On the evening of May 24, 2026, viewers across South Korea and beyond tuned in to MBC’s much-anticipated episode 5 of Sora and Jin-kyung, a reality show chronicling the high-stakes adventures of veteran models Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung as they stepped onto the world’s most prestigious runway stage: Paris Fashion Week. For both models—household names in Korea—this marked their first foray into the fiercely competitive Parisian fashion scene, a challenge that promised not only glamour but also nerves, surprises, and a showcase of seasoned professionalism.
The episode, which aired at 9:10 PM KST, wasted no time plunging viewers into the thick of the action. Cameras followed Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung as they prepared for their first individual auditions, each tasked with representing a distinct brand and mood before a panel of international designers and casting directors. While both women have long been celebrated for their poise and presence on the Korean runway, Paris Fashion Week presented a different kind of test—a test of adaptability, charisma, and the ability to stand out in a city renowned as fashion’s global capital.
According to OSEN, Lee So-ra’s experience and composure quickly became the episode’s focal point. During her audition, she demonstrated a walking style and emotional expression that perfectly matched the brand’s atmosphere, catching the eye of a local casting director. In a move that surprised even the show’s production team, the director offered Lee an on-site fitting—an opportunity typically reserved for models who make an immediate and unforgettable impression. As Newsen reported, this was a “rare opportunity given only to standout models,” and Lee seized it with characteristic grace.
The fitting itself became a memorable moment. Lee was presented with an elegant sea-shell colored dress—a style she candidly admitted she hadn’t worn in 15 years. “It’s a style I’ve never tried in the past 15 years,” she confessed, her voice betraying a mix of excitement and nerves. It was a bold departure from her usual looks, and the anticipation in the studio was palpable. Watching from the sidelines, fellow model Hong Jin-kyung and entertainer Kim Won-hoon couldn’t hold back their admiration. “It really suits you,” Hong exclaimed, while Kim added, “You look truly amazing.” Their praise echoed the sentiments of viewers and studio staff alike, many of whom took to social media to express their delight at seeing Lee embrace such a fresh and elegant concept.
But the surprises didn’t end there. As Lee immersed herself in the first fitting photoshoot, the production team and local staff presented her with an unexpected challenge: a joint shoot with a foreign male model. The suggestion, “Let’s try shooting together with a male model,” came as a curveball, but Lee’s response was nothing short of legendary. With a professional gaze honed over decades and an ability to adapt on the fly, she quickly found her rhythm alongside her new partner. According to TopStarNews, Lee “quickly adapted to the concept, impressing local staff with her focus and charisma.” The scene highlighted her versatility, showing that even in unfamiliar territory, she could command attention and deliver results with ease.
Throughout the episode, the contrast between Lee So-ra’s poised elegance and Hong Jin-kyung’s bold, hip styling was a recurring theme. While Lee embraced the sea-shell colored dress, Hong prepared for her own audition with a brand from the world-renowned Dover Street Market, a mecca for fashion enthusiasts. The images, released ahead of the broadcast, showcased Hong’s “hip mood” and Lee’s refined silhouette, sparking conversation among fans and industry watchers about the diversity of Korean modeling talent on the global stage.
According to bntnews, the episode’s narrative was driven by the models’ ability to showcase their individuality while adapting to the rigorous demands of Paris Fashion Week. For Lee, the journey was as much about personal growth as it was about professional achievement. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone—to don a dress she hadn’t worn in years, to collaborate with an unfamiliar partner, and to perform under the scrutiny of international experts—spoke volumes about her commitment to her craft.
Local casting directors and staff paid close attention to Lee’s every move. MT noted that her “charisma and focus” left a strong impression, fueling speculation about whether her efforts would culminate in a successful audition and a coveted spot on the Paris runway. While the outcome remained a tantalizing mystery at the episode’s close, the journey itself was a testament to Lee’s enduring appeal and adaptability as a model.
Meanwhile, Hong Jin-kyung’s path unfolded along a parallel trajectory. Her preparation for the audition with a Dover Street Market brand—known for its edgy, fashion-forward sensibility—stood in sharp contrast to Lee’s classic elegance. The juxtaposition of their styles, highlighted in both the show and pre-released images, underscored the breadth of Korean modeling talent and the unique strengths each model brought to the table.
As the episode drew to a close, viewers were left eagerly awaiting the outcome of the auditions. Would Lee So-ra’s bold choices and professional aplomb secure her a spot on the Paris Fashion Week runway? Would Hong Jin-kyung’s hip, modern approach open new doors in the international fashion scene? While the answers would have to wait for a future broadcast, one thing was clear: both women had risen to the occasion, representing not just themselves but also the evolving face of Korean fashion on the world stage.
For Lee So-ra, the night was a celebration of growth and resilience—a reminder that even after years at the top, there’s always room for new challenges and fresh triumphs. As fans and industry insiders alike watched her journey unfold, it was hard not to feel inspired by her willingness to embrace the unknown, her unwavering professionalism, and the grace with which she met every twist and turn along the Parisian runway.