Power Korean: Johannes Rosenthal

You’ve probably seen him on posters and billboards in some department stores here in Korea. A walking fashion icon! Literally attention-grabber! His head turning boy next door aura and looks make girls giggle, drool and faint… Everyone! Meet my friend Johannes. 

Johannes Hyun Su Tim Rosenthal is a Korean- German born and raised in Oberhausen, Germany. He graduated from an elite music high school, Landesmusikgymnasium Rheinland- Pfalz in Germany in 2009. Hmm quite long for a school name huh? Hihi.. He is currently in a double honors program, B.Sc. in Business Management and B.A. in Korean Studies at the University of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, UK.

Music

Germany has always been associated with its legacy in classical music. Johannes career and training in music lived up to this association. He is a naturally gifted singer and musician. Being a member of a choir, “Art of the Voice,” in high school, he got to travel to many places in Europe for tour concerts. Also, being part part of a string orchestra, “Musica Viva,” he also plays cello and piano like a god. Musica Viva was awarded 2nd best youth string orchestra in Germany in 2008.

Modeling

Johannes’ modeling career all started in Korea during his stint as an exchange student at Yonsei University. He was discovered by a small modeling agency in December of 2010, where he did some sportswear pictorials and a fashion show for FILA. He said, his friend, David Sheldrick introduced him to the modeling industry here in Korea. He got invited to different fashion events and met people in the industry. He walked in Seoul’s Fashion Week this year, March. He also had photo shoots for different clothing lines like The Studio K, street photo shooting for Kai-Aakmann which appeared in Vogue Girl (April issue), modeled in a Volkswagen car ad, which appeared in Esquire (June issue) if I were to name some. In addition to that he became the new male campaign model of the Italian sports brand “Freddy” which many of you might have seen in many department stores already.

On Korean Fashion

Being a walking fashion magazine himself, it would be nice to hear his thoughts on Korean fashion. He said Korean fashion industry is still very young in terms of age but its development is extremely remarkable. He mentioned that the designer brand Caruso literally gives him ‘goosebumps’ every time the collections are out. He also likes how Korean people take care of their fashion at all times, wherever they go whether there is an occasion or just going to school. Though, he is quite on the warpath with the ‘couple shirt’ culture. Asked him why, he said it’s too cheesy and that he would never date with someone who will ask him to do it. So girls out there you know what to watch out hihi

Loving Korea

For Johannes, Korea is a home away from home. As a Korean- German he already visited the country during holidays when he was younger almost every year. His mom’s hometown Yeosu has always been his destination every time he visits here. Just a trivia, Yeosu is the venue for the World Expo next year. He also loves the convenience in Korea, where everything you want is within reach. Some of his favorite hangouts are Seoul’s very own fashion capital Karusugil and Apgujeong Rodeo area.  

More About Johannes

Many people know him as a party organizer. If you’re his Facebook friend, chances are you’re gonna see many of his statuses and postings are about the parties he organized or supported/promoted. He is also a member of a social brand called Deviant, a platform for people to keep up to date with the latest fashion trends, hot event tips, and that throws exclusive parties/events itself, too. Johannes is also multilingual. He is fluent in German, English, Korean and French. Many people call him John or Hyunsu especially in Korea, knowing that his name is quite long. If given a chance, he is also very open to the idea of working in the entertainment industry in Korea. So, you might see him one day in a Korean drama or movie or as a solo artist or even part of an idol group.   
Twitter: @johnhyunsu

Facebook: John Hyun-Su Tim Rosenthal