In an era when fashion often defines beauty with youth, Elite Model Agency (EMA) stands out as a creative force reshaping global perceptions. Founded in Seoul by Alex Kang and co-directed by Joanne Kang, EMA champions the idea that style, confidence, and artistry transcend age. Through groundbreaking projects that merge fashion, art, and performance — from Korea to Milan — the agency is building a new narrative omilaf inclusivity, cultural exchange, and timeless expression.
Alex Kang: From Senior Model to Industry Pioneer
Before becoming an executive, Alex Kang stood in front of the camera himself — as one of Korea’s first senior models. Witnessing the industry’s lack of opportunities for older talent, he founded Elite Model Agency (EMA) with a mission to create a healthy, inclusive culture for senior models.
“As Korea’s aging society grows, so does the silver industry. I wanted to ensure that seniors—many of whom have strong purchasing power and confidence—were represented authentically in fashion.”
Alex Kang.
EMA became Korea’s first agency to integrate both a training academy and a professional agency for senior models, pioneering a new business model in the local industry.
Building a Philosophy Beyond Age
Working closely with senior models helped shape EMA’s deeper philosophy. “Age is just a number,” Alex says. “True beauty and presence transcend age.”
EMA’s approach focuses on individuality, diversity, and emotional storytelling — qualities that senior models naturally bring to their craft. Their authenticity, he adds, “adds depth and maturity that elevate brand narratives and redefine beauty standards.”
Expanding Horizons: Youth, Global Projects, and Milan
Though EMA began with seniors, the agency soon expanded to include young and commercial models, building bridges to the international stage.
A pivotal moment came when a Korean fashion brand invited EMA to manage its booth at a Milan trade show. That experience opened doors to Milan Loves Seoul — an Italy-Korea fashion platform where EMA helped organize and manage events.
EMA has since sent both senior and young models to major international events, including Vancouver and Milan Fashion Weeks, collaborating with brands such as Onitsuka Tiger and Italian designers Marco Rambaldi and Francesca Cottone.
“Our growth came from believing that modeling is ageless. We see powerful synergy when young and senior models work side by side.”
Alex Kang.
What Sets Elite Model Agency Apart
Unlike traditional agencies, Elite Model Agency thrives on creativity, experimentation, and global connection. Led by Alex and Director Joanne Kang, Elite Model Agency merges fashion, art, and performance, producing immersive pop-up events and conceptual showcases long before these trends became mainstream.
EMA’s bilingual leadership and strong international networks also make it a trusted partner for global brands and artists working in Korea.
“We don’t just manage models. We build bridges — between people, cultures, and ideas.”
Alex Kang.
Balancing Local Growth and Global Reach
EMA’s mission includes nurturing Korean talent while preparing them for the world stage. Alex’s first exclusive model, Hong Bomin, exemplified this vision — a high school student with self-taught English who grew with EMA into an international model.
Meanwhile, Joanne, bringing the same vision, wanted to include young models in EMA. Joanne is currently in charge of managing young models, while Alex focuses on managing senior models. Together, they continue to mentor young and senior local talents, emphasizing education, cultural awareness, and global readiness as key ingredients for success.
Facing Challenges Abroad
Building EMA’s international presence wasn’t easy. “It takes time, money, and trust,” Alex notes. “Emails and social media help, but nothing replaces meeting people in person and building genuine connections.”
Championing Inclusivity in All Forms
EMA ensures inclusivity by representing models of diverse ages, body types, and backgrounds. The agency posts open casting calls in both Korean and English, ensuring that overseas talent can easily apply and participate in collaborations.
“Inclusivity isn’t just a policy for us. It’s our foundation.”
Alex Kang.
Joanne Kang and The Future: Where Real and Virtual Models Coexist
With Korea leading global trends in digital content and AI, Alex and Joanne believe the modeling industry is entering an era of coexistence — where real, virtual, and AI models all share the spotlight.
“The core of modeling won’t change. It’s still about emotion and connection. Technology just gives us new ways to express it.”
Joanne Kang.
EMA’s Global Vision: Fashion as Cultural Fusion
Alex’s long-term vision goes beyond fashion. Through events like the National Day of Korea in Milan, EMA has merged fashion with art, theatre, and performance — even transforming runways into live artistic experiences.
“We want to redefine beauty and culture globally. Fashion is our medium, but our mission is connection — across generations and across borders.”
Alex Kang.
Spotlight Project: A Vision in Motion
From the start, Elite Model Agency (EMA) has sought to expand the role of ageless models beyond traditional fashion. Over time, the agency has curated performances that blur the boundaries between art, design, and the runway.
“At EMA, we’ve always believed that fashion can be more than presentation — it can be performance, emotion, and art. Our goal is to show that beauty isn’t confined by age or form, but expressed through movement, connection, and creativity.”
Joanne Kang.
In September, EMA was invited by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Milan to present “A Thousand Dreaming Plateaus” by Dabal Kim for the National Day of Korea. The performance united sculptural fashion, live geomungo music, and Korean traditional dance, with models appearing as living art forms that brought movement and emotion to the stage.
Working with Milan Love Seoul, artist Erica Forgione, and teams from both Italy and Korea, EMA created a seamless collaboration that embodied its cross-cultural vision. The work was later presented at the MAO Museum in Torino, marking EMA’s growing presence as a global creative platform connecting fashion, art, and performance.
“Working across cultures, from Seoul to Milan, taught us that collaboration is the true heart of creation. Every project is a dialogue — between art and fashion, tradition and innovation, people and places.”
Joanne Kang.
Elite Model Agency Is Redefining the Future of Korean Fashion
From Seoul to Milan, Elite Model Agency (EMA) continues to challenge industry norms and celebrate diversity. Under the visionary leadership of Alex Kang and Joanne Kang, EMA is proving that beauty knows no age — and that Korean fashion, much like Hallyu, is poised to shine on an ever-expanding global stage.
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