Following his return from Paris, France, Jiwon sat down with Nylon Magazine to take part in a mini interview, describing his transition from social media model (those that gain popularity for their modeling through social media outlets and the number of followers they retain) to company model for 2KENT. While his cover (see above) showed off a more ‘sultry’ side to the otherwise well-known ‘boy next door’ type feeling the twenty-year-old often gives off, Jiwon still retained his signature boxy grin and sense of humor while taking a seat with our staff. While it appeared, model was still recovering from his fever that had been announced a week ago, when his schedules had been abruptly halted, Jiwon hadn’t shown an ounce of weakness nor indication toward his ailments and otherwise kept up smile throughout whole interview. Below, is a sneak peak of what to expect in next week’s special publication of Nylon Magazine:
Interviewer: Okay, Jiwon, let’s get started with a few simple questions-- It’s nice to see that you are doing well, how are you feeling today? Heard you had a fever.
Jiwon: I’ve been feeling a lot better [ he had smiled, hands clasping near knee; legs crossed in a comfortable seated position adjacent to interviewer—appearing relaxed] Thanks to the support of my friends, family, and of course my fans that have sent me get well wishes over social media these past few days. What about yourself? are you feeling okay, the weather is getting colder.
I: [ they laughed, feeling the talkativeness of the young model and his overall friendliness] I am doing fine, thank you for asking, the weather is getting colder. Ah, let’s get to more serious questions, is that okay?
J: Of course, feel free to ask what you want---I’m pretty much an open book. [ he chuckled]
I: Okay, well, moving on to what it seems your fans want to know most about, how does it feel—to transition from Social Media Model to Company Model, and not just any company but the well-known 2KENT?
J: [ he seems to contemplate his answer, gaze flickering to side in thought before opening his mouth to speak; his seated position changing ] Well, it was a bit different at first, I mean being behind your own camera verses those of more professional hands was a bit nerve wracking. [ he scratches behind his ear; smiling sheepishly] I must admit I was nervous with my first shoot, even the one for this magazine, but—everyone in 2k has been rather welcoming and I feel like I made a second family with company itself.
I: That’s so good to hear, it seems like you’ve began adjusting well. [ they smile in return] Speaking of 2KENT, I hear you are close with a few artists over there, anyone in particular?
J: I—well, I am an easy-going type of guy... I guess I try to be close with anyone that approaches me or I feel connection to. [ his lips have pursed now] I can’t name anyone in particular, everyone is like a family member to me.
I: I see-- [ nod is granted and page is flipped from notepad ] It says here you went to Paris not too long ago, is there anything your fans might look forward to expecting.
J: [ his demeanor seems to shift into a more mischievous one; subtle glint in almond hue ] I can’t tell you much but, I would definitely look forward to a big collaboration in the future, maybe even a small surprise in the near future.
I: Now you’ve got me interested and excited as well, I can’t wait to see what you have planned. [ smile follows ] I have a personal question here, hope it’s ok, but, what drove you to become a model?
J: [ he nods and keeps signature boxed smile upon his lips as interviewer speaks; sitting back in chair ] I guess nothing really /drove/ me to model, like most things in my life it was something that just happened? I didn’t have any plans for the future, really, and during a bad time in my life I ended up looking to social media for comfort. One day I snapped a few – I guess, aesthetic pictures, posted them, got a lot of likes and compliments, and decided to pursue it. It wasn’t till later in my teens did this ‘hobby’ of mine become something more meaningful to me. A dream I wanted to follow and pursue no matter what.
While we can’t fully divulge the whole interview, we hope you look forward to the future publication and buy a copy for yourself -- enjoying reading young model’s interview as much as we enjoyed giving it.