19 stunning Korean models that you should be following on Instagram

There is no denying that the Korean wave is here to stay, from K-pop to K-drama to K-beauty. When it comes to fashion, Korean models are also making waves in the international arena with their flawless, glowing skin and impeccable street style. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 19 stunning models you should follow on Instagram now.

1. Ara Choi

Born in 1993, Ara Choi is past the age of 30 and still looks like she’s in her early twenties. She recently walked several shows during Copenhagen Fashion Week F/W 2024, and is also known for acting in both seasons of the Korean drama series Hello, My Twenties!.

2. Han Hye Jin

Han Hye Jin is a veteran in the world of modelling. With over 20 years of experience on runways and cover shoots, Han has expanded her influence to become a TV personality. She is on the panel of hosts for Korean reality show I Live Alone, and more recently, a dating show titled My Sibling’s Romance.

3. Irene Kim

Irene Kim was born to South Korean parents but grew up in Seattle, Washington, which is why the model is fluent in both Korean and English. In her early days as a model, Irene Kim was known for her ever-changing, colourful hairstyles, as well as her iconic Instagram handle (@ireneisgood)—which has become her trademark and also the name of her label.

4. Jang Yoon Ju

Another veteran in the game, Jang Yoon Ju started modelling when she was just 17 years old and stuck to her craft even into her forties. The model has acted in several well-known films and series as well, including Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area and Veteran.

5. Ji Hye Park

South Korean model Ji Hye Park instantly made her mark in the world of fashion when she made her runway debut on Alexander Wang’s catwalk, before walking the runways of Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, DKNY, and more, in 2013.

6. Jung Ho Yeon

Jung Ho Yeon started modelling in 2010 as a freelance model. In 2013, she competed on the fourth season of Korea’s Next Top Model and landed in second place. She then went on to act in the Netflix series Squid Game, where she gained international recognition, and was named the Global House Ambassador of Louis Vuitton after the show’s success.

7. Kang Seung Hyun

Kang Seung Hyun, who also goes by Hyoni Kang, was the first Asian model to win the Ford Supermodels of the World competition in 2008. She has also appeared in the 2020 K-drama series, My Holo Love.

8. Kim Jin Kyung

Kim Jin Kyung participated in the third season of Korea’s Next Top Model, where she was placed as the runner-up. More recently, the model was announced to be married to professional goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu, who plays for the South Korean national football team.

9. Lee Ho Jung

This South Korean model has found success in both modelling and acting. Lee Ho Jung, who debuted at the age of 16, has gone on to star in popular Korean films and dramas such as Midnight Runners and Nevertheless.

10. Lee Soo Hyuk

South Korean heartthrob, Lee Soo Hyuk, is both an established model and actor, and has starred in K-dramas such as Doom at Your Service, Tomorrow, and High School King of Savvy.

11. Noma Han

Visible tattoos on models might not be the norm, but Noma Han isn’t afraid to express himself. Besides making his way in the modelling industry and walking for Alexander Wang, Jordanluca, and Helmut Lang, Han is also a tattoo artist.

12. Sang Woo Kim

Sang Woo Kim was raised in London by Korean parents, and has walked the runway for Burberry, AMI, Off-White, and more. He’s also an portrait artist who explores the themes of a fractured identity, primarily through the lens of a first-generation immigrant who struggles with cultural duality.

13. Seung Chan Lee

Having walked the runway for Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tommy Hilfiger, Seung Chan Lee is a model who made his debut in 2019. He was also casted for the Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster collaboration in 2024.

14. Shin Hyun Ji

Shin Hyun Ji, the winner of Korea’s Next Top Model 4, is one of the most reputable models in South Korea. The model walked for Jacquemus’s 15th-anniversary show in Italy, which was the same show where Blackpink Jennie made her runway debut.

15. Song Hae Na

Song Hae Na appeared in the second season of Korea’s Next Top Model in 2011, and has been actively working as a model over the years. Song also appeared in the South Korean sports variety show titled Kick a Goal, where female artists would compete in football tournaments.

16. Sora Choi

Sora Choi, winner of Korea’s Next Top Model season three, is one of the most illustrious and in-demand model from South Korea. Choi has walked for brands like Prada, Gucci, and Miu Miu, just to name a few from her record of approximately 537 shows.

17. Sung Hee Kim

Sung Hee Kim is one of the OGs among Korean models, and was actively modelling alongside big names such as Chanel muse Soo Joo Park, and Ji Hye Park.

18. Taemin Park

Taemin Park stepped into the modelling scene in 2018, and immediately walked for Prada, Dior, and Hugo Boss that same year. The model has also done campaigns for Fear of God, COS, and Berluti in 2023.

19. Yoon Young Bae

Known for resembling the Disney princess Mulan, model Yoon Young Bae recently walked for Diesel and Burberry F/W 2024, and is steadily building her portfolio as a model.

This article was originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.