Model Recounts His Experience Modeling For BTS Jimin’s “Artist-Made Collection”

You may have seen French Algerian freelance model and influencer Mehdi in the recent promotional materials for BTS Jimin‘s hoody from the “Artist-Made Collection.”

ARTIST-MADE COLLECTION BY #BTS
Merch. Mood Film – Jimin ver.

🫂WITH YOU HOODY
BY Jimin#BY_BTS #BY_Jimin pic.twitter.com/uFSQGYZH7X

— HYBE MERCH (@HYBE_MERCH) January 15, 2022

Now that this awesome hoody has been officially released, models can finally share the behind-the-scenes details…

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Recently, Mehdi posted a Q&A video to his YouTube channel velour 벨루어. There, he answered some frequent questions he’s received since HYBE MERCH released the shoot.

He addressed how he became a model in Korea in the first place and gave hope to other international fans who may be looking for similar job opportunities. Mehdi explained that while he’s not Korean, he went to Seoul National University through a scholarship. He then became a model through freelance opportunities.

I’m more of a freelancer because modeling, YouTube, influencer, home shopping, host, radio, teaching English and French… I do all of it. So, yeah, the best label would be freelancer and for modeling.

— Mehdi

Mehdi described himself as more of a freelancer and influencer as he does a variety of jobs more than just modeling. And he explained how he finds modeling gigs.

I have a very ordinary face abroad, and I’m not tall. …But there’s more to modeling than just walking on the runway. There’s also lifestyle modeling, and I think all foreigners have their shot here in Korea since you’ll be considered exotic here.

— Mehdi

So, if you’re looking for similar work in Korea, he recommends having an Instagram account specifically for modeling. When you post, include a “foreign model hashtag.”

I have a separate Instagram account, and I caption my pictures with the ‘foreign model’ hashtag. And, guys, I’m not lying… The next day, I get work through DM… Honestly, try it. But it’s not super well paid.

— Mehdi

Of course, the question everyone has been looking for answers to… Did he get to keep the “WITH YOU HOODY” by Jimin?

Unfortunately, the answer is no…

Guys, of course not. They would risk a leak by gifting it. It’s not a sponsorship.

— Mehdi

Since the shoot was a few months ago, the company couldn’t risk giving the models any merchandise as it could “leak,” resulting in the surprise launch being spoiled. Still, if given the opportunity to keep any of the clothes he modeled, Mehdi would have totally kept them!

It’s just my job, I go and take pictures, give it back to the stylist, and bye. They wouldn’t give it for free either. … Even so, I would’ve kept it.

— Mehdi

Well, did he at least get to meet any of the members? Well, no again…

The poor men don’t even have time to breathe! They wouldn’t come to stuff like that, right? We didn’t meet them… But it was really fun because I didn’t expect to shoot for BTS.

— Mehdi

Despite ARMYs’ disappointment at these answers, Mehdi ensured viewers that he still had a great time. It was an amazing opportunity nonetheless!

And, as I mentioned, didn’t get paid a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised because it’s… big. I had nothing else to do that day too so… better make a little money, right? The filming took place about a month ago, and there were three other models. They were experienced unlike me, but it was super chill and fun, shot for six hours…

— Mehdi

Watch Mehdi’s full Q&A here:

Additionally, Mehdi has another YouTube channel filled with adventures. Check it out below: