OTSMAGAZINE: interviews

Previously featured by OTS Magazine, Blessing Claire Rotimi returns with a story that feels less about arriving and more about becoming. In an honest conversation, the model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur reflect on faith, identity, boundaries, beauty, ambition, and learning to trust the journey, one step at a time.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | BLESSING CLAIRE ROTIMI ON FAITH, PURPOSE & THE WOMAN SHE IS BECOMING

When we featured you previously, you were in a different season of your life. Looking back now, what would today's Claire say to the woman we interviewed then?

I would tell her, “You are becoming, even when you cannot see it.”

Looking back, I realize I was so focused on figuring everything out that I didn’t always appreciate the woman I was already becoming. I would tell Claire to trust God more deeply, to stop being so afraid of the unknown, and to understand that not every season will make sense while you are living through it. But most importantly, I would say thank you.

Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for choosing to keep going, even when you didn’t have everything figured out. Thank you for choosing life, for choosing to love regardless of what you had experienced, and for choosing to remain a blessing to others even while you were still becoming.

I would tell her that I am proud of her for staying soft in a world that could have made her hard for continuing to love, to give, to dream, and to believe. She didn’t have all the answers, but she kept moving, and I think there is something powerful about that.

Today, I understand that my journey is not just about modelling, makeup, or the things I am building. It is about purpose. God has been teaching me to surrender, to grow, to be disciplined, and to allow Him to shape my identity beyond what people see. And I think one of the greatest things I would tell that Claire is this: "It was never about you. It was always about Him.”

Nothing I was then, and nothing I am becoming now, truly belongs to me. Every gift, every beautiful opportunity, every achievement, every door that opened, every good thing people saw in me was God’s and is still God’s.

So I would tell her not to take the glory for what God is doing through her. Give it back to Him. Whatever is beautiful, whatever is glorious, whatever is good, let it point back to the One who gave it. Because when I look back now, I don’t just see what I survived or what I accomplished. I see the faithfulness of God. And looking back, I’m grateful that while I was trying to figure life out, I didn’t stop choosing to live it.

So, Claire, thank you. Thank you for staying. Thank you for loving. Thank you for becoming. And thank you for trusting God enough to keep going.

You may not understand the process, but trust the One who is leading you through it. The woman you are becoming is worth the process.

All glory, honor, and praise belong to God.

Without sharing anything you're not comfortable discussing, what experiences over the past few years have shaped your outlook on life the most?

What happened between yesterday’s Claire and today’s Claire was, first and foremost, an encounter with God. There was a moment when I clearly heard a voice, and that encounter changed something in me. It opened my eyes to how much I had been living from self-learning, leaning on my own understanding, my own strength, and trying to figure everything out by myself.

At the time, there were so many things happening around me. My relationships, my career, my decisions, and the people I allowed into my life. I was moving, but I felt like I was moving in circles. There was activity, but very little direction. And, honestly, there was a lack of peace. That encounter brought clarity.

Today, I live by the Word of God. It has become my compass. Before I make decisions, I have learned to pause, think, pray, and ask. I don’t want to make decisions simply because I feel pressured to act. I have learned that nothing good comes from making important decisions out of pressure or emotions.

The Word has taught me to remain in God, to stay with Him, and to allow Him to direct me. It has also changed the way I look at difficult seasons. I have learned to look for the good in the process. I may not always know how something will turn out, but I have become hopeful and expectant because I know that, whatever the outcome, there is something to learn.

I think one of the biggest lessons for me has been remaining a student of life. I never want to stop learning. I have also had to confront some of the choices I made about the people and things I allowed into my life. There were moments when I felt that I had disappointed myself by giving access to people and situations that were not aligned with who I was or who I was becoming. Those experiences taught me discernment, boundaries, and the importance of knowing my worth. But I don’t look back at those seasons only with regret. I look at them as part of my learning.

The biggest thing that changed my outlook on life was realizing that it was never really about me having all the answers. It was about learning to trust the One who does.

That encounter with God taught me to pause, to listen, to remain humble, to remain hopeful, and to see purpose even in the process.

I am still becoming. I am still learning. But today, I know where I want my direction to come from, and that has made all the difference.

As a strong woman navigating both personal ambitions and professional aspirations, what parts of your culture continue to influence the way you carry yourself, make decisions, and define success?

Many of the values that shape how I carry myself today were learned at home, particularly respect, honour, generosity, and being a blessing to others. I was taught to respect people and what belongs to them, but more importantly, I had the privilege of watching my parents live those values out. I remember my father showing gratitude and returning kindness whenever someone helped him, while my parents would often find ways to help people even when they didn’t have much themselves. That taught me that being a blessing isn’t necessarily about abundance; sometimes it is simply about having the heart to give what you can.

