[Born in '58, Sunja] A Late-Blooming Dream of Modeling... "Restoring Self-Esteem and Dignity on Stage"

<Feature> Women Baby Boomer Report #3

1st Generation Senior Model Kim Jaehee "Endless Efforts to Strengthen Expertise"
Daily Trend Surfing and Style 고민... "Feeling Proud When Receiving DMs Calling Me a Role Model"
Park Insook, Known as Daughter of Painter Park Su-geun, "170cm Height, From Complex to Competitiveness"

Senior model Kim Jaehee in action on site. He introduces himself as a professional model who does not take the stage unless he is given "deserved compensation" and "proper treatment."

Editor's NoteThe 3.6 million female baby boomer generation in South Korea each carries 3.6 million unique stories. Their backgrounds, occupations, and desired life directions vary greatly. They should be understood not as flattened figures labeled simply as mothers, wives, or ajummas, but as individuals with diverse desires and goals. Asia Economy interviewed baby boomer women who are sprinting toward different directions as 'three-dimensional agents.'

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyunjung (Sejong), Lee Hyunju, Son Sunhee (Sejong)] "Because I work as an expert with 10 years of experience, I only take stages where I can maintain self-esteem, dignity, and appropriate compensation. Although TV commercial offers come in, I refuse roles such as elderly characters for insurance products because they don't fit my image." (Kim Jaehee, Senior Model, 64)

"When I was young, my tall height of 170cm was a target of teasing and made me live a slouched life, but now I have the opportunity to walk confidently." (Park Insook, Senior Model, 77)

Not shy to stand in front of others and naturally talented, she received many offers to become an entertainer since childhood. However, at a time when university was difficult to enter, her father did not allow the so-called 'entertainer' path for his 'elite daughter' who graduated from the Department of English Language and Literature. After working as the head of the Korean branch of a foreign body management specialist center and in service education, Kim Jaehee began her career as South Korea's 1st generation senior model at age 55. Known as a market pioneer in this industry, she once led the 'We Are Beautiful As We Are' campaign together with Oh Seohee, CEO of the senior women's clothing brand 'Montemilano,' which actively promotes the use of senior models, creating a buzz.

Kim defines herself as a 'person with a clear scope.' She emphasized, "Many people think senior modeling is something anyone who can walk can do, but I surf global trends for more than an hour every day and focus on creating my own style to maintain professionalism."

Youthful sensibility is no longer something from another generation for her. She said, "I run an Instagram account and often receive questions like 'Where did you buy that outfit or accessory?' and DMs calling me a 'life role model.' Recently, I sympathized with the actions of a young party leader, so I created an online cafe and even joined the party as a member. I found the debate battles refreshing and watched all the live broadcasts, and I plan to submit policy proposals."

On-site activity of senior model Park Insuk. She is the daughter of painter Park Soo-geun and worked as an educator for decades before finding a late opportunity to fulfill her dream.

Encouraged by the active activities of the 1st generation, the 'senior' generation is also entering the market with new challenges. Changes have begun to appear in the older generation led by baby boomers. Park Insook (77), who started standing on stage in her 60s after finishing her career as an educator, including roles as a scholarship officer and principal, is a representative example.

Well known as the daughter of painter Park Su-geun, she said, "When I was young, my tall height of 170cm was a target of teasing and made me live a slouched life, but now I have the opportunity to walk confidently. I think the time has come when seniors are recognized as professionals rather than just 'cheerleaders' in the overall modeling market."

Park added, "Growing up in a poor family, I barely had everyday clothes made from relief supplies from the U.S., and I only wore uniforms in girls' middle and high school, so I am only now resolving the resentment I had about clothes. Whenever someone asks my age, even I find it hard to believe." She smiled and added, "As we look toward the 100-year life era, it is time for policies and job programs for seniors like us who are pursuing dreams and entering various markets."