Korea's Next Top Model season 3

Korea's Next Top Model, season 3 (or Do-jeon Supermodel Korea, season 3) is the third season of a Korean reality television show in which women compete for the title of Korea's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry.

This season featured eighteen contestants in its final cast. The prizes for this season included: a cash prize of 100,000,000 South Korean won, a cover shoot and editorial in W Magazine Korea, a modeling contract with YGKPlus, and a modeling contract with Major Model Management in New York.

The winner of the competition was 21-year-old Choi So-ra, who continued her modeling career after the franchise.

Contestants
(Ages stated are at the start of the contest and use the Korean age system)

Airport Fashion Couture and Captivating Goddesses of Nature
Original Airdate: July 21, 2012

The models undergo an interview with the judges, including host Jang Yoon-ju, and face a runway challenge at the airport when they arrive for casting. After the runway, the models take part in a photoshoot challenge at the airport, followed by an elimination later that day.

After, Jang Yoon-ju rounds up the semi-finalists and reveals if they have passed the challenges using a metal detector. Models who pass through the detector without it beeping will advance to the top 16. Later, two contestants who were initially rejected (Da-min & Hae-rin) are added to the cast after a change of heart, bringing the final number to 18 contestants.

The final 18 models undergo a second photo shoot at Jeju Island, where they pose as "goddesses of nature." So-ra's photograph is praised during judging, and she receives the first call-out. So-hyun, Da-min, Han-sol, and Hae-rin, ultimately land in the bottom four. Yoon-ju hands the final photograph to So-hyun, eliminating the other three contestants.

The featured photographers during this episode are Nam Hyeon-beom (Casting), and Kim Young-joon.

Conceptional Group Shots
Original Airdate: July 28, 2012

In groups, the contestants film a short fashion clip embodying a specific theme. In the end, Team 3 wins the challenge and is rewarded with an exclusive lunch on a yacht.

The challenge following this is a group photo shoot with the following concepts:

During deliberation at the judging panel, Cho-won receives the first call-out due to her group embodying stark minimalism. So-hyun is also praised, though Team 3 performs poorly overall. This results in So-hyun landing in 11th place, but with judges commenting that she could be in the top three if the challenge was an individual photoshoot instead. Seul-ki and So-yeon landed in the bottom two. So-yeon stays on and Seul-ki is eliminated.

This episode features Kang Seung-hyun as a special guest. The featured photographer of this episode is Kim Young-jun.

High Fashion Editorial Olympiads
Original Airdate: August 4, 2012

In this episode, the contestants receive makeovers before their challenges. Each contestant's style is shown below:

The contestants then have their third photo shoot, a high fashion Olympic couture inspired by the London Olympics. The girls are divided into the following groups:

During the judging section, Han-bit is said to have produced her best stellar shot to date. Jin-kyung is compared to Jung-sun, a previous competitor in season two with a similar age and fashion sense, gaining the first call-out of the week. Yeon-hee, Min-jung, Na-hyun, Se-hee, and Han-bit are also praised. In the end, Kyung-hee and So-yeon land in the bottom two. So-yeon is eliminated and Kyung-hee remains.

The special guests of this episode are Taeyang & Kim Hyun-suk. Yoo Young-kyu (Makeover) and Jo Seon-hee are the featured photographers in this episode.

Petitzel Orange Commercial
Original Airdate: August 11, 2012

In this episode, the contestants are required to attend a vocal class of The Phantom of the Opera and then challenged to sing their pieces in front of others. Min-jung's performance is hailed the most dramatic and she wins this challenge. She receives the prize of jewelry and chooses Ji-su to accompany her to the boutique.

The photoshoot of the episode involves shooting a commercial.

During the judging process, Na-hyun reveals that So-ra's commercial was disqualified. This leads to a switch in position between the two front-runners. So-hyun is praised and gains her first ever call-out followed by Yeon-hee, So-ra, Na-hyun, Min-jung, and Cho-won. Ji-Su and Mi-rim land in the bottom two. Mi-rim is eliminated in the end and Ji-su stays on.