As I’ve grown, I’ve also learned to hold on to what God says about me. There were experiences that affected how I saw myself, but I’m learning to let God’s truth become louder than other people’s opinions, rejection, or validation. I hold on to the truth that I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), blessed and called to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2), and loved by God (Jeremiah 31:3). Those truths have become a foundation for how I see myself, make decisions, and navigate both my personal life and my ambitions.

I also define success differently now. It isn’t simply about what I accumulate, how visible I become, or what I achieve. For me, success begins with the heart. Can I help someone, provide a solution, encourage them, make their life a little better, or leave them feeling valued? I want what I build to have meaning beyond myself.

I have big dreams and I’m not afraid to pursue them, but I’m learning that ambition and contentment can exist together. I can desire more while remaining deeply grateful for what I have today. I want to embrace each season, learn from it, and allow it to shape me.

Ultimately, success isn’t simply arriving at a destination. It is becoming the kind of person who can carry that destination well when I get there. When the heart is in the right place, I believe everything else finds its proper place too.

Has there been a moment where your priorities shifted completely? If so, what became more important to you than it once was?

Yes, completely. A lot has changed. One of the biggest shifts has been learning not to make decisions simply from impulse, pressure, or the fear that, “If I don’t do this, everything will fall apart.” I used to feel like I always had to do something, fix something, or make something happen. Now, I have learned to pause and ask, “Is this aligned?”

That has changed the way I approach almost everything, my relationships, my career, my decisions, and even the way I show up for people.

I still deeply desire to be a blessing to others, but I have also learned that loving people doesn’t mean forgetting myself. The Bible says we are to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, and that has taught me that I cannot pour into everyone while neglecting the vessel that is doing the pouring.

For me, that isn’t about becoming more self-centred. It’s about staying connected to the Source.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He also says that whoever abides in Him and He in them bears much fruit, because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

That has become very real to me. I have learned that I cannot continually pour out if I am not first connected to the Source. I have to abide in Him, receive from Him, learn from Him, and allow Him to fill me before I can truly give to others.

Understanding has also become a major priority for me. I don’t just want to do things; I want to understand them. I don’t want to speak just because I have something to say; I want to understand what I am carrying. Because I believe that what you truly understand, you can communicate, teach, give, and live out.

So today, my priorities are less about doing everything immediately and more about being aligned, staying connected to God, understanding what I am carrying, and becoming intentional about what I give to others.

I still have dreams. I still want to build. I still want to achieve great things. But I no longer want to pursue those things at the expense of my peace, my values, my relationship with God, or myself.

I have learned that being a blessing also means allowing yourself to be blessed, filled, restored, and loved. And for me, that has been a very important shift.

Growth often asks us to let go before it allows us to move forward. Is there anything you've had to release, whether it was fear, self-doubt, expectations, or something else, to become the person you are today?

For me, letting go has happened in layers. I don’t think I’ve completely arrived at a place where I can say, “I have let go.” I’m learning to surrender every day and allow God to lead me.

I’ve had to release my need to control outcomes, expectations of how I thought my life and career should look, certain relationships, versions of myself, and the pressure of where I thought I should be by now. There were moments when I wondered if I would continue modelling or felt that my career had to unfold a certain way. I’m learning that I can have dreams and goals without becoming so attached to them that I lose my peace when things don’t happen according to my timeline.

One of the biggest things I’m learning to release is fear. Fear can make us feel like we’re running out of time, falling behind or needing to force things to happen. I now try to stop and ask myself, “What is really driving this decision? Is it faith, or is it fear?” I’ve learned that people and circumstances are not always the enemy; sometimes it is fear influencing the way we see them. People are not my enemy; fear is.

That realisation was strengthened by watching Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo. The story stayed with me because of the way fear can stand between a person and purpose. It came at a time when God was already teaching me about fear, trust, purpose, and surrender, and it gave me another perspective on what I was already learning.

I’m also learning to trust God’s timing. I don’t have to panic because something hasn’t happened yet or compare my journey with someone else’s. I can dream without being afraid of the timing. I can work, prepare, and pursue my goals without trying to force the outcome.

For me, letting go has ultimately meant releasing the need to know and control everything, releasing the pressure to have my life figured out, and choosing trust instead. I can dream, plan, and work, but I don’t have to be afraid. I’m still learning, still becoming, and every day I’m learning to surrender a little more and trust a little more deeply.

That, for me, has been one of the greatest freedoms of becoming who I am today.

When life becomes uncertain, where do you find your strength? Is it your faith, family, creativity, community, quiet moments, or something entirely different?

When life becomes uncertain, I run back to the One. I run back to God, His Word, worship, prayer, quiet moments, and fellowship. But I’ve learned there isn’t one formula for every season. Sometimes I need to pray, sometimes to be still, read Scripture, worship, seek wise counsel, or simply step away from the noise and listen.

For me, the goal isn’t the practice itself; it’s understanding. What is God saying to me right now? What is He asking of me in this season? I don’t want to become so attached to a particular spiritual practice that I miss what God is actually leading me toward.

