Exclusive Interview: South Korean Model Noma Han

Style, Interview

Exclusive Interview: South Korean Model Noma Han

By Ian Lee
March 08, 2017

South Korean model Noma Han burst on the scene 10 years ago, landing campaigns for Calvin Klein and Public School. And although he says he never plans things, he has also found the time to be a body art maestro.

What has 2017 had in store so far?

I took some time off and I’ve been traveling a lot lately with my (Taiwanese) girlfriend of one year. We went to Taiwan, Korea, Japan and New York. Some work did crop up in these places though – I did a few shoots in Taiwan. And now I’m here in Singapore. I never really plan things – I’m a little last minute, and I find things more interesting that way.

Versace Nylon jacket, cotton top, metal ring

It’s your 10^th year in modelling…

The first two years (in South Korea) didn’t really work out. I decided to go to New York. I was lucky – there weren’t many Asian models then, and people liked me. I think people and clients there are more open than those in other cities.

Gucci Cashmere top, wool pants, embroidered satin slippers

The coolest modelling moment for you to date is…

I will always remember the Lanvin show I did in Paris. I can’t recall when it was, but I was quite a new model and I remember thinking “wow”. At that time, there weren’t many Asian models walking in Paris – they were still quite conservative then.

How many tattoos have you got?

About 53 – it’s hard to be exact because I have a lot of small ones, but I was once asked and so I counted.

Gucci Embellished silk jacket, cotton shirt

What would you say to a model who wants a tattoo?

“Are you sure? You shouldn’t. It might hurt your career.” I know the industry, and I would want to be protective of other models. But if they really wanted, I’d do it.

Dior Homme Cotton shirt, denim jeans

For the rest of the interview with Noma, grab your copy of Men’s Folio’s March K Issue, available at your nearest bookstores and newsstands. Meanwhile, check out an exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the cover star on shoot.