08-07-2007, 02:53 PM
![[Image: 181622007misskorealeejirc5.jpg]](http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2008/181622007misskorealeejirc5.jpg)
2007 Miss Korea Lee Ji-seon, is just beginning to comfortably settle into her week-old title, which she confidently asserted means much more to her than having been simply crowned a beauty queen: ``I believe it's a contest for selecting a female representative of our country,'' the 24-year-old said during an interview with The Korea Times last Thursday.
``Until a few years ago, I agreed with anti-Miss Korea sentiment that the pageant promotes the sexual commercialization of women,'' she said. ``But if it were simply a contest for selecting pretty women, there would be no need to have one-on-one interviews to discern the knowledge, personal character and future outlook of the contestants.''
Lee explained that the contest has transformed drastically over time. With the latest Miss Koreas like Geum Na-na (2002), a medical student who later went to Harvard University, and Lee Honey (2006), a Seoul National University graduate, both known for being beautiful as well as smart, the Pageant's image is recovering, she said.
``I greedily thought maybe if I become Miss Korea, I could help further improve the image,'' she added with a laugh.
``My parents opposed (my entering the contest). I was also slightly older than the norm to begin with. My American friends thought that the pageant was completely off course from my studies. But I convinced them otherwise,'' said Lee, a junior studying fashion design at the Parson's School of Design in New York.
``Designers are always desperate for inspiration, and my colleagues are fascinated when I show them Korean aesthetics,'' she said. ``I want to create a brand possessing Korean beauty but with an international appeal.''
The aspiring designer said she would play an active role as cultural ambassador of Korea when she attends the Miss Universe Pageant next year. ``And afterward, I wish to present myself as a confident woman who has succeeded in her field (as a fashion designer),'' she said.
Born and raised in Seoul, Lee moved to the United States for college. Though already admitted to a Korean university, Lee went to New York, ``a shopping heaven,'' she said, ``although I cannot buy everything, window-shopping inspires.'' After attending a language program at Georgetown University, where she had to overcome language barriers and shyness, which was largely out of her character, she nourished her creative energy by indulging in the cultural activities the Big Apple had to offer.
The fashion student's concern about a woman's role in society is reflected in her respect for American designer Claire McCardell (1905-1958). ``McCardell, an alumna of my school, did not believe in beautifying the body through oppression, like how corsets painfully confine women. She liberated women by designing comfortable clothing.''
``I, too, wish to become a realistic designer,'' said Lee, who specializes in women's wear. ``I believe that clothes are products. Although some believe that clothing is art, I wish to design attire that women feel comfortable and beautiful in, with both functionality and aesthetics,'' she said, looking chic in a halter neck dress and large gold accessories.
Lee appeared more toned and slender in person than she did on television. A keen fan of Pilates, she has both a domestic and international license for the cardio sport, which is highly popular among female celebrities.
Though naturally slim, she had to work out intensively during the two months leading up to the contest. But having to freeze her facial muscles into a smile was even more excruciating. ``I just kept smiling all day long. Some even thought I had my facial muscles surgically adjusted to maintain a smile (there really is such a procedure),'' she said.
Although Lee maintained an amazing sense of composure during the main contest, she explained that she managed to pull a poker face, masking her nervousness onstage ``like swans who seems so graceful, but beneath the surface they're furiously treading water.''
The beauty queen said she cherishes the times she spent with her two roommates during the 22-day program with contestants prior to the main contest. ``They say that plates crack when three women get together, and we stayed up all night talking,'' she said. Lee said she was very close friends with Park Ga-won, the second runner-up, and was happy they both won titles.
She also notes her trip to China. ``We went to plant trees in the desert, and it was my first time seeing the sandy domes with my own eyes. I was a bit worried about the harsh conditions there, but it was so breathtakingly beautiful,'' she said. An avid traveler and moviegoer, Lee is fond of human dramas like ``The Children of Heaven'' (1997).
For the record of those who are already big fans of the beauty, Lee said she is attracted to broad-shouldered men with kind, droop and creaseless eyes -- faces like actors Yoo Ji-tae, Ji Jin-hee and Cho Seung-woo.
The aspiring designer expressed some concern about her Miss Korea title adversely affecting her studies. But perhaps she will discover ``the wisdom to turn this potential crisis into an opportunity,'' just like she was applauded for saying during the contest that Korea needs to do so in face of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
As she looks forward to a year of community services and possibly TV appearances, Miss Korea said she would, for the meantime, seriously ponder her new role. ``It's only been a week since I became Miss Korea, so I will have to figure out how I want to represent Korea bit by bit. It's my homework,'' she said, eyes glimmering with anticipation.
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
KoreaTimes