That’s why the Word is so important to me. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). I want to remain close enough to God to recognise His leading and test everything against His Word.

I’ve also learned that an answer not coming immediately doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Sometimes the waiting is part of the preparation. God may not only be preparing the answer; He may be preparing me to carry it.

And I’ve learned to love God beyond what He can give me. Even when He doesn’t give me everything I ask for, He is still God, still good, and still worthy of my trust. The foundation of my relationship with Him is not what He provides, but His presence.

I also see people as channels rather than the source. God may use a friend, family member, conversation, or circumstance to bring encouragement or provision into my life, and I’m grateful for those people, but I honor the Source, not the channel. People can disappoint us or change, but God remains God.

So when life is uncertain, I may go back to prayer, worship, Scripture, quietness, fellowship, or wise counsel. But ultimately, I go back to God.

My strength is not that I always know what to do. My strength is knowing who to run to when I don’t.

What projects, passions, or dreams are currently bringing you the greatest sense of purpose? We'd love to hear about anything exciting you're working on or hoping to bring to life in this next chapter.

Right now, a lot of my excitement and sense of purpose are centred around The Touch of Blessings (TOB).

TOB started with makeup, but the vision has always been bigger. I envision six branches under the TOB umbrella, including TOB Makeup, TOB Jewels, TOB Skin, and other expressions of beauty, creativity, and purpose that I hope to bring to life. But I’m learning to build it one step at a time.

Moving into a new studio space feels especially significant because it represents movement. It reminds me of where I started, everything I learned along the way, and the fact that growth doesn’t always come through one dramatic moment. Sometimes it simply means recognising when it’s time to take the next step.

Right now, I’m focused on building the foundation, growing the makeup business, developing the jewellery brand, creating, learning, and serving my clients well. I no longer feel the pressure to bring everything to life at once. I want to build properly, enjoy the process, and allow the vision to unfold naturally.

And then there is modelling and creativity. That part of me is still very much alive. I’m still modelling, creating,

and exploring opportunities when they come. I may not always create as consistently as I would like because life can be full, but I’m learning to flow with the season I’m in rather than feeling pressured to prove that I can do everything at once.

Beyond the businesses, the modelling and everything I’m building, one of my greatest dreams is to become a woman who carries God well, a woman who creates opportunities, encourages other women, and uses whatever has been placed in her hands to make someone else’s journey a little lighter.

For me, success isn’t simply building something with my name on it. It’s building something that can outlive me, something that creates value, provides opportunities, solves problems, and becomes a blessing to others.

So yes, there are big dreams, places I want to go, people I want to reach, and ideas still developing in my heart. But I’m not in a rush to become everything at once.

I am becoming. I am building. I am learning.

And right now, that journey is called The Touch of Blessings. I don’t know exactly what every chapter will look like, but I’m excited to find out and trust that, as the journey unfolds, the vision will unfold with it.

The definition of beauty has evolved. In today's world, what does beauty mean to you beyond appearance?

For me, beauty has become so much more than appearance. As a model and makeup artist, I understand that physical beauty and presentation matter. They can attract attention, open doors, and bring you into certain rooms. But what keeps you there is character, presence, wisdom, and the way you carry yourself.

Your appearance may create an opportunity, but what happens after you walk through that door is determined by your attitude, integrity, humility, ability to learn, and the way you treat people. I think attitude is especially important because, like a fragrance, people may not see it, but they experience it.

Beyond appearance, beauty is about who you are when nobody is watching. It is kindness, confidence without arrogance, integrity, purpose, and how you treat people when you have nothing to gain from them. For me, it is also about what God has placed inside you and the light you carry into the world.

I’ve become more interested in what people experience when they encounter me. Do they feel seen, encouraged, or at peace? Do they leave feeling better than when they arrived? Those questions mean more to me now than simply asking whether I look beautiful.

Physical beauty can attract attention, but character determines what you do with that attention. I want to be beautiful in the dark, when there are no cameras and no audience. I want my beauty to be something people can feel and remember, not simply something that photographs well.

So I don’t believe we have to choose between physical and inner beauty. Both matter. Physical beauty can open the door, but what you carry within you determines what happens when you walk through it. Ultimately, beauty is not just what people see; it is who you become, what you carry, and what you leave behind.

If a young girl somewhere looked at your journey and wondered whether she should keep believing in her own dreams, what would you want her to know?

I would tell her to trust God with her life, her dreams, and her timing and to stay rooted in His Word. You don’t have to understand everything or see the whole picture before taking the next step. Sometimes you simply have to take baby steps. Keep moving, and when you need to rest, make sure you rest; just don’t confuse rest with giving up.

