In a world inundated with short-form video, David Kim is making a name for himself with his content showcasing photography, an accessible approach to beauty and the life of a burgeoning model. Born in South Korea, Kim immigrated to Virginia in 2011 with his family of five. “During our first few years in the U.S., we lived with my cousins and all shared a single bedroom,” he tells VMAN. Despite the urban setting of so much of his content found on his TikTok channel, where he currently entertains over 2 million followers, Kim loves the outdoors. “I actually grew up in the mountains of Korea, and that gave me a strong connection to nature that’s still a big part of who I am.” This upbringing perhaps fostered his current exercise regimen, which is strongly centered around rock climbing, which he deems “the perfect way for me to stay lean without putting on too much muscle.”

Although the 22-year old started pursuing modeling in July of 2023, it was his long time infatuation with photography that eventually encouraged him to get in front of the camera. “Fashion has always been a passion of mine since a young age, but my genuine interest in modeling developed as I advanced in my photography career,” he says, adding: “While directing and posing models during my shoots, I naturally picked up techniques and knowledge from behind the lens. Eventually, I felt inspired to step in front of the camera and explore modeling for myself.”

With this, Kim’s content incorporates all the starry facets of what it takes to be a male model, posting a range of videos that showcases aspects of his beauty routine, modeling go-sees, and his photography practice. “I started creating content during COVID in 2020. Like many people, I began just for fun—mainly posting dance videos and lighthearted, humorous content. Soon enough, a few videos started to take off, and I’ve been riding that momentum ever since,” he says. 

Through this momentum, there’s been much fanfare surrounding Kim’s most recognizable features is his skin, which rightfully spurs a lot of curiosity from an audience eager to recreate whatever routine has spurred such miraculous results. “I stick to a pretty standard Korean routine,” he says, explaining: “I use a cleanser, toner, serum, essence, moisturizer, and always finish with sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential for me because I want to protect my skin and stay looking young for as long as possible.”

Having recently moved to NYC, Kim is excited to see what will happen in a new city. “I’m looking forward to seeing how I adapt to life in New York, especially since I just recently moved here,” he says. “This move is an exciting new chapter for both my career as a model and photographer, and for my personal growth as a young adult navigating my social life, passions, and long-term goals.”

Photography Isaac Anthony

Fashion Nicola Formichetti

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Grooming Peter Gray (Home Agency) using Oway USA Official

Video Pierce Jackson

Photo Assistants Andrew Bear, Steven Burton

Stylist Assistant Elissa Dziersk