The commercial director of this episode is Cha Woon-taek, and guests Kolleen Park & Jang Moon-jung are featured.

"High" Fashion Spy
Original Airdate: August 18, 2012

The contestants are surprised by a person in a Spider-Man costume descending from their roof. Later, they are required to practice stunts in midair on a wall while secured on wires. So-ra gets injured while practicing and frequently complains about back pain, causing some annoyance among other models. Then, the models are challenged to perform the stunts taught in synchronization with their partners. Cho-won and Jin-kyung are declared the winners and win the right to assign house chores to the other contestants.

The next morning, the contestants are welcomed by their creative director and shown a video message from the creative director of America's Next Top Model, Jay Manuel. Manuel is then revealed to be on-set ready for a surprise photoshoot.

The photoshoot requires the models to pose on a high-rise building as a secret agent or spy. Because of So-hyun's first call-out in the previous episode, she decides on the order of shooting for the others. So-ra is the first; she panics and cannot start her shoot right away. After a few other photo shoots, she requests the fake gun from Han-bit's photo shoot to aid her posing. Most of the models impress Jay, especially So-Hyun and Han-bit, who "produced stellar photos in a variety of excellent poses." During the panel, So-hyun is deemed to be the best and earns her second consecutive first call-out, followed by Yeon-hee and Han-bit. Cho-won's photo is praised by all the judges, except Jay, who says she "looked as though she needed to go to the bathroom." This causes Cho-won to cry after her critique, and Jay says that she needs to be more mature in such a harsh industry. So-ra is reprimanded for her attitude on set, and her habit of tearing her cuticles causes her hands to bleed in front of the judges. Ultimately, Kyung-hee and Min-jung land in the bottom two, as Kyung-hee "did not take the competition seriously" and Min-jung produces "cliche" photos. Min-jung remains and Kyung-hee is eliminated.

The photographer in this episode is Oh Joong-seok, and guests Go Eun-kyeong & Jay Manuel are featured.

Vampire Brides
Original Airdate: August 25, 2012

The other models tell So-ra about their issues with her, specifically her excessive complaints about things that are affecting everyone, and the fact that she appears to steal ideas (such as Na-hyun's cup-crushing idea during the commercial shoot, and Han-bit's gun prop during the spy photo shoot). So-ra is noticeably dejected after the conversation.

The remaining eleven contestants are treated to lunch with male guests. Unbeknownst to them, this is a professionalism challenge. The two models that impress the modeling trainer are Cho-won and Ji-su, who are treated to jewelry. There is only one watch; Ji-su allows Cho-won to keep the watch.

Each model is interviewed by Christian Paris of Major Model Management, and they are warned that this is an elimination challenge. Most models impress, especially Ji-su's facial features, Se-hee's sense of style, and So-ra's look in general. So-hyun's height is deemed a little short for modeling, but Christian says that if she can outshine the taller contestants, she can be booked. Christian dislikes Cho-won's cute personality. Ji-Su is the first person called. Han-bit and Eun-hwa were in the bottom two. The casting director previously stated that Eun-hwa was gaining too much weight for modeling. The director also disapproves of Han-bit, as she unnecessarily danced during her audition. Ultimately, Eun-hwa is eliminated.

The contestants pose with male models for a "Vampire Bride" concept. As So-Hyun was the winner of the previous shoot, she chooses the order of models; So-ra is chosen to go second, after Min-jung. Some models complain that So-ra seems to attract special attention from the photographer, as she was allowed to practice with the photographer before the actual shoot. So-hyun and Yeon-hee receive strong praise from the creative director and the photographer.

Both the photographer and Christian Paris join the judges. Upon viewing So-ra's photo, Paris disagrees with the other judges; the rest of the panel lauds the photo. So-hyun's picture leaves Judge Lee Hye-ju "breathless" and that So-hyun's ability to understand and work with the concept is surprising. Yeon-hee's picture is also well received by the panel: the photographer says that she surprised the entire crew with her modeling, and Lee Hye-ju says that she would choose Yeon-hee as "Best Actress."