Stay curious. Ask questions, seek wisdom, and never be ashamed of not knowing. We are all learning. And don’t let comparison become your compass. Your journey will not look like someone else’s, and you are not behind because your timeline is different. Start small if you need to, and don’t let fear, failure, or other people’s opinions make your decisions for you.

Be intentional about who you allow into your life and protect what you are still growing. Keep trusted people around you who can encourage you, challenge you, and tell you the truth. And don’t forget to laugh. Life can be difficult, but don’t lose your joy. Allow yourself to feel, dream, and take up space without shrinking because a room doesn’t know how to receive you.

Keep your heart, too. People may disappoint you, but don’t allow their actions to change who you are becoming. You can love people and still have boundaries, forgive and still learn, and remain soft while becoming wiser. Learn when to speak, when to listen, when to say no, and when to recognize that some “no’s” are actually blessings.

Above everything, when fear speaks, go back to the Word. When you’re tired, rest. When you fall, rise. When you’re uncertain, pray. When you’re blessed, remain grateful. And when the things you once prayed for begin to become reality, remember who brought you there.

You are not late, and you don’t have to become everything overnight. Keep going. Keep learning, laughing, loving, and becoming. Your story is still unfolding. Trust God, take the next step and be at peace.

Success is often measured by achievements, but fulfillment is something much deeper. At this stage of your life, what does living a meaningful life look like to you?

At this stage of my life, I’m learning that success and fulfilment aren’t necessarily the same thing. You can achieve your goals, build a business, or receive recognition and still wonder whether you’re truly where you’re meant to be. For me, fulfilment is about alignment, obedience, peace, learning, loving, serving, and being a blessing.

I still plan and dream about the future, but I’ve learned not to become so consumed by tomorrow that I miss what God is asking of me today. Sometimes that means working or building; sometimes it means resting, learning, encouraging someone, or simply being present. There is a particular peace in knowing I have done what is mine to do.

At the centre of it all is God. Whatever I build, whatever opportunities come my way and whatever impact I make, I want it to point back to Him. When I think about the life I want to leave behind, I care less about what I accumulated and more about who I helped, encouraged, and loved and whether I used what God placed in my hands well.

I have big dreams. I want to grow Touch of Blessings, model, create, and pursue things bigger than what I can currently see. But I don’t want achievement to become the measure of my worth. I want to look back and know that I lived intentionally, that I loved, learned, served, gave, and became a blessing.

For me, that is fulfilment. That is peace. And ultimately, that is a meaningful life.

Finally, if this chapter of your life had a title, what would it be, and why?

If I had to give this chapter of my life a title, I would call it Becoming: One Step at a Time.

Because I don’t think I’ve arrived.

I’m still becoming the woman God is calling me to be. I’m still learning. I’m still unlearning. I’m still surrendering. I’m still discovering what it means to trust God, to listen, to obey, to love, to serve, and to build without losing myself in the process.

There was a time when I thought I needed to have everything figured out. I thought I needed to know what was next, where I was going, how everything would happen, and when it would happen.

Now, I’m learning to take the next step. One step at a time and I’m learning to trust God’s timing. I’m learning to let go of fear. I’m learning that not every door is mine, not every person is mine, and not every opportunity is mine, and that’s okay.

I am building Touch of Blessings. I am creating. I am modelling. I am learning. I am growing. I am making mistakes. I am starting again. I am becoming. And through all of it, I am learning that this life isn’t ultimately about proving who I am, but about discovering who God has called me to be and becoming her.

So, becoming, one step at a time, feels right for this chapter because I am not rushing to arrive anymore. I am learning to enjoy the process. I am learning to trust the One who is leading me. I am learning to be grateful for where I am while still believing in where I am going. And I am learning that I don’t have to see the whole road to take the next step. I just have to trust God enough to take the step in front of me. That’s this chapter of my life.

Before we conclude, is there anything else you'd like our readers to know? Perhaps a lesson you've learned, words of encouragement, or a message close to your heart?

If there is one thing I would leave with anyone reading this, it is this: seek God first.

Seek His kingdom, His Word, His wisdom, and His heart. Invite Him into your decisions, your relationships, your purpose, and even the things you do not yet understand. As Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

Whatever season you are in, keep seeking, keep learning, and keep trusting. Don’t allow fear or uncertainty to make you lose sight of what truly matters.

For me, that hope is found in Jesus. His return is a promise I hold close to my heart, and it reminds me to live with faith, purpose, love, and intention.

Keep seeking God. Keep trusting His timing. And keep becoming.

______

Model: Blessing Claire Rotimi - Instagram

Photography: Seyipixel

Creative Direction & Styling: Blessedsing_Claire

Jewelry: TOB Jewels

OTS Magazine is proud to present an exclusive interview with Korean-American artist, producer, and performer AleXa, whose fearless approach to music, identity, and creative freedom continues to redefine the landscape of global pop.

