?
I can’t choose. I like everything.



wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.