Senior models Kang Jeong-ae, left, Jeon Se-zin, second from right, and Park Nam-sun, right, who participated in the first Seoul Senior Model Fashion Festival earlier this month, pose with Lee Roo-young, model and professor at Kookje University who trained them, at a studio in southern Seoul, July 12. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Park Nam-sun, a 69-year-old model, ages like a boss.

With her silver hair cropped in a chic short bob, she shuns artificial enhancements, preferring to showcase her authentic self. Her wrinkles, unpierced ears and warm, genuine smile highlight Park's unique charm and her unapologetic embrace of natural beauty in the modeling industry.

Like a blank canvas, her face effortlessly shifts from embodying kindness and grace to exuding charisma and power, depending on the stage.

"I stand on the stage with the mindset that I alone am enough. I don't need accessories, I am my own brand," Park said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at a studio in Seoul, as she celebrates her fifth year in the modeling industry.

Park said that her decision to become a model was part of her journey to rebuild her life after her soulmate fell ill and passed away nearly 20 years ago. Having spent years as a housewife, she was left to navigate financial responsibilities and emotional grief as she took on the role of breadwinner for her family.

Park Nam-sun, who became a model after her husband died around 20 years ago, poses during an interview with The Korea Times at a studio in southern Seoul, July 12. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Determined to rise above misfortunes, she found solace and empowerment by strutting down the runway.

"What I love most about modeling is that it lets me express parts of myself I had been hiding. It's on the runway where I feel the most release and see my self-esteem grow. It's like making my own unique artistic palette, and I experience a surge of excitement and joy with every step on stage," she said.

She said the biggest charm of senior models is the depth that comes with age.

"Their life experiences, etched onto their faces and embodied in their movements, naturally manifest in their expressions. Each of their life stories is a testament to their resilience and unique paths. I respect that," she said. "They may be different from me, but that only makes them cooler. I want to learn from them. They inspire me."

In an age where the prospect of living into the 100s is becoming the norm, the rise of these so-called "active seniors" is a notable trend. These vibrant individuals, regardless of age, are pursuing a variety of new interests, including cooking, painting, and even rapping, with a spirited enthusiasm.

Senior model Jeon Se-zin, who used to be in another line of work, says he is happier now as he looks into a mirror during an interview with The Korea Times at a studio in southern Seoul, July 12. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

After the tremendous success of trailblazers like Kim Chil-doo, who rose to fame as a model at the age of 62, many older individuals are now seizing the opportunity to follow their lifelong aspirations of becoming models.

This unique niche within the modeling industry offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional standards of beauty, as it is less constrained by age, size, gender or body type. Senior models embody the concept that true beauty transcends physical limitations, showcasing that individuals of all ages and physical attributes possess their own unique charm and allure.

The rising popularity of senior models was evident at the first Seoul Senior Model Fashion Festival, held on July 4. At this festival, Park and 32 other senior models — both amateur and professional — took to the stage. Supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to promote senior health and social participation, the event saw over 450 aspiring and active senior models applying for the audition.

Kang Jeong-ae, who became a senior model after taking part in a fashion show at a community center, looks sideways in front of a mirror as she poses during an interview with The Korea Times at a studio in southern Seoul, July 12. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

At 72, Kang Jeong-ae took her first official catwalk at the event. Her outgoing and fun-loving nature led her to a modeling class at a local community center with friends last year, which introduced her to the senior modeling world.

"My close friends and family would often tell me I should be a model, but the fashion world seemed too glamorous and intimidating for me," Kang said. "Then, this small community center fashion show with my friends changed that perception." Wearing a retro purple flower-patterned dress she bought in the 1990s, she took the stage and excelled. "Everything about it was so fresh and exciting."

With almost no prior modeling experience, she auditioned for the Seoul Senior Model Fashion Festival and impressed everyone on stage. "I wasn't nervous at all. I truly enjoyed every moment of it," she said.

What her new passion has changed the most, Kang says, has been her posture.

"Modeling has helped me become more aware of my posture. I've learned to straighten my back and correct my habit of walking with my toes pointing outwards. Now, I'm practicing a more elegant walk and even working on perfecting my smile," she said. "I enjoy walking the runway with my head held high, ready to showcase my unique style to the world. I also believe that modeling can contribute to the health and well-being of senior citizens, which in turn helps reduce the healthcare cost burden on society."

For Jeon Se-zin, a 67-year-old retiree, modeling has been a cherished part of his life for the past three years.

"Fashion has always been close to me. Thanks to a friend who studied fashion design, I had the chance to walk on a few runways in my 20s. But I realized I couldn't make a career out of modeling, so I lived the rest of my life away from the fashion world," he said, proudly showing off his long silver hair and thick silver mustache.

It was only after retirement that he began to follow his heart.

"I have to say, I'm happier now than I was when I was working. Back then, everything felt like an obligation. Now, I'm engaged in things that make me genuinely happy, and this feeling of joy is incredible!"

Jeon finds that the larger the audience, the more goosebumps and joy he experiences on the runway. He also sees his long grey hair and mustache as integral parts of his personal fashion statement.

"My long hair and mustache allow me to experiment with different looks and styles, and I consider them essential to my self-expression," he said. "While charisma, edginess, and chicness are all appealing qualities, I personally value softness and approachability. My goal is to project a warm and friendly image that resonates with others."

Jeon notes that while senior models are gaining attention in fashion shows, there are still not enough proper opportunities for them compared to the number of aspiring models entering the industry each year.

"We are seeing a troubling trend in the senior fashion show scene. Some organizers are now charging participation fees, effectively making it so that models must pay for the chance to walk the runway," he lamented.

Lee Roo-young, a model and professor at Kookje University who teaches aspiring models, observes that there is a skyrocketing demand for senior model education.

"The interest in becoming a senior model has surged, and more people are seeking formal training to enter this field," she says.

Lee explained that seniors are increasingly exploring modeling opportunities through lifelong learning centers, community centers, private academies, and hobby groups.

"We've witnessed a threefold increase in interest over the last five years," she said, adding that this upward trend is likely to persist.

Yet the professor raises concerns over some unethical agencies that view senior modeling as a means to exploit or take advantage of older individuals.

"I think senior models themselves also have a role to play in fostering an ethical environment. It is important for them to avoid unrealistic expectations or excessive ambitions. Instead, they should focus on personal growth, self-expression, and the enjoyment of modeling."

The senior model trio now has a new dream. Park's next mission is to teach budding senior models, believing that fashion should not be limited by age.

"Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you're stuck in a world of gray or floral prints. Anyone can have fun with fashion and I want to show that," she said.

Kang aspires to use her influence as a model to make a positive impact on the world, especially by supporting causes like refugee relief and helping those in need.

Jeon aspires to branch out into modeling for ads and explore acting opportunities in both plays and movies.

"While there is a saying that seniors live a 'second life,' I have spent most of my years focused on my wife and children, leaving my own desires aside. Rather than seeing this as a new beginning, I view it as a rediscovery of myself and my own life," he said with a broad smile.

Senior models pose during the first Seoul Senior Model Fashion Festival at the World K-pop Center in Jung District, Seoul, July 4. Courtesy of Asia Model Festival