Cha Seung-won, Kang Dong-won, Han Hye-jin, Kim Min-joon, Lee Jong-suk, Joo Woo-jae, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Byeon Woo-seok. These top stars, known for their work in television, variety shows, and dramas both in South Korea and abroad, all have one thing in common: they were guided by Ko Eun-kyoung, CEO of K-Plus, a South Korean model management agency. For over 30 years, Ko has been a crucial figure in transforming models into celebrities. A model herself in the 1980s, she is often referred to as the “model’s model.”
In the modeling industry, Ko was both a pioneer and a maverick. From the 1980s, when the concept of a “fashion model” was almost unknown in South Korea, she participated in fashion shows at home and abroad. In the early 1990s, she introduced the concept of “supermodels” and nurtured star models. Recently, her company has expanded into an entertainment agency, nurturing actors and singers as well.
One of her discoveries, Byeon Woo-seok, is currently enjoying immense popularity through the tvN drama series “Lovely Runner.” Nam Joo-hyuk, Joo Woo-jae, and Jang Ki-yong, now prominent in dramas and variety shows, also started as K-Plus models. Her early efforts to penetrate overseas markets and introduce the “model-tainer” (model and entertainer) concept are now bearing fruit. Despite previously declining media appearances, she agreed to an interview, emphasizing that her protégés should be in the spotlight, not her.
Ko has strict criteria for her models: they must look good in school uniforms, whether in their 20s or 30s. This was true for Kang Dong-won when she first saw him, and it’s the same for Byeon Woo-seok now. “Maintaining their physique is fundamental for models. Innocent beauty is crucial,” she said.
More important than looks is character: no lying, no tardiness. These are principles she has upheld for over 40 years since her modeling days. Another principle she added from her broadcasting industry experience is, “The taller you are, the deeper you bow!” indicating the importance of humility and respect, regardless of one’s success.
The Chosunilbo interviewed Ko just before the recent Milan Men’s Fashion Week held from June 14 to 18, where about 20 models from her agency walked the runway. Among them, Bae Yoon-young was the exclusive model for Prada at the 2015 Milan show and a Chanel global beauty model. Choi So-ra, an exclusive model for Louis Vuitton in Paris, was ranked the world’s number one model by Models.com in 2020.
Ko tirelessly knocked on doors, carrying a backpack and covering great distances. Sometimes she pleaded for opportunities and was always ready to fill in if someone canceled. She learned trends through experience and intuition. Observing top international models branching into acting and singing, she hired specialists to teach her models acting, voice training, and dance, which helped unleash their hidden talents and expanded their dreams to include acting and singing.
Even during the interview, Ko’s phone buzzed incessantly. Meetings with CEOs of global top modeling agencies like Elite and IMG were lined up. She mentioned that several foreign companies, particularly in New York, want to establish model agencies exclusively for Koreans. “Those who were once indifferent now seek meetings in South Korea. Still, I always feel like it’s just the beginning.”
