Kim Won Joong never thought of becoming a model when he first started high school. But little did the boy know, Kim would be the first Asian model, not even male but ‘The First’ of the Asian heritage to grace the runway of Prada.
Now a model and a designer, Won Joong, has undoubtedly come a long way from his hometown in Busan, South Korea. With his godly figure and impeccable fashion taste, the Asian model has definitely marked the fashion scene. It would be rude not to talk more about him.
Source: Pinterest
Hence, let’s kick start today’s article with some facts about Kim Won Joong.
Kim Won Joong: Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Kim Won Joong |
|---|---|
| Age: | 33 years |
| Birth Date: | March 31, 1987 |
| Horoscope: | Aries |
| Birth Place: | Busan, South Korea |
| Nationality: | South Korean |
| Blood Type: | AB |
| Height: | 6 feet 2 inches(189 cm) |
| Shoe Size: | 280 mm |
| Profession: | Model, Designer |
| Active years: | 2009-present |
| Brand: | 87 mm |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Kwak Ji Young |
Asia’s First Prada Model Kim ‘King’ Won Joong
When it comes to the fashion scene, Kim Won Joong is definitely on par with fellow Asian models like Godfrey Gao and Sora Choi. Even more, since he was the first Asian to attend the Prada show in Milan, Italy.
So how did the college drop out ended up walking for the fashion frontier in Milan? Surprisingly, Won Joong is also baffled as we are and how his life has ended up as. To begin with, Won Joong never thought of making it a model, let alone walk for one.
However, things changed after he outnumbered his pupils in junior high school when he grew ten centimeters more. Fast forward to a few years, he dropped out in the first years of college and then served in South Korea’s mandatory Army service for two years.
Then after two whole years, Kim Won Joong was finally discharged in 2009. With no college degree and job at top companies like how the Korean society wanted, the young Kim moved to Seoul and started working at a clothing store called American Apparel.
Despite being a small job, the young model was proud of it as he wanted to be a designer, but fate had some other plan for him. Sometime in 2009, Kim was street cast by the Curmas Model Agency‘s casting director. Surely, Won Joong must have left an impression for him.
And without much delay, Kim gladly accepted the offer and embarked on his journey as a model. Aile Model in South Korea signed him. As of now, he is associated with Major Model(New York), Success Models(Paris), and I Love Models(Milan).
From Modeling to Designing Clothes- 87 mm
After working for a few years in South Korea, Kim Won Joong then went to Paris, France, to give it a shot in the international scene. However, on his first try, the model was turned down. But instead of giving up, he tried once more in Milan, and luckily he was signed by I Love Models agency.
Moreover, that season, he was selected to walk for Prada, one of the world’s high fashion brands. And like that, Kim Won Joong became the first Asian to walk for Prada in 2013.
Apart from that, he also got the opportunity to work for Etro and Costume National. Despite the language barrier and change in the environment, it is commendable how well Won Joong did.
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Likewise, coming out of his shell, Won Joong, with his two other friends, launched a clothing brand called 87mm. He debuted as a fashion designer at the 2015 S/S Seoul Fashion Week.
Moreso, his design received much positive response from the public and has successfully been established as a designer himself. With his achievements in the fashion scene, people have started calling him ‘King Won-Joong.‘
However, the 33-year-old model is humble and ever and expressed how he would love to continue modeling as long as he can, just like Cha Seung Won. In an interview with The Korea Times, Won Joong shared his view as a model,
“I see myself as a model more than a designer. I would not have become a fashion designer if I had not succeeded as a model.”
To this, he also added his opinion of working as an actor. Won Joong said,
“I do have an interest in the entertainment field, but I do not want to go beyond my responsibility. I don’t even know what I want to do if I become popular as an actor, I want to be respected in my field as a model for now.”
Personal Life: Kim Won Joong and Kwak Ji Young
Talking about Kim Won Joong, it is no secret that he is the heartthrob of many female fans and inspiration to many young models. However, as of May 2018, this young man is married to another model, Kwak Ji Young.
Despite the anticipation, not much is known regarding the couple’s love affair and dating. But some sources claim that they have been dating for seven years before officially tying the knot.
Soon after their announcement on February 9, 2018, the duo was seen together posing for their wedding photoshoot for ELLE Korea. In the picture, Won Joong(189 cm) was leaning on his bride to be Ji Young(178 cm). They could not have looked happier.
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Aside from their chemistry, it was Ji Young’s wedding dress that caught our attention. Ditching the traditional white gown, Kwak Ji Young was dressed in an unconventional grey suit with a bow tie, showing her chic style.
How Tall Is Kim Won Joong? – Age, Height, and Other Measurements
Before this hot shot grew ten centimeters in just a month, Kim Won Joong was 170 cm in his junior high school years. But now, the dashing model stands tall at the height of 6 feet 2 inches(189 cm).
Even though his weight and other measurements are unknown, there is no doubt Won Joong has got a godly figure. Athletically built, this Korean model has got black eyes and sleek black hair. Not to mention, he has got that professional work look that contradicts his bubbly off work vibes.
With his crisp looks and style that showcases his personality even more, it is hard to believe that Kim is already 33 years old. Born in the year 1987, Won Joong entered the new age on March 31, which happens to be today. So, Happy Birthday to this fantastic model.
Early Life and Education
Talking about his childhood, there is not much information that Kim has shared with the public media. Born in Busan, South Korea, often termed as the ‘California’ of the nation for its coastal beaches and scenic beauty.
Not to mention, Won Joong is of Korean heritage and holds the nationality of South Korea. Also, his blood type is AB, and unlike other countries, Korean are very specific and strict when it comes to their blood types.
Unfortunately, the South Korean model has not mentioned his parents or siblings much in media. That understandable considering how secretive Koreans generally are, especially about their personal life.
On the same note, Kim’s educational institute is also unknown, but according to sources, he dropped out during his first year in college. Hence, Kim might not have a bachelor’s degree, but he graduated from high school.
Some Interesting Facts About Kim Won Joong
- Favorite Music/Band: The Black Skirts, Beenzino, The Knoxx, Pheonix, Liztomania, The Kooks
- Hobbies: Collecting (stamps, silver, shoes, art, books, etc.)
- Favorite Clothing: Cap and Shoes
- Favorite Artist: Tilda Swinton
- Future Destination: Places he has been(Milan, Paris, New York, LA, Tokyo, Bangkok)
- Something uncool but loves doing: Smoking
- Fashion Designers: Raf Simons, Jill Sander
- Inspirations: Eita, Matsuda Ryuhei, Tilda Swinton, Cole Mohr
Net Worth and Income
Kim Won Joong is one of the well-respected and famed models in the South Korean fashion industry. From major houses to small, he has worked with many of them. Hence, from his successful modeling career, Kim would have collected an impressive amount.
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However, his exact net worth as of 2020 is still under review, along with his assets and total income. But without a doubt, Won Joong must be earning an impressive amount thanks to his career. Not to mention, the model turned designer also has a clothing line called 87mm.
Social Media Presence
Instagram– 340k Followers