So-hyun is the first called out, and Yeon-hee is second, each for the third week in a row. The bottom two are Han-bit and Se-hee. Jang Yoon-ju says that for Se-hee, she is unable to showcase her modeling abilities in photo shoots and demonstrate that she has what it takes to become a top model. For Han-bit, the judges dislike her overacting and unnatural poses, and they feel she must learn to exercise restraint. Se-hee is the last girl called out, and Han-bit is eliminated.
 * Featured photographer: Kim Wook
 * Special guests: Christian Paris, Fabien Yoon & Ahn Jae-hyun

Underwater Mermaids
Original Airdate: September 1, 2012

The models undergo a runway tutorial wearing high-fashion couture dresses. Most do well, but many stumble on the dress, like Ji-su and So-ra. Later that day, the challenge is revealed to be a live fashion runway walk on a spinning stage. So-hyun falls, and So-ra falls on the halfway but keeps her composure. Ji-su excels and wins the reward.

The next challenge requires the contestants to shoot an underwater motion editorial in groups:

So-hyun once again captivates the panel during deliberation though she is reprimanded for having only one angle. Yeon-hee, Jin-kyung, Na-hyun, and Cho-won also excel, while Min-jung and Ji-su disappoint the panel with a lack of motion. Yeon-hee gets the first call-out, followed by Cho-Won, Na-hyun, and So-hyun. The two best friends Min-jung and Ji-su land at the bottom and Jang Yoon-ju eliminates Ji-su, despite her winning the earlier challenge.
 * Featured photographer: Lumpens
 * Special guests: Yonny P, Steven J and Cha Woon-taek

Overseas to Cambodia; Oriental High Fashion
Original Airdate: September 8, 2012

Jang Yoon-ju tells the models to go pack their bags for a mystery overseas destination. The next day, the crew arrives in Cambodia. Although pleasantly surprised, the models are unhappy with the high humidity and simple accommodations. The models visit a village school where they meet the children and have lunch. At the end of the day, the models hold a "runway" show with the children. The winners are Cho-won and So-ra, who have 300 sets of school supplies donated to the school in their name.

The photo shoot is at an old ruined temple, with an "Oriental High Fashion" concept set over a thousand years ago. The prior challenge winners are given the choice of "stealing" shots from other contestants. Cho-won steals ten frames from Yeon-hee (she sees her as a top competitor), while So-ra steals from Jin-kyung (she believes her good shots are from genetics and luck). Min-jung and Jin-kyung pleasantly surprise the creative director, whereas Cho-won and Se-hee struggle with the concept. Na-hyun is critiqued for complaining and not pushing herself to do her best.

Both the photographer and the creative director are guest judges. Min-jung and Jin-kyung are praised for understanding the concepts and their poses; Min-jung's photo is labeled as her best to date. Se-hee is considered awkward in her photos. The judges like Cho-won's photos, but those on set during the shoot think that it was due to luck. The judges think Na-hyun shows her discomfort too obviously, although Lee Hye-ju notes that she at least emotes well. So-ra is criticized for not emoting enough. The creative director advises Yeon-hee to start changing her poses in more subtle, sophisticated ways. Both So-ra and Na-hyun are said to be losing their spark.

To her own surprise, Min-jung is the first call-out. The bottom two are Na-hyun and Se-hee. Na-hyun is disciplined for her inability to mask her frustration. Se-hee is taken to task for falling short of potential and never surprising the judges with any of her photos. Se-hee is eliminated.
 * Featured photographer: Bori

Overseas to Vietnam; Le Petit Prince
Original Airdate: September 15, 2012

The contestants are playing a truth game when So-hyun and Cho-won get into a fight. Yeon-hee tells Min-jeong to control her expressions because she "always looks pissed off." Jin-kyung is awkward at the table because she likes Cho-won, while the others complain about her.
 * Reward Challenge Winner: Yeo Yeon-hee
 * First call-out: Lee Na-hyun
 * Bottom two: Kang Cho-won and Go So-hyun
 * Eliminated: Kang Cho-won
 * Featured photographer: Oh Joong-seok
 * Special guests: Yang Ji-hae

Real-Life Dolls
Original Airdate: September 22, 2012

The contestants compete in a one-on-one posing challenge. Yeon-hee and So-ra are the winners

Later, they are introduced to their next photoshoot: posing as "High Fashion Dolls." The contestants are given a specific type of doll that they needed to embody.

