A recent interview was conducted with Swiss-born influencer Mehtap, currently working as a model in South Korea. I got inspired by her appearance on Arirang TV’s film review program, and I arranged an email interview between 20th and 26th March 2026. The discussion offers insight into her cross-cultural career journey and growing influence in Korea’s fashion and media landscape.

1. Hello Ms. Mehtap, Could you share a bit about your multicultural upbringing—being ethnically Turkish, born in Switzerland, and now living in Korea?

— Hi, sure! I was born in Switzerland to Turkish immigrant parents. We didn’t have money or connections, but I had parents who worked super hard for a better future and taught me to do the same.

Being between two cultures shaped how I see the world. At home I was Turkish, outside I was Swiss, and now I’ve added Korea into the mix. That mix of experiences is such a big part of my content and probably why it connects with people from all kinds of backgrounds.

2. You're fluent in six languages—that's incredible! How do you balance and utilize this multilingual ability across your content and career?

— Thank you! I speak German, English, Turkish, Korean, Japanese and French. Also Swiss German, if you’d like to count it haha. Each language opens a different door. Korean helps me connect locally and fully be part of life here. English and German let me reach people abroad and handle business stuff smoothly. Honestly, I don't think I could do what I do without switching between them all the time.

3. What initially inspired you to move to Korea, and how has the journey unfolded since then? How many years has it been now ? Also do you hold Korean citizenship ?

— I first came to Korea out of sheer fascination after watching a few Korean reality shows, specifically Roommate, where Jackson Wang was part of the cast.

I first visited Korea in 2017, then came back as an exchange student for a year, and in 2021 I officially moved here. I worked really hard to make that step happen and tried to build something from scratch. It’s been over five years now, and the journey’s been anything but linear. I’ve faced a lot of struggles, but I’ve also built a career, a community, and a name here. I don’t hold Korean citizenship yet, but who knows what the future holds?

4. You’re a familiar face at Seoul Fashion Week and major red carpets—what’s your approach to personal style at these events?

— When it comes to red carpets, I love an elegant, feminine, and sophisticated look. Even though in daily life I’m more into comfy, casual clothes, red carpet moments are my chance to show a different side of myself.

Oftentimes, talented designers kindly agree to dress me for those events, which is always a great honor. I always try to wear their pieces with as much grace and respect as possible, it’s my way of thanking them for trusting me with their art.

5. How do you handle negative feedback or cultural criticism on your content?

— With a deep breath and a long walk with my cat, usually. Jokes aside, I’ve learned to filter criticism: if it’s constructive, I take it seriously. If it’s based on prejudice, I don’t let it in. Being a foreign woman in Korea, especially online, means I get a lot of comments that say more about the commenter than about me. I try to stay focused on why I started: to represent people like me, to make work I’m proud of, and to have fun doing it.

6. I saw the premiere episode of Visit Seoul TV’s YouTube series 서울, 어디까지 해봤니? (Translated as - Seoul, how far have you gone?) I was surprised you hosted it, what was that experience like?

— I was the sole host and MC for that first episode, and filming it was a whirlwind. It was a scorching hot day, but I had so much fun. We showcased hidden gems near the Incheon Airport. I really appreciate Seoul Tourism for trusting me with that role.

7. I would really love to know what it was like to guest appear on Arirang TV’s full episode film review program? What did you learn there ?

— That was actually my first time on Korean TV! I appeared as one of two guest reviewers for the full episode. It was a great chance to get familiar with what it’s like behind the scenes on a Korean TV set. I also learned that if you're reviewing a film on camera, you better have more to say than “I liked it.”

8. As a former TikTok Korea Ambassador, what was it like attending exclusive events hosted by Netflix and Warner Bros.? How did you become TikTok Korea Ambassador?

— I applied, and thankfully got accepted! Being a TikTok Korea Ambassador was such a great experience. I got invited to exclusive events, Netflix screenings, Warner Bros. creator parties and met so many other creatives.

That chapter helped me realize how far I’ve come, but also that I’m ready for even bigger projects now.

9. You've worked alongside top K-drama and K-pop talent, what was one collaboration that left a lasting impression on you?

— There are a few, but I’ll never forget my first shoot where I had to explain a very silly video idea to five very well-known K-drama actors, in Korean. Explaining internet trends is already awkward in your own language… now imagine doing it in Korean, on set, in front of everyone, haha. But they were so kind and totally down for it. It reminded me that language doesn’t have to be a barrier when the energy is right.

10. With such a large international following, how do you ensure your content resonates both globally and locally?

— It’s something I’m always working on. Global and local tastes, especially humor, can be really different. I try to just be myself, while staying mindful and respectful of the culture I live in. If I can laugh at something in Korean and help someone abroad understand why it’s funny too, that’s the sweet spot.

11. Are there any dream projects or collaborations you'd love to pursue in the near future?

— So many! I’d love to be part of a scripted series whether on Netflix or a Korean platform that features a multicultural lead navigating life in Korea. There’s still such a gap when it comes to representing people like me in fiction.

I’d also love to join a fun Netflix reality format like Devil’s Plan or something equally fun. I’m a competitive person and extremely good at games, something not many people know about me. I think I’d rock a show like that! hahah…And on the brand side, I’m open to collaborations that go beyond content like co-designing a fashion or beauty line that reflects my style and story, or attending international events where I can represent that mix of cultures.

12. Would you ever consider acting or more scripted roles in Korean dramas or international productions?

— Absolutely. That’s something I’m already training for. I have attended countless acting classes and have a background in improv and hosting, and I’d love to explore more structured roles that still let me bring my full self to the screen.

13. What advice would you give to other multicultural creators looking to carve out space in a foreign entertainment industry, like you’ve done in Korea?

— Don’t let not having money or connections stop you. I didn’t have either. Respect the culture you’re stepping into, but don’t erase yourself in the process. Learn the language, build genuine relationships, and stay consistent even when it feels like no one’s watching. You and your ambition are enough to make it.

With this interview I got to learn how much dedication and talent are needed to express our love for Korea. Interviewing Ms. Mehtap Oezkan taught me how we can use our own passion to explore into a culture we want. But of course each of us has a different story to share through our talent. Thank you for reading this interview.