{
  "id": 15740283,
  "title": "Models from 35 countries to compete in 'model Olympics' in Seoul next month",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/models-from-35-countries-to-compete-in-model-olympics-in-seoul-next",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T12:12:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20261020/models-from-35-countries-to-compete-in-model-olympics-in-seoul-next-month"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Around 500 models from a total of 35 nations are set to assemble in Seoul for the inaugural Olympic-style modeling competition, the Seoul Model Festival 2026. The event will be held from November 23 to 25 at two prime locations: Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of the city and the Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District. This gathering is being organized by the Asia Model Festival Organizing Committee, which comprises the Korea Model Association and a Korean association of professional makeup artists, with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The theme of this groundbreaking event is \"Models wearing the beauty, fashion, and arts industries.\"\n\nThis festival sets itself apart from regular fashion shows and modeling contests by treating the models as athletes, with the runway serving as their playing field. Judges will assess the contestants based on their walking, posing, expression, creativity, and teamwork skills. Collaborations between designers, brands, and makeup, hair, and nail artists will create each unique entry.",
  "summary": "About 500 models representing 35 countries will gather in Seoul next month for what organizers call the world’s first Olympic-style modeling competition. The Seoul Model Festival 2026 runs from Nov. 23 to 25 at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul and Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District, according to the Asia Model Festival Organizing Committee, which is hosting the event. Models chosen from 50…",
  "key_points": [
    "500 models from 35 countries compete in inaugural Olympic-style modeling event",
    "Seoul Model Festival 2026 held November 23-25 in Gwanghwamun Square and Gocheok Sky Dome",
    "Event emphasizes models as athletes with runway as playing field"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Treating runway performance as an athletic discipline redefines the modeling profession by shifting the focus from simple aesthetics to technical skills like teamwork, creativity, and physical expression.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Models from 35 countries to compete in 'model Olympics' in Seoul next month",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/models-from-35-countries-to-compete-in-model-olympics-in-seoul-next-15744040",
        "published": "2026-10-20T13:02:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}