Models Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung showed incredible passion as they aimed to join a Paris agency.
On the May 10th episode of MBC’s “Sora and Jinkyoung,” the two shared news about being contacted by a Paris agency. To make it to Paris, they first had to pass an online interview, so Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung dove headfirst into practicing their English interviews with strong determination.
During the day of the overseas agency’s online interview, Hong Jin-kyung’s home was revealed. In particular, her daughter Lael’s study room was shown, and Hong Jin-kyung joked while looking at a photo of Lael, “(Lael) doesn’t seem to realize how beautiful her face is. I guess that’s just how it is at this age,” recalling the time Lael went viral for her photoshopped pictures, which brought laughter to the set.
Before challenging the French agency, which is the home country of a past lover, Lee So-ra shared tips she learned from MZ models like Baek Jin-kyung. “They told me to shout ‘Baaam!’ with confidence,” she said while mimicking the move, before suddenly asking, “Do you remember ‘Bang Bang Intersection’?” bringing back memories and causing an explosion of laughter.
Lee So-ra was then shocked to see a photo of Yoo Jae-suk in a corner of Hong Jin-kyung’s living room. Hong Jin-kyung explained that she kept the frame, which was originally a prop from a broadcast, because “just looking at Jae-suk oppa’s face makes me excited.” Lee Dong-hwi agreed, saying, “I also have a photo of Jae-suk hyung at home. Just knowing he’s alive is a huge help.” Kim Won-hoon added, “I have senior Dong-yup’s face brightly displayed on my table,” only to be shut down by Lee So-ra, who asked, “Is that really necessary to mention right now?”
The highlight of the day was Lee So-ra’s shocking stamina. Lee So-ra boasted that she could hold a plank until Sung Si-kyung’s song “Smile Angel” finished, and she actually succeeded! After already planking for about a minute before the music started, she maintained perfect form throughout the 3-minute and 54-second song. Everyone was amazed by the core strength of someone born in 1969, and Lee So-ra revealed her determination, saying, “I endured it by thinking that if I succeed, the two of us will stand on the Paris Fashion Week stage.”
During the online interview, Lee So-ra emphasized her 34 years of experience as a seasoned model and confidently mentioned her role as a host on “Project Runway Korea.” She also perfectly executed the “Baaam!” move she learned from Sung Si-kyung and Baek Jin-kyung. When asked about her strength, she playfully answered “inner beauty,” leading the interview with humor. She shared a touching moment, saying, “I know I’m not young and the road will be tough, but I want to grab the second chance I missed 30 years ago.”
Next up was Hong Jin-kyung, who was so nervous her eyelids were trembling. She did her best during the interview, occasionally glancing at the self-introduction letter her daughter Lael had prepared. She finally started to relax when the interviewer mentioned they had seen the Netflix “Single’s Inferno” series she appears in. Regarding her strengths as a model, Hong Jin-kyung explained, “My face possesses both Oriental beauty and modern androgynous charm. I debuted at a young age, but now that I have more experience, I’ve developed a more special charm.”
After the interview, Hong Jin-kyung admired Lee So-ra, saying, “I think you’re amazing. I didn’t know you could do ‘Baaam’ that many times.” Lee So-ra then showed her quirky side by confusing the shows, saying, “The interviewer knew you much better. They said they watch ‘Dol Singles,'” referring to “Single’s Inferno.” Hong Jin-kyung responded with a self-deprecating joke, “I’m the one in ‘Dol Singles.'”
Hong Jin-kyung showed a serious side, stating, “I was sincere, so even though it’s a variety show, I didn’t try to be funny.” Their online interviews continued, and even the next day, they visited a practice studio, showing touching passion as they declared, “All we have to do is practice walking.”
