"Through our partnership, we blend our unique perspectives and passions to craft stories that resonate across cultures and capture the essence of being human."
Words by Adam Chan. Portrait by Miae Jo.
Lee Seoyeon at KPLUS photographed by Ji + Doh. Styled by Suhyun Kim at Mixtage.
Makeup by Eunyeong Baek at Mixtage. Hair by Hyung Gyu Ahn.
Photographers assisted by Jihyoung Kim and Jinok Jeon. On set production by Gee Soo.
MUA Assisted by Jungwon Park. Hair Stylist assisted by Chaerin Jang.
The atmosphere buzzed with warmth and energy as we gathered over fragrant Thai cuisine at a cozy Highbury restaurant. Across the table sat Ji and Doh, the ingenious duo behind the acclaimed fashion photography team JI+DOH, who shot the cover for the South Korea chapter. Despite their extensive portfolio of cover shoots for top-tier publications such as L'Officiel Singapore and Elle Hong Kong, and their knack for capturing the essence of A-list celebrities, including popular K-pop groups NCT Dream and (G)I-IDLE, their authenticity and enthusiasm immediately set the tone for an engaging conversation.
Originally from South Korea but now navigating between Seoul and London, Ji and Doh seamlessly blend Eastern and Western perspectives in their creative pursuits. Ji fondly recalled her initial fascination with London, which began during her studies there. "But my true passion lies in merging fashion with more artistic visual mediums," she confessed with a smile.
Their shared creative fervour serendipitously brought Ji and Doh together, kickstarting their dynamic partnership as JI+DOH. Their collaborative synergy has only strengthened over the years, fuelled by their diverse upbringings across the globe. This rich tapestry of experiences is reflected in their distinct photographic styles. Doh, the portraitist, seeks soulful connections through the windows of the eyes. "He likes to see eyes, [making] eye-to-eye contact with the model," Ji explains. In stark contrast, her avant-garde gaze zeroes in on the poetic language of movement and form. "She doesn't like to see eyes," Doh chimes in, "she's more focused on body and movements." This delightful creative tension between them results in a sum greater than its parts, highlighting the unique synergy of their partnership. "One plus one truly equals three," Doh muses. "Our complementary styles allow us to craft fully realized visual narratives that captivate from head to toe."
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ji and Doh seized a unique opportunity to return to their homeland as the UK went into lockdown. This homecoming provided a fresh canvas for creative exploration, allowing them to collaborate with local teams and delve into their cultural heritage through a creative lens. Their creative prowess was further exemplified in their collaboration with K-pop sensations Jaemin and Chenle of NCT Dream for a whimsical Arena Homme + China cover shoot. When the weather threw a curveball, JI+DOH and Art Director Nuri Yeon ingeniously crafted an indoor sailboat set, bringing the sailing and "youth" concept to life in a fresh and unexpected way.
Their bold artistic vision was showcased in their involvement with Levi's open call commemorating the 150th anniversary of the iconic 501 jeans. They eagerly displayed their passion for the brand by injecting their signature energy into the project, bringing Levi's heritage to life with a vibrant series of "jumping shots." These shots featured models donning their beloved 501s and bouncing on trampolines, capturing the playful nostalgia and liberating spirit inherent in both denim culture and JI+DOH's unique lens.
Yet, amid their myriad adventures, some of their most touching memories remain rooted in familiar soil. Doh reveals a deeply personal endeavour exploring the North Korean diaspora in New Malden, where he intimately connected with and photographed individuals who had braved the arduous journey from oppression to liberation. The echoes of their cultural odyssey linger within him, resonating with tales of escape, optimism and fortitude.
Amid these poignant narratives, we pause to indulge in the flavours of their treasured culinary delights. For Ji, it is the enigmatic charm of a seemingly unremarkable North Korean noodle dish that, through the prism of nostalgia, evokes a profound emotional depth—a poignant reminder that art often flourishes in the unlikeliest of places. As our conversation flows, we delve into their aspirations and creative dexterities beyond high fashion. Doh expresses his passion for gritty documentary portraiture, while Ji longs to capture the inherent beauty and personality of animals through an editorial lens.
Despite their discretion on upcoming projects, JI+DOH hint at an exciting campaign for a major travel-related brand, set to launch this fall-winter. Their anticipation is palpable, leaving us eagerly awaiting the unveiling of their latest creative venture.
Amid the laughter and savoury aromas, one truth about JI+DOH's expansive portfolio shines through––their unparalleled versatility and profound personal connections enable them to capture the most conceptual editorial visions and elusive rawness of the human spirit alike. With creative cups brimming over, we can barely contain our excitement for wherever their daring lenses will roam next. One thing is for certain – JI+DOH's revelatory artistry will undoubtedly continue to blaze uncharted territories.
Discover this piece inside the Korean Chapter at The Silk Road Issue 12
Purchase your copy here.
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