This editorial brings together an exceptional international creative team, with beauty creative direction by Esteban Villanueva, makeup by Stefan Rogo using MAC Cosmetics, and hair by Adam Lukacs using IOMI and Maria Nila. Together, they create a striking visual narrative that reflects AleXa's bold artistry, individuality, and ever-evolving creative vision.

From winning NBC's American Song Contest to captivating European audiences through Melodifestivalen 2026, AleXa has continued to break boundaries across music, fashion, and culture. As a Korean-American artist navigating multiple identities and industries, she represents a new generation of creatives whose careers transcend borders while remaining deeply authentic.

In this exclusive conversation with OTS Magazine, AleXa reflects on creative freedom, identity, women's empowerment, global artistry, and the lessons she's learned while building a career entirely on her own terms.

Honest, empowering, and refreshingly candid, this interview offers readers an intimate glimpse into the woman behind the music and the exciting new era she's now embracing.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | AleXa: Finding Freedom Beyond Borders

Looking back on your journey so far, what moment feels like the true turning point that changed your life as an artist?

When I really think about every major event, performance, and achievement that I’ve gone through in my career, I feel like the biggest moment that brought forth any substantial change was definitely doing the American Song Contest back in 2022. While it was an American broadcast centered around a European competition, I finally garnered attention back in Korea, where I live, and I truly felt seen as an “idol” for the first time in my career.

Winning NBC’s American Song Contest introduced you to an entirely new global audience. How did that experience reshape your perspective on your career and artistry?

Winning ASC was such an enormous achievement for me, and there was so much love and support and many positive outcomes that came from participating in the program. Through my experience in the show, and from what came after as well, I will say that I learned that attention is fleeting; you need to make the most of the spotlight while it’s on you before it starts to fade.

You’ve worked across multiple creative worlds – Korea, the United States, and now Sweden through Melodifestivalen 2026. How has navigating different cultures influenced your identity as both an artist and a person?

I've always considered myself a bit of an outsider my entire life, never really blending in or belonging to one specific group. To this day, I’d say that sentiment still rings true – about my music and me. I feel like there’s no specific niche that I fit into. My mother, who is Korean but was adopted at a young age, had never really been in touch with her heritage, so despite my coming from a mixed background, I never felt “Korean” growing up. When I moved to Korea and got properly introduced to the language and culture, that’s when I began to feel more in touch with my roots. Even though I am mixed, I was perceived as Asian nearly my entire life by everyone around me, so having this weird disconnect between my appearance versus what/how I felt culturally was a huge identity clash for me. At the same time, I’m an American-born citizen but never really felt at “home” where I was born – Tulsa, Oklahoma. Coming to Korea, especially in the beginning, I felt all too culturally “American” and felt like such an outsider in my mother’s home country. I’ve learnt, adapted, and transformed over the years and feel so at home in Korea now. That being said, being thrust into the Swedish spotlight was another huge game changer that felt completely out of my comfort zone and really gave me a bit of an identity crisis again. I’m a Korean-American artist who debuted as a K-pop idol who’s now participating in a European competition that just happens to be Sweden’s most important pop culture event of the year. My multiverse of madness truly never ends, haha…

We love it!. Your music often blends powerful performance energy with emotional storytelling. What inspires your sound and creative vision today?

Back when I was actively promoting as an idol, my entire concept was based around the visuals, rather than the sound. The visuals came first, and the songs were written around those concepts. I truly enjoyed the hard-hitting and intense songs and choreographies that I got to perform in those early years, but it is truthfully hard to say that any of it felt organic. Nearly 95% of the music that was put out while I was under my former label was all provided, pre-written, and just thrown at me in the recording booth. I was rarely allowed to touch my songs, even just for lyric revisions. So now that I have complete and total freedom to try out whatever I want, it’s like I’m having a metaphorical fashion show – I get to walk the runway showcasing things I’ve always wanted to dip my toes into, sounds I’ve always liked, and lyricism that feels fun and true to myself and my life, finally.

As both an artist and producer, how important is creative control to you in this current chapter of your career?

At this point in my career, I refuse to not oversee nearly every single aspect of what goes into my artistry. Having no autonomy over myself for seven years unfortunately had a negative impact on my life, and I am trying my hardest to rectify, remedy, and rebirth myself in a way that will allow me to grow and flourish both as an artist and as a human being.

What was the experience of participating in Melodifestivalen 2026 like for you, and how did Swedish audiences differ from other audiences you’ve encountered globally?

Participating in Melodifestivalen 2026 feels like the weirdest fever dream in the best way. Such an odd and unexpected turn of events with some of the most incredible people that I’ve ever had the chance to work with. I’m so grateful for my teams over at Kreation Music Rights & Sony Music. The folks in Sweden were definitely intrigued by my entry, to say the least, haha… I garnered an entire new fanbase that I never had even imagined. I’m so grateful to everyone who voted me through to the semifinals and who was supporting me every step of the way. Being able to meet Swedish fans in person, I can definitely say that they are a bit more shy and reserved than other fans, but the love and support is still ever present.