This is a hard shoot for most of the models. Jin-kyung is hailed as the first call-out of the bunch. Next are Na-hyun, So-hyun and So-ra. Yeon-hee and Min-jung drop to the bottom two. The judges consider that Yeon-hee has been a top competitor compared to Min-jung, and eliminate Min-jung.
 * Featured photographer: Shin Sun-hye

Metrocity Special Runway
Original Airdate: September 29, 2012
 * Special guests: Lee JiHoon

Magic Circus
Original Airdate: October 6, 2012
 * Reward Challenge Winner: Yeo Yeon-hee

The judges are impressed by Yeon-hee's performance and dedication, earning her the best photo. So-hyun and Na-hyun under-perform and are sent home.


 * First call-out: Yeo Yeon-hee
 * Bottom three: Go So-hyun, Lee Na-hyun & Choi So-ra
 * Eliminated: Go So-hyun & Lee Na-hyun
 * Featured photographer: Hong Jang-hyun
 * Special guests: Go Jae-hee, Shin Eun-young & Cha Woon-taek

Top Model Reunion
Original Airdate: October 13, 2012

Grand Final
Original Airdate: October 20, 2012

The final three attend a fashion runway. Yeon-hee is eliminated in the pre-elimination round, leaving Jin-kyung and So-ra. The judges evaluate their portfolios and performances throughout the course of the show and feel that So-ra has the chance to make it big. Choi So-ra is crowned as the show's winner.
 * Eliminated: Yeo Yeon-hee
 * Final two: Kim Jin-kyung & Choi So-ra
 * Korea's Next Top Model: Choi So-ra
 * Featured photographer: Hong Jang-hyun
 * Special guests: Jang Min-young, Choi Yoo-kyung & Song Kyung-a

Call-out order

 * Originally eliminated, remained
 * Eliminated
 * Eliminated outside of judging panel
 * Winner


 * During the casting of Episode 1, the pool of 30 is reduced to 16 contestants. The first call-out of the episode did not reflect on performance at casting. Two more models (Da-min and Hae-rin) are later added to the cast, bringing the final number to 18 contestants.
 * In the second part of Episode 1, Da-min, Hae-rin, Han-sol, and So-hyun land in the bottom four. Only So-hyun remains, eliminating the other three models.
 * In Episode 6, there are two separate eliminations. The first takes place outside of the judging panel, and the ranking is determined by the casting director.
 * Episode 11 features a double elimination, with the last three contestants on the line.
 * Episode 12 is a reunion special featuring the contestants who participated during the season. Da-min, Hae-rin, Han-sol, and Seul-ki decided not to take part in the reunion special.

Call-outs
Casting call and Episode 13 are not included.

Eliminations

 * Eliminated after first time in the bottom two/three
 * Eliminated after second time in the bottom two/three
 * Eliminated after third time in the bottom two/three
 * Eliminated in the final judging, placed third
 * Eliminated in the final judging, placed as the runner-up

Post–Top Model careers

 * Kwon Da-min has taken test shots and modeled for companies and shows such as Semir China, Seoul Motor Show 2015, and Over The Limit. She has appeared in magazine editorials for Gioami,  Time Out Hong Kong May 2015, and Mag & Jina February 2020, as well as  fashion shows by Reebok, Puma, Greedilous,   and Maison Nica. Besides modeling, she owns a clothing line called Jin Barbie. She also competed in Supermodel Contest 2012 on SBS where she won 3rd Place.
 * Min Hae-rin has no modeling activity after the show.
 * Jung Han-sol signed with YG KPlus, P&P Agency, and Quest Artists & Models in Hong Kong. She has appeared in magazine editorials for Bnt International, My Wedding, Cosmopolitan September 2015, and Next Hong Kong December 2017. She has modeled for companies such as D'Luv, Giordano Hong Kong, Fossil APAC Hong Kong, Anessa Sunscreen, Seoul Motor Show, and Shake Shack. She has taken part in fashion shows by Leyii, Paul & Alice SS13, Hong Kong Wedding Expo 2017, Choiboko SS19, and Louis Vuitton SS20. Jung retired from modeling in 2021.
 * Lee Seul-ki has no modeling activity after the show.
 * Ji So-yeon has no modeling activity after the show.
 * Jang Mi-rim signed with Piverteam Modeling Agency, La First Model Agency, and A. Conic Modelling Agency. She has taken test shots and modeled for Pro-Specs, Busan Motor Show 2018, SsangYong Motor, and Hollys. She has taken part in fashion shows by S=YZ Studio, The Wander SS18, Studio Di Perla SS18, Heta Clothing FW18, and Zuvin FW19. Besides modeling, Jang has also competed in Model Crowd Challenge 2015 and won 3rd Place.  She retired from modeling in 2022.
 * Heo Kyung-hee signed with ESteem Entertainment. She took test shots until retiring in 2014.
 * Yoon Eun-hwa signed with YG KPlus. She has taken test shots and taken part in fashion shows by Yohanix, Kye Seoul SS13, Moon Young Hee FW13, and Gaze de Lin FW16. She retired from modeling in 2020.
 * Choi Han-bit took part in some fashion shows and photo shoots after the show, before stopping modeling in 2014 to pursue acting and singing. She is featured in the movie and TV series Man on High Heels and I'm Sorry, But I Love You. She also debuted in a girl-group called Mercury. She retired from acting and singing in 2017.
 * Hong Ji-su signed with ESteem Entertainment, Fabbrica Milano Management in Milan, Established Models in London, Traffic Models in Barcelona, Public Image Management in Montreal, Louisa Models in Munich, Premium Models in Paris, One Management & Marilyn Agency in New York City, Le Management in Copenhagen & Stockholm, and Nomad Management in New York City, Los Angeles & Miami. She has modeled for Valentino, Triumph, Fila US, NARS Cosmetics, Push Button, Kjaer Weis US, Moose Knuckles US, Zeyi Studio US, Miss Gee Collection FW16.17, Prae NYC, Veronica Beard FW22, Eileen Fisher. and appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Dazed, Vogue, Allure August 2013,W November 2014, Marie Claire December 2014, Harper's Bazaar Singapore February 2016, Funnytastes Spain May 2016, Basic US August 2017, Modern Luxury US Fall 2021. She has taken part in fashion shows such as Miss Gee Collection, J Koo, Push Button, Kye Seoul, Pamella Roland, Cushnie Et Ochs SS16, Christian Siriano FW16, threeasfour FW16, Naeem Khan FW16, Emilia Wickstead FW16, Ulla Johnson FW17, Alice + Olivia SS18, Kimora Lee Simmons SS18, Michael Costello SS18, and Veronica Beard SS23.
 * Choi Se-hee signed with YG KPlus. She has taken test shots, modeled for Publicka, and took part in a fashion show by Kwak Hyunjoo FW13. Besides modeling, she owns a clothing line called More Than Paradise. Choi retired from modeling in 2015.
 * Kang Cho-won signed with Agency Garten and Head Model Agency. She has taken test shots and took part in fashion shows with Rose Rosa Wedding Dress, Jarret SS16, SJYP FW16, Cres. E Dim. SS17. She has appeared in magazine editorials for Dazed, Bling, Singles, Eastar Jet #8 SS16, W February 2016, K-Lifestyle China April 2016, Geek May 2016, Syoff July 2016, Nylon July 2016, Grazia August 2016, Cosmo Campus March 2017. and modeled for Umbro, Sperry Top-Sider, Etude House, L'Oréal, Skechers, Bean Pole, Maison Kitsuné, Joyrich SS14, Adidas FW14, Lovcat Paris, Lov Lov Seoul, SSF Shop, Acover SS16, Tyakasha Studio SS16, Le Coq Sportif Golf FW17. Besides modeling, Kang has appeared in several music videos such as "Woo Ah" by Crush, "Be There" by Cheeze, and "Atmosphere" by Juncoco X Advanced ft. Ailee. She retired from modeling in 2019.
