NAME: Lee Taemin
D.O.B: July 18, 1996
GENDER: Male
DOMICILE: Seoul, South Korea
NATIONALITY: Korean
OCCUPATION: Model-Influencer, signed under Platinum Management
ORIENTATION: Bisexual
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Engaged
ZODIAC: Cancer
HEIGHT: 175 cm / 5'7
WEIGHT: 53kg / 116lbs
EYES: Dark brown
HAIR COLOUR: Naturally black
PHYSIQUE: Slender
PIERCINGS: Ears. One on each lobe, two on the right helix
TATTOOS: Three. A crossed flower behind the left ear, a crescent moon on the inner side of the right wrist and a peony flower on the right hip
MBTI: ENFJ-A

Taemin is a model of suave photoshoots for various fashion brands. Back in 2017, he was accepted into Platinum Co., a casting agency and model management in South Korea. Being under their tutelage, Taemin managed to seize every possible opportunity, given the skyrocketing number of offers that he received on a monthly basis which ranged from a simple ad campaign to a front cover modelling gig of different fashion magazines.

That’s what sets him apart. Taemin is a big name in the fashion industry.

Of his many remarkable achievements, chief among them is his Chanel contract that lasted for two years – something that was extremely sensational for its incredulity – before he secured another position as CELINE’s global ambassador until the recent days. To put the measures into perspective, Taemin has experimented with many fashion houses to find the right fit and with the privilege that he receives as an ever-flourishing model, he gets to star in multiple campaigns for brands such as Saint Laurent, Gucci and Cartier.

In late 2020, Taemin relocated to England with his fiancé, Elias Vaughn Choi. For someone who has an intractable passion for clothing garments and couture, Taemin is not afraid of courting risks. In London, he decided to expand his client base and pursue his influencer career. While he’s not tied to contracts with any English agencies, Taemin is free to create deals with the designers by joining as many fashion events as he can. It helps to broaden his connections since those who seek joint-venture partnerships in the industry always make their presence known there.

Now, Taemin moves as a model-influencer with the support from his lifetime partner, families and teammates. The career swerve was not something that he had seen coming from the beginning, but it was a beautiful twist all the same.

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Congrats on the award, that was massive. How did you feel upon receiving it?
The first thing that came to my mind was, “Is this real? Am I dreaming?” Because when you look around, there are so many other talented models who might have deserved it better. And tracking down the annals, only true heroes and heroines were crowned with this award, so there was no way that I became the victor. Plus, I came alone. Nobody was there to pinch or jostle me when they announced it. It went beyond words. I was and still am very much grateful about it.

The Special Mover Award is given to people who manage to change the world for the better. What exactly have you done to fulfil this criterion?
To say I have fulfilled this criterion is unsettling because you can’t be doing something transient then expect the consequence to linger for a long time. For what it’s worth, I don’t think you have to do anything substantial to make a change. All I did was spread awareness among designers, clients and local consumers. My latest contribution is regarding clothing rental platforms and how renting jeans over and over actually have a climate impact. I’m a very conscientious person, you know. If someone is trying to right the wrong by preaching otherwise, I’d be among the minority to debunk it – with data and studies and my own will.

You were the only one who spoke about it. Some fashion houses claim the opposite. Were you going against them with your efforts?
Absolutely not. You see, when things like this break, there’d be people who insist that renting clothing garments is a part of the circular economy which is deemed essential to keep these fashion businesses sustainable. I’m not averse to that, but think of it this way: rentals do not encourage designing out waste. Anna Härri also mentioned in the paper that, for the fashion industry to become more sustainable, both consumers and brands need to move away from the concept of fast fashion. I don’t mind speaking on their behalf if that means I get to share the knowledge with everyone else.

Then were you expecting this outcome?
No. In fact, I didn’t know that I was nominated and evaluated by a panel of professional judges. It’s just who I am, I think. I’m noisy when it comes to wardrobe truths. Not because I was targeting this kind of award, but because I love educating people.

How did people around you react about your appearance at MFW?
Everyone was elated, of course. I broke the news to Minho, my fiancé, over dinner. [laughing] It was great. I just think people didn’t expect me to show up again after moving.

We’ve seen the pictures of you and your fiancé with a baby around London. Congratulations on that, too. How is life going now as a parent?
Thank you so much. Seriously, life has been great. My boy is growing really fast and healthily under our care. We love making believe with the baby. As his Papa, I want to build a world for Misha where time, logic, fantasies and other restrictions don’t matter. He has every license to try something new and we will be there to assist and provide, however nonsense and ridiculous. All I want is to create a cocoon for him against the cruelty of the environment so he stays safe and loved always.

Finally, what’s the possibility of meeting you again at another Fashion Show?
Hundred per cent. [laughing] I usually make do with the deals, but attending fashion events is my favourite thing on Earth. So, if there are invitations, I’ll definitely be there.

– Interviewed by Burt Helm, GQ.

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