The entertainment industry can often place pressure on artists to constantly evolve. How do you personally navigate reinvention while staying authentic to yourself?

Many people see the entertainment industry as a competition at the end of the day – I refuse to see it as such. I don’t care if I’m the “best” or the most “famous”. I’m an artist because I love music and I love performing. Needing to have an ever-changing approach to your artistry is such a tiring way to navigate the industry – for me, I’m just doing what I want and having fun while making my dreams come true. It’s a blessing that I’ve been able to stay in the industry for as long as I have, and I’m only just now in the driver’s seat for the first time. I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.

Many fans admire your confidence and determination. Was there ever a moment where you doubted your path, and what helped you push through?

Oh, no doubt about it. There were many moments throughout my career where I’d lost my confidence, my will to continue, my love and my passion for music and performing… Those moments truly felt like the deepest and darkest moments of my life. Thanks to my loving fans all around the world, who so kindly and generously give their support day in and day out, I had some positivity to reflect on during those negative times. I was also able to navigate out of that darkness because of my incredible friends. I’m someone who firmly believes that the company that you keep says a lot about you as a person. Sure, the internet may see shallow connections on social media, where celebrities follow each other and who they post, but it’s the connections that happen off-screen and the moments that you share with those people that can really be healing for the heart and mind.

Your career represents a modern form of global pop artistry – where borders between industries and cultures continue to blur. What excites you most about the future of international music collaboration?

I can only hope to see the future of the music industry being filled with more fearless and resilient artists. I want to see more people who reject authority, people who want to carve their own path, people who don’t care about the numbers, the brand deals, the “fame”… Artists who are passionate and refuse to let that flame die.

Fashion and visual storytelling have become such an important extension of music today. How would you describe your current visual or style era?

My fashion and aesthetic choices are ever-changing. I grew up heavily alternative, and I feel like that’s an obvious statement to make given my current appearance. The tattoos and piercings are here to stay. There are some days, however, when I want to seem softer and more digestible to the general public, and I wonder about how certain outfits would look without all my ink showing. Some days I want to dress hyperfeminine; some days I’m sitting in a masculine energy. Some days it’s alternative-forward looks with leather and spikes and hardware; other days I dress like a grandma who knits on a park bench every Tuesday afternoon. I’m all over the place – in so many aspects of my life, haha.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away when they experience your music?

At the end of the day, I love every single song that I help create, and I can only hope that my fans do, too. Not everybody is going to like everything, but as long as somebody is listening to what I release, then that makes me happy. I want my fans to know that I’m having fun and I’m finally enjoying life as an artist.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you today, and how do you hope your platform contributes to that conversation?

I want nothing more than to see more badass women become prominent figures in the music world. We have such strong women in the industry right now who have all faced relentless criticism from the public but continue to be true to themselves and their artistry no matter what. I’m a HUGE fan of Megan Thee Stallion and everything that she stands for. She’s an entrepreneur; she’s a pioneer; she’s health-conscious; and she has accolades upon accolades for many achievements, both as herself and as an artist. I respect the hell out of her.

If you could collaborate creatively with any artist, producer, or fashion house in the world right now, who would it be and why?

I would have to say Vivienne Westwood, hands down. I LOVE Vivienne Westwood. I was introduced to the brand in my teenage years through one of my favourite manga/anime, “Nana”. Teenage me could never afford it at the time, so it was always just a fantasy of mine, but now as a successful adult, I own so many iconic Vivienne pieces and am always looking to expand my collection.

What do you feel has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned about yourself through this journey so far?

I need to stop doubting myself. I’ve always been my biggest enemy, my biggest critic, and my own biggest hater. I do think a lot of it stems from external stress and negativity and pressure that I experienced over the last couple of years, but recently, I’ve stopped being so hard on myself. I still think critically and logically about every move that I make; nothing I say or do is ever approached with an “F-it" mindset, but I don’t worry myself sick anymore.

If this next chapter of your life had a title, what would it be?

The Joys of Freedom and Living on My Own Time.

Muse: AleXa

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Media - OTSMAGAZINE UK @otsmagazineuk

As global storytelling continues to evolve across borders, actors like Joey Albright are carving out a space that bridges cultures, industries, and perspectives.

An American actor based between Seoul and Los Angeles, Albright has steadily built a presence within Korean television and film, with credits spanning internationally recognised productions such as Space Sweepers, Big Bet, and most recently Netflix's Bloodhounds Season 2. His work reflects a growing shift in the entertainment landscape, one where talent moves fluidly between markets and storytelling resonates on a global scale.

With Bloodhounds Season 2 now streaming on Netflix and the upcoming film My Name generating international anticipation, Albright enters a defining moment in his career, one shaped by discipline, cultural immersion, and a deep commitment to his craft.

