Korean model Justin Kim is the only Asian male contestant in "America's Next Top Model" cycle 22. (Photo : Instagram/antmthebeststars)
Tyra Banks' modelling contest "America's Next Top Model" has yet to have an Asian winner after 21 cycles. That can change, however, with Korean model Justin Kim as one of the 14 contestants of "ANTM" cycle 22.
Since it premiered on May 20, 2003, "ANTM" has featured several Asian contestants but the closest to the top one of them has reached is third place, courtesy of Caucasian-Malaysian Adam Smith of cycle 21.
Aside from Smith, "ANTM" cycle 21 also has another Asian female contestant named Shei Phan, who is of Vietnamese, Irish and Native American descent. She finished fifth. As early as "ANTM" cycle 2, the reality series featured Japanese-European contestant April Wilkner, who placed fourth.
Julie Titus, who finished 12th in "ANTM" cycle 3 and Anchal Joseph, who finished seventh in "ANTM" cycle 7 are both of Indian descent. Gina Choe, who finished 10th in "ANTM" cycle 6 and Jennifer An, who shared third and fourth places with Erin Wagner in "ANTM" cycle 13, are both Koreans.
Finishing sixth in "ANTM" cycle 11, Sheena Satana, formerly known as Sheena Sakai, is Japanese-Korean. Claire Unabia, who finished eighth in "ANTM" cycle 10, is of Filipino descent.
Asian fans of "ANTM" are now rooting for Kim to surpass what Smith has achieved in the previous cycle or even win the title in the third cycle of the modelling competition that features both guys and girls.
According to his Model Mayhem account, Kim hails is 23 years old, weighs 190 lbs and stands 6'2" although his photo in the "ANTM" official Facebook page indicates that he stands 6'1". He is from Springfield, Va.
"ANTM" cycle 22 is set to premiere on Aug. 5 on The CW.
