Model in an oversized black coat and futuristic sneakers bent forward against a bold red background.

Model Xu Meen holding a braided leather cord in front of a woven white button-up shirt against a vivid blue background.

Model Xu Meen posing in a black leather jacket, white shirt, light wash jeans, and black boots against a grey studio backdrop.

East Asian male model crouching dynamically in a white sleeveless top and striped red and blue trousers against a yellow backdrop.

Male model posing in an oversized white sailor-collar coat, layered striped skirt, and knee-high lace-up boots against a white backdrop.

Model Xu Meen wearing an oversized blazer and printed floral wrap skirt while holding lilies against a gradient backdrop.

Model Xu Meen kneeling in a black striped leather jacket and trousers with matching eye paint against a bright green backdrop.

Monochrome portrait of an East Asian male model seated on draped fabric in a patterned top and wide-leg trousers.

Arena Homme + Korea CODE NAME: ICONIC DNA 2026

About

In the latest feature for Arena Homme + Korea, titled CODE NAME: ICONIC DNA, photographer Sungjae Oh delivers a masterclass in modern luxury fashion editorial photography. The series captures a rigorous exploration of identity through a vibrant, color-blocked lens, featuring models Hoyong Kim and Xu Meen. Across a range of high-energy portraits, the project leans into a minimalist aesthetic punctuated by deliberate, saturated backdrops that shift from deep crimson and electric blue to golden yellow and lush green. The execution relies heavily on studio strobe lighting to carve out sharp silhouettes and define the complex textures of premium materials, from woven leather and technical fabrics to heavy, structured outerwear. By juxtaposing bold, graphic motifs—such as the deliberate use of floral patterns and rhythmic vertical stripes—against the static, monochromatic environments, Oh successfully bridges the gap between classic portraiture and avant-garde fashion documentation. The result is a highly curated visual narrative that feels both timeless and aggressively contemporary. Every frame, whether it captures an intimate macro detail of a branded plaque or an expansive full-length pose, demonstrates a sophisticated command of geometry and color. This collection stands as a compelling testament to the power of editorial minimalism, where the interplay of light and carefully layered styling allows the craftsmanship of the luxury garments to take center stage without distraction.