Glimmily

On October 15th, Bae Yoon-young became the first Korean model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway.

Even without the “Angel” title (that’s gone now), walking the VS show still carries serious weight. It opens doors in a totally different way from high fashion—Bae just proved she’s got what it takes as a new generation VS model.

Bae has previously spoken about her success: “People want to work with someone who makes the atmosphere cheerful rather than shrinking back.” She takes charge and lifts everyone around her with that energy—and this show was another moment proving exactly that.

The Audition

“I screamed when I checked the confirmation email with a friend at a party.” Onstage, Bae looked perfect in a sequin hoodie, baby tee, plaid panties, and high-heeled sneakers. So naturally she got a direct casting call, right? Nope—she did an open audition. “I was in New York for another brand shoot when my agent told me about it. I walked for the creative director that same day. After returning to Korea, I got the final confirmation email early one morning, just days after they announced the shortlist.”

The Prep

Since she didn’t know what she’d need to wear, Bae got her body in peak shape from day one. She worked out almost every day and cut carbs three days before flying out. “Even a little attention makes a big difference, so I really focused on my body condition.”

Call time was 8 AM for a 7 PM show. With live performances and runway happening together, rehearsals and blocking went on for hours. “The direction was mainly two things: ‘Be yourself and smile!’”

The Show

Stadium floodlights blazed as TWICE opened with “THIS IS FOR” and “Strategy” while models in sporty looks hit the runway. Sometimes they walked in pairs, giving high school movie vibes with their expressions and moves. Bae matched pace with her partner and nailed the choreography she’d memorized. “I was genuinely nervous for the first time in ages,” she recalls with a relieved laugh. She was finally able to relax during the finale—petals falling, everyone dancing together. After soaking up all that stage energy, she skipped the after-party, went back to her hotel, and crashed. When she woke up early next morning, her Instagram was flooded with tags and DMs, plus over 1,000 new followers.

The Angels

“All of them!” Bae shouts when asked about her favorite Angel. “They’re all so cool and sexy, I can’t pick one. Each has such different charm, and that difference is what makes them Angels.” She still remembers watching the shows as a kid. “The 2000s VS shows with the hottest musicians—those scenes are still crystal clear.”

Now Bae’s “new favorite” is the 2025 show where she walked. “Backstage, everyone worked to lift each other’s energy. Models filmed behind-the-scenes content, and we all danced together before and after walking. The atmosphere where everyone genuinely enjoyed the stage—that was totally new for me. I want to remember that day’s passion and joy forever.”