 * Lee Min-jung signed with A. Conic Modelling Agency. She has taken test shots and appeared in magazine editorials for Dazed February 2022. She has modeled for Calvin Klein, Surfea, Kiara, and Julie. She also took part in fashion shows by S=YZ Studio, Partsparts FW19, Vegan Tiger SS22.
 * Go So-hyun signed with ESteem Entertainment. She has appeared in magazine editorials for W, Marie Claire, Allure, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Girl, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Singles, Esquire December 2013, Dazed April 2014, and Elle Bride April 2015. She has modeled for Bean Pole, Uniqlo, American Apparel, Us N Them, Overtone, Le Yiel,  ABC-Mart. and took part in fashion shows by J Koo,  Jarret, Jardin de Chouette FW13, Marihorn SS14, Lucky Chouette SS14, Supercomma B FW15, and Munsoo Kwon FW20. Besides modeling, Ko has appeared in several music videos such as "Inconvenient Truth" by Infinite, "Blossom Tears" by Lyn & Leo, "Love Satellite" by Clazziquai Project, "Want U" by Junggigo, "Boy In Luv" by BTS, "Growing Pains" by Super Junior-D&E, and "Bonnie & Clyde" by Dean.
 * Lee Na-hyun signed with Climix Model Company. She has taken test shots and took part in fashion shows of R.Shemiste SS16. She retired from modeling in 2018.
 * Yeo Yeon-hee signed with YG KPlus. She has modeled and shot campaigns for companies such as Champion, Levi's, Nike, ChapStick, and Samsung. She has also participated in fashion shows by Mag & Logan, Kwak Hyunjoo, The Studio K, Enzuvan, Cres. E Dim., and Vibrate SS19. She has appeared on magazine covers and editorials for Allure, Dazed, W, Elle November 2012, Harper's Bazaar January 2013, Vogue Girl February 2013, InStyle June 2013, Esquire July 2013, Vogue March 2015, Marie Claire March 2016,  and Nylon Japan February 2017. Besides modeling, Yeo is also pursuing an acting career and appeared in several music videos such as "Want U Back" by 100%, "Eat" by Zion.T, "U & Me" by Babylon ft. Dok2, "Hogu" by Giriboy ft. Brother Su, "Speak of Love" by Clazziquai Project.
 * Kim Jin-kyung signed with ESteem Entertainment and Sublime Artist Agency. She has modeled for Etude House, Benetton Group, Vans, Uniqlo, Bouton FW14, Superga SS18, Goalstudio Japan FW21, and La Mer Korea. She took part in fashion shows such as those by Steve J & Yoni P, Kye Seoul, S=YZ Studio, Paul & Alice FW15, Sewing Boundaries FW16, and Yoon Choon Ho FW17. She has appeared on magazine covers and editorials for W, Vogue Girl, Elle Girl, Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Nylon, Dazed, Allure, Cosmopolitan, 1st Look, Le Debut #20 Summer 2013, Maps #67 October 2013,  GQ November 2014, and L'Officiel Singapore October 2018.  Besides modeling, Kim has appeared in the music video "Lonely" by B1A4 and also pursues an acting career, appearing in many movies & TV shows.
 * Choi So-ra signed with YG KPlus and Major Model Management in New York City. She has also signed with Gost Agency, Special Management in Milan, Marilyn Agency in Paris, The Lions Management & Muse Model Management in New York City, Ford Models in New York City & Paris and Wilhelmina Models in New York City & London. She has modeled for many high-end brands and designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tom Ford, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Adidas, and Hugo Boss. Choi has appeared on many magazine covers and editorials including W, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Dazed, Marie Claire, Nylon, Allure, Elle, Vogue Girl, Grazia, Numéro Russia, and French Revue des Modes. She has also taken part in many fashion shows including Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Dior, Versace, and Miu Miu. In October 2015, Choi was ranked by Cosmopolitan as one of the most successful contestants of the Top Model franchise.