Captured through the lens of photographer Jeong Sihu, with hair and makeup by Kim Chae-an, this exclusive OTS Magazine UK feature presents Joey in a series of striking portraits that mirror the duality of his journey, grounded yet evolving, introspective yet globally attuned.

In this exclusive interview, he reflects on building a career across two industries, navigating cultural nuance, and the resilience required to grow as an actor in an increasingly interconnected world.

Joey Albright on Bloodhounds Season 2, My Name, and Building a Global Acting Career

Photographer - Jeong Sihu

You began your acting career in South Korea and have built a strong presence within its entertainment industry. What initially drew you to Korea, and how did that decision shape your path as an actor?

I originally came to Korea out of curiosity. I wanted to learn about the culture, study the language, and even try to learn how to make Korean cuisine. Acting was always my dream, but I needed to find stability first. During my time in Korea, I decided to shift majors from culinary arts to Mass Media and Communications. I enrolled at Korea University, where I studied camera work and acting. That is where I was introduced to the industry and that’s when I started working toward my childhood dream of becoming an actor.

Learning Korean and gaining a deeper understanding of the Korean film industry helped guide me toward this path. After graduating, I made the decision to pursue it professionally and began training consistently, both on and off set. Living in Korea not only gave me more opportunities as an actor, it also reshaped how I approach the craft. Korea pushed me to become more adaptable, more observant, and more intentional as an actor.

As an American actor working extensively in Korean productions, how have you navigated cultural and industry differences while staying authentic to your craft?

In the beginning it wasn’t easy to navigate the cultural and industry differences. Even though I had a high proficiency in Korean and understood the culture, set hierarchy and terminology were new to me. Over time, I started to understand how sets operated. I became more confident communicating in Korean and was able to adapt to what was required of me for each specific role and project.

As I became more comfortable on set, I learned how to articulate my opinions about my character to the director and receive feedback more accurately than what a translator could provide. It was after I reached that level that I could really showcase my true self and build characters that felt real and authentic. Finding this balance allowed me more freedom to stay true to my craft.

Your career spans both Korean and U.S. markets. Do you approach roles differently depending on where you’re working, or has your process become more universal over time?

When I first build a character and break down the script, I approach roles very differently for the Korean market versus the US market. When I receive a Korean script with English dialogue, I ask for the original Korean dialogue to accompany it. Then I compare both texts and if the translation feels too direct and lacks subtext or if it is off in tone then I will request to adjust the dialogue. The reason is to make sure my character is saying what is truly intended by the writer and so it matches the tone of the scene more accurately.

From there the process becomes universal and I approach the script exactly how I would approach any script. I break it down, memorize it, figure out my objective, obstacle, who I am speaking to in the scene and why.

With Bloodhounds Season 2 now released on Netflix, what was your experience stepping into this world, and what can audiences expect from your character, Ian?

Stepping in Bloodhounds 2 was a unique and thrilling experience. Most Korean dramas don’t go for more than 1 season and because this was season 2, I had the opportunity to watch season 1 and better develop Ian off of the tone that was already set in season 1. My goal was to make sure not to disappoint the fans of Season 1.

I really worked hard on Ian’s character and I think audiences will think of Ian as a breath of fresh air. Between rewriting my dialogue to help aid the scene better and then getting to set and adjusting the dialogue again to match the tone and circumstances better, Ian was a constantly evolving character that the director brought out of me. It’s a character I’m genuinely proud of, and I would call it my best work to date. Ian has a quiet intensity, he doesn’t get easily impressed by small wins, and he doesn’t back down when challenged.

The series has quickly gained global traction. How does it feel to be part of a project that resonates so strongly with international audiences?

I feel honored and amazed to have been a part of something so big. To have the world see Ian and make Tiktok videos about him and Rain’s character has brought me a lot of joy. As an actor, you only get to perform certain characters so often and Ian is the exact opposite of me in everything he does. He is confident and doesn’t second guess himself.

It feels weird yet phenomenal that the people love him and have been tagging him as #ragebait. Bloodhounds was an amazing story in season 1 and to add value to it in season 2 is one of the top achievements in my career and I’m thankful for every moment of it.

You’ll also be appearing in My Name, which has already generated attention ahead of its release. What drew you to this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?

I was drawn to “My Name” because the script and story were very powerful and a part of Korea’s actual historical events. While the film is not a documentary, it follows a woman who survived the brutalities and has blocked out those memories from her childhood completely. In this story I play a role based on a real soldier during those events.

My character is very unique compared to other characters I have played in the past because of this. He is a soldier who is out to complete his mission no matter the cost. This man is much older and more mature compared to the soldier roles I have played in the past. I really enjoy these types of projects because I get to better understand Korea’s long history.

You’ve worked alongside renowned actors such as Richard Armitage and Choi Min-sik. What have you learned from collaborating with performers at that level?

