Kim Won Joong) What was yor experience as the very first Asian model to participate in the Milano Prada collection?
Won Joong: Honestly, I got ready to go overseas while thinking of Paris. But I arrived after the Paris Fashion Week casting period was finished and was not able to participate in any shows. After briefly staying in Paris, I went to Milan. Luckily, I made a contract with a famous agency, and I was able to walk at the show of my dreams, Prada. It was really a touching moment for me.
H: Did you know that you were the first Asian model to walk at a Prada show?
Won Joong: Yes. I knew that Hye Park was the first female model to walk at a Prada show. As the first Asian male model I felt delighted and honored. (laughs) However afterwards I was in a position preparing to leave for New York and I felt a slightly burdensome.
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H: Tell us about your model debut and your first modeling work.
Ji Woon: It was in April 2008 during a MAPS Uniqlo photo shoot. I remember posing emotionally in a field of reeds all by myself. (laughs)
Won Joong: It was in September 2009 during a MAPS GQ shooting. It was only a one cut photo shoot, but from that I started modeling activities.
H: While doing model activities, are there any incidents that happened?
Ji Woon: There was a time when I took over the show’s high light performance. But I was so nervous, I forgot the entire performance. Eventually, the show finished without any high light performance and I remember causing a firestorm. (laughs) Also not too long ago I had a fan meeting probably for the first time in my whole career that will remain in my memory.
Won Joong: Before I got on the runway, there was time when my clothes got ripped. Honestly it happened because of a helper’s mistake but eventually it caused a firestorm. (ha ha) There was also a time in Milan that I can’t forget. I went to casting auditions over 30 times, but I never got any contact. During my disappointment I got my first casting at ETRO. I was so happy I felt like I could fly.
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H: We heard that you two receive lots of gifts from your fans?
Won Joong: I think this question is wrong. The correct question would be, “We heard that Park Ji Woon receives lots of gifts from fans?“ (ha ha) I’ve received gifts just two times. That’s why I steal and eat Ji Woon’s biscuits that he received as gifts from time to time. (laughs)
Ji Woon: I don’t receive gifts as much as you think. Even though I receive gifts from fans from time to time, honestly I feel sorry and burdensome.