Senior models, YouTubers leading Korea's "greynaissance"
- 5 years ago
With people living longer these days, they'll remain economically and socially active for years and even decades longer than before.
So Korea's senior citizens are finding some creative ways to spend their golden years, some of them getting into modeling, even building a following on YouTube.
Oh Soo-young has this report.
Fine lines and greying hair may have been things to hide in the past,... but a growing number of older Koreans are taking these features in their stride.
So Eun-young, at age 74, is one of Korea's up and coming "silver stars," who has been gracing the stage of Seoul Fashion Week since 2016.
"I was the only older woman among the models, who were mostly 18 or 20 years old. I was doubting myself and shaking like a leaf. But then, I thought, you only live once."
Despite her soaring profile, she's still a work in progress, she says,... as she practices walking with her peers at a modeling agency.
They all come from different walks of life but share the same desire to become the face of an ageing population.
"I asked myself what makes my heart beat faster and makes my life worthwhile, and thought "this is it." The moment came to me when I turned 60."
"A university in Seoul offers a specialized degree for aspiring models from the older generation,... not only teaching them how to walk the walk but also help develop professional knowledge of media and the fashion industry."
Along with Korea's rapidly ageing demographic,... experts say the concept of beauty is also shifting.
"Fewer people are dying their grey hair and there are more fashion and beauty brands for seniors,... who want relatable models, not 20 year olds. Older models have the advantage of life experience. Different emotions and expressions come to them naturally."
The catwalk isn't the only way to silver stardom.
Sixty-three year-old Shim Bang-gol has gained nearly 300-thousand followers on YouTube, with her videos on making rustic Korean dishes.
For nearly 40 years, Shim says she was only ever a housewife.
Never did she dream she'd share her recipes with thousands,... all from her small kitchen in the idyllic Buyeo countryside.
"I live in the countryside and farm so I work with seasonal ingredients, which I think my viewers appreciate. I'm proud and blessed to do something I love at this age."
Numerous academies and community centers now offer vlogging courses for people aged over 50.
"Silver YouTubers impart diverse knowledge and life experience, which appeals to all age groups. My 12-hour course teaches everything from setting up a channel to filming, editing, and even making thumbnails just by using a smartphone."
Going grey used to be considered an inevitable but unfortunate part of ageing,... but times are changing as people learn to fully embrace and celebrate turning silver.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
So Korea's senior citizens are finding some creative ways to spend their golden years, some of them getting into modeling, even building a following on YouTube.
Oh Soo-young has this report.
Fine lines and greying hair may have been things to hide in the past,... but a growing number of older Koreans are taking these features in their stride.
So Eun-young, at age 74, is one of Korea's up and coming "silver stars," who has been gracing the stage of Seoul Fashion Week since 2016.
"I was the only older woman among the models, who were mostly 18 or 20 years old. I was doubting myself and shaking like a leaf. But then, I thought, you only live once."
Despite her soaring profile, she's still a work in progress, she says,... as she practices walking with her peers at a modeling agency.
They all come from different walks of life but share the same desire to become the face of an ageing population.
"I asked myself what makes my heart beat faster and makes my life worthwhile, and thought "this is it." The moment came to me when I turned 60."
"A university in Seoul offers a specialized degree for aspiring models from the older generation,... not only teaching them how to walk the walk but also help develop professional knowledge of media and the fashion industry."
Along with Korea's rapidly ageing demographic,... experts say the concept of beauty is also shifting.
"Fewer people are dying their grey hair and there are more fashion and beauty brands for seniors,... who want relatable models, not 20 year olds. Older models have the advantage of life experience. Different emotions and expressions come to them naturally."
The catwalk isn't the only way to silver stardom.
Sixty-three year-old Shim Bang-gol has gained nearly 300-thousand followers on YouTube, with her videos on making rustic Korean dishes.
For nearly 40 years, Shim says she was only ever a housewife.
Never did she dream she'd share her recipes with thousands,... all from her small kitchen in the idyllic Buyeo countryside.
"I live in the countryside and farm so I work with seasonal ingredients, which I think my viewers appreciate. I'm proud and blessed to do something I love at this age."
Numerous academies and community centers now offer vlogging courses for people aged over 50.
"Silver YouTubers impart diverse knowledge and life experience, which appeals to all age groups. My 12-hour course teaches everything from setting up a channel to filming, editing, and even making thumbnails just by using a smartphone."
Going grey used to be considered an inevitable but unfortunate part of ageing,... but times are changing as people learn to fully embrace and celebrate turning silver.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.