Nigerian-Korean model makes Time’s ‘Most Influential Teens of 2017’

Nigerian-Korean model Han Hyun-min was named by Time magazine as one of the 30 most influential teens of 2017.

On the list of 30 teens released Thursday, Time outlined that each individual was chosen based on “accolades across numerous fields, global impact through social media and overall ability to drive news.” 

The magazine said 17-year-old Han made it to the list for pushing the boundaries of the Korean fashion scene by being the first black model to walk on local runways.

Han told Time that he hopes his rising profile in Korea’s fashion scene will challenge the narrowly defined beauty standards of the ethnically homogenous society.

Following his first appearance at last year’s Seoul Fashion Week, Han came under the spotlight as “South Korea’s first black model” with coverage from global media outlets including BBC and Al Jazeera.

Other teens on the list included some of biggest names in music including Khalid and Shawn Mendes, as well as social activists including UNICEF’s youngest goodwill ambassador Muzoon Almellehan.

(mjk625@nyu.edu)