To become a household name as a model is nothing short of an accomplishment that SuMin Kim aka Xu Meen knows all too well, going from Models.com’s Model of the Week to Top 50 in less than three years. Xu Meen made his debut back in 2017 and a year later booked his first campaign for Givenchy, shot by Steven Meisel. Since then, the South Korean model known for his distinct shaved look and bold street style has found the perfect balance between edgy editorials and money clients while opening doors for the next generation of Korean faces looking to join the industry. With over ten covers, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Bottega Veneta campaigns, and fresh strolls walking for Off-White and Balmain, Xu Meen is just getting started. We met up with Xu Meen in Paris to talk about how he got his start in the industry, being interested in art direction while working with creatives, and what takes up his time when he’s not on set.
Where are you originally from, and how were you discovered?
I’m from South Korea, and I got scouted by casting directors. They made an appointment with an agency for me.
You were recently featured in Salvatore Ferragamo’s S/S 22 campaign. How was it working with Hugo Comte for the first time?
It was great. We were in Rome for Ferragamo, and all the marvels of nature were helping us to make a great campaign. We talked about what we are interested in and even more about photography, culture, movies, food — everything was impressive. I’m still thankful that I’m getting to know him more and more; I also was grateful that he said he wanted to work with me.
What have been your favorite moments in your career since you got scouted?
In my career, everything is my favorite. With my work, I learn more about diverse cultures. How to respect all these cultures through a lot of traveling, work, meeting random people and situations — it’s been a fantastic journey since I got scouted, and I appreciate it a lot.
Last year, you won “Model of the Year” at the Asia Models awards, how does it feel knowing that you’ve been recognized for such a prestigious title?
I’m so thankful that I had that experience, but it’s not all about “winning the game” at the end of the day. Recognition like this makes me more humble and responsible for leading me to the future and thinking of how to represent the modeling & fashion industry.
Since you’re based in London, have you been able to travel back and forth to your hometown in South Korea since the pandemic began? If so, how has it been maneuvering travel with the ongoing pandemic?
At the beginning of the pandemic, I was stuck in London and Korea for a while, making me unable to travel as often as I’d like to. As time went on, I could travel but only to a few countries because of restrictions. Now we live in this pandemic situation, so traveling is definitely more accessible than before, but it’s risky still and not as easy sometimes. I’m thankful that I can travel and work in the industry as a model because I really love what I do.
How would you describe your style?
I can’t define what my style is. I do my thing and wear what I like and want.
How was the experience of working alongside Jacob K and Gordon von Steiner for the Versace F/W 22 Men’s collection?
Working with Jacob was great, as always. He knows how to make something gorgeous and as you know, he has a unique sense for styling. Gordon is a pro, and he has a lot of experience in fashion. He made an impact on the set. I spoke to Jacob K and Ashley, a designer at Versace, and they asked me questions about the design, fabric, shape, color, logo, etc., of Versace while I was at a fitting. I asked them, “why did you want to hear something from me?” because I’m not a designer or stylist. They told me, “you know how to put things together and make them better because we’ve seen your personal style in the media a lot.” To me, it was a moment of honor to hear that.
When you’re not modeling, what mostly takes up your time?
A cup of coffee with friends and thinking about things differently. I am also really interested in casting, art directing, or anything related to fashion.
