Lee Hee-jae,Pioneering South Korean Fashion Model and Artist,Dies at 73
Table of Contents
- Lee Hee-jae,Pioneering South Korean Fashion Model and Artist,Dies at 73
- Early Life and Modeling Career
- Transition to Art and Later Life
- Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
- Lee Hee-jae: A Timeline of Achievements
- The Enduring Legacy of Lee Hee-jae
- Frequently Asked questions About Lee Hee-jae
- Who was Lee hee-jae?
- What were Lee Hee-jae’s major accomplishments as a model?
- when did Lee Hee-jae transition to art?
- Where did Lee Hee-jae showcase her artwork?
- How did Lee Hee-jae contribute to the south Korean fashion industry?
- Why is Lee Hee-jae considered a “first-generation fashion model”?
- What was the cause of Lee Hee-jae’s death?
Lee Hee-jae, a prominent figure who revolutionized the South Korean fashion scene as a model and later transitioned into a successful artist, died on June 9th at the age of 73. Her death followed a battle with biliary tract cancer, marking the end of an era for many in the fashion and art worlds.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Born in Seoul, Lee Hee-jae graduated from Seoul Central Girls’ High School and Konkuk University. She began her modeling career in 1971 after winning first place in the ‘Mokhwa Lady’ contest organized by the Korea Textile Association. Her talent and dedication quickly propelled her to international recognition, culminating in a third-place finish at the Los Angeles International Model Contest in 1979.
Lee Hee-jae, along with contemporaries like Rubina and Kim Dong-soo, is considered a “first-generation fashion model” who helped popularize the profession in South Korea. She established the Model Line Academy in 1983 and served as the director of Charming School ‘WHY NOT’ from 1990 to 2002. She also ventured into broadcasting, hosting radio shows on MBC and Q channel from 1993 to 1995. Her book, “Lovely Woman: Lee Hee-jae Charming School,” became a bestseller, sparking the “Lee Hee-jae Diet” craze in 1993.
Did You Know? …
South Korea’s fashion market is projected to reach $31.78 billion in 2024, demonstrating the significant impact of pioneers like Lee Hee-jae. Statista provides further insights into the market’s growth and trends.
Transition to Art and Later Life
After two decades in the fashion industry, Lee Hee-jae retired in the late 1990s to pursue her passion for painting. She began painting in 2002 and held her first solo exhibition, “Louis and Ray,” in 2010, marking her debut as a painter. In 2015, she showcased her work in Beijing, China, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist.
In January 2022, Lee hee-jae was diagnosed with biliary tract cancer, which recurred in 2023.According to Yonhap News, vocalist myung-in recalled Lee Hee-jae saying, “I will be a model even if I get born again.”
Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
Model Park Young-sun paid tribute to Lee Hee-jae on social media, writing, “It was still good when I first saw you in 1987.”
Lee Hee-jae is survived by her brother Lee soon-jae, sisters Lee bok-jae and Lee Eun-sook, brother-in-law Kim Nak-hyun, and nephew. The funeral will be held at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall 6 at 8 a.m. on June 12th.
Lee Hee-jae: A Timeline of Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Debut as a fashion model after winning the ‘Mokhwa Lady’ contest. |
| 1979 | Third place at the Los Angeles International Model Contest. |
| 1983 | Founded the Model Line Academy. |
| 1990-2002 | Director of Charming School ‘WHY NOT’. |
| 1993-1995 | Hosted radio broadcasts on MBC and Q channel. |
| 2010 | Debut as a painter with her first solo exhibition,”Louis and Ray.” |
| 2015 | Exhibition held in Beijing, China. |
Pro Tip: Studying the careers of influential figures like Lee Hee-jae can provide valuable insights into the evolution of fashion and art in South Korea.
What aspects of Lee Hee-jae’s career do you find most inspiring? How do you think her influence will continue to shape the fashion and art industries?
The Enduring Legacy of Lee Hee-jae
Lee Hee-jae’s impact extends beyond her individual achievements. She played a crucial role in shaping the South Korean fashion industry, paving the way for future generations of models and designers. Her transition to art demonstrated her versatility and creative spirit, inspiring others to pursue their passions regardless of conventional career paths.
Her work with the Model Line Academy and Charming school ‘WHY NOT’ helped to professionalize the modeling industry in South Korea, providing aspiring models with the training and skills they needed to succeed. Her influence can still be seen in the success of many contemporary South Korean models and fashion brands.
Frequently Asked questions About Lee Hee-jae
Who was Lee hee-jae?
Lee Hee-jae was a pioneering South Korean fashion model and artist, known for her contributions to the fashion industry in the 1970s and 1990s and her later career as a painter.
What were Lee Hee-jae’s major accomplishments as a model?
Lee Hee-jae won first place in the ‘Mokhwa Lady’ contest in 1971 and placed third at the Los Angeles International Model Contest in 1979. She also helped popularize the modeling profession in South Korea.
when did Lee Hee-jae transition to art?
lee Hee-jae retired from modeling in the late 1990s and began painting in 2002. She made her debut as a painter in 2010 with her solo exhibition, “Louis and Ray.”
Where did Lee Hee-jae showcase her artwork?
Lee Hee-jae showcased her artwork in South Korea and internationally, including an exhibition in Beijing, China, in 2015.
How did Lee Hee-jae contribute to the south Korean fashion industry?
Lee hee-jae founded the Model line Academy and directed Charming School ‘WHY NOT’,contributing to the professionalization of the modeling industry in South Korea. She also inspired many with her “Lee Hee-jae Diet” craze.
Why is Lee Hee-jae considered a “first-generation fashion model”?
Lee Hee-jae is considered a “first-generation fashion model” because she was among the first to popularize the profession in South Korea, paving the way for future generations of models.
What was the cause of Lee Hee-jae’s death?
Lee Hee-jae died on June 9th at the age of 73 after battling biliary tract cancer.
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