Working with performers at such a high level as Richard Armitage and Choi Min-sik was and is an honor. I knew that going into those sets and so I tried to learn as much as I could from them.

The main things I took away from collaborating with them are always being prepared and ready to adjust, confidence is key but that comes from knowing the text and character, and finally, no matter how big you are, always treat everyone with respect. Those two gentlemen were great mentors during the scenes we filmed together.

Many of your roles place you within large-scale productions. How do you ensure your performances remain grounded and emotionally authentic within those environments?

No matter the scale of production, whether it be a student film or a Blockbuster feature, the answer to staying grounded and authentic remains the same. Always know your dialogue. Make sure to put in the work not just building the character but by reading and understanding everything you can about the character's world. Try to always be training in acting class so you are ready for anything thrown your way on set. Go into the scene with the goal of always listening to your partner or partners.

Finally, I believe you should be confident in your choices on the day you film but not so glued to them that you can’t adjust. The director, your scene partners and the writer will guide you the rest of the way to ensure you are giving your best performance that day.

What has been the most challenging role for you so far, and why?

The most challenging role for me so far was in Disney+’s Big Bet. When I was cast, I was also asked to help aid in anything English dialogue related behind the camera. I was hired as the dialect coach and also played the role of Brian Hunt in 3 episodes.

It was challenging to balance coaching on set and helping adjust dialogue for scenes based on each actor’s English level but even more challenging to go from that and jump straight into my scenes while trying to maintain character consistency. It was tough to balance. Despite the challenge, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Korean film and television have become increasingly influential on a global scale. From your perspective, what makes Korean storytelling resonate so deeply worldwide?

Korean storytelling resonates with a worldwide audience because what Korean writers create are uniquely Korean stories slightly adjusted for a global audience but still at heart Korean. Korean stories are about trust, love, betrayal and everything else human. This makes them very relatable but they maintain their culture throughout these stories which creates a unique take on life over all.

The Korean language itself has a deep and long history that tends to create situations or circumstances that are interesting to an audience who isn’t used to a language or culture that is based in a hierarchy system. Scripts written in Korea create situations that happen at a much faster pace than most films and television. Korea has coined this fast-paced ‘twist and turns’ drama writing style that keeps the audience engaged while eliminating the need for 9 seasons unlike the US.

As someone working across borders, how do you see the future of international productions evolving?

Having seen how international productions have evolved over the past few years, I believe they will only become more ambitious and interconnected. These days it’s very common to have foreign productions coming to Korea to film and vice versa Korean productions going abroad.

When I worked on the Disney+ Korean series Big Bet we filmed about 40% of it in the Philippines. The director wanted to really capture what it was like to live in Manila and Clark, where the story took place. We had to be on location to film any scenes that took place at a casino, inside someone's house, or out on the bustling street. Some of the sets they were able to replicate or create in a large studio in Korea but to capture that raw energy, we had to be at the heart of the location.

I cannot wait to see what other amazing stories and art will be created in the future when two or more worlds of culture are collaborating. You already see this with Netflix’s XO Kitty and Apple TV’s Butterfly. A beautiful fusion of cultures blending together to capture art through unique stories driven by real locations, people and culture.

Acting often requires resilience, especially in competitive industries. What has kept you motivated through the more challenging periods of your journey?

What kept me motivated through the challenging times has been my desire to break barriers and push myself to grow past my limits as an actor. When I wasn’t on a set, I would be training in online Hollywood acting classes at 3am due to the time zone difference. I was always reading acting books daily and applying the techniques to what I am auditioning for and filming. I challenged myself to do practice a new script every week, then film it and then ask friends that are directors and actors in the industry for constant feedback.

Staying active in my craft during downtime has helped me remain sharp and prepared, so that when opportunities come, I am ready to fully step into them. I believe an actor should always be learning and evolving in their craft and that’s what differentiates a good actor from a great actor.

How has living and working in Seoul influenced you personally, beyond your career?

Seoul has shaped me to not only be a stronger actor but an even better human being. Working and living day to day speaking 80% Korean and 20% English, as well as following Korean cultural norms, has taught me a lot about respecting others and how to communicate and understand others better.

I try my best to be mindful of the culture I’m living in and follow Korean social norms and cultural norms as much as I can. Even if it is a struggle at times as an American, I remind myself just how great it is to be in Korea and have the career I have thanks to Korea.

When you reflect on your journey so far, what feels like the most defining moment?

The most defining moment on my journey so far would have to be my Bloodhounds 2 audition. I sent in a self-tape for the boxing coach role but when I got the callback I went in and was asked if I’d be interested in auditioning for Ian. I did the cold read and after the director gave me a huge compliment stating he thought I was the best American local actor in Korea.

Getting a reaction like this in my callback made me feel as if all of my years of hard work and training were finally paying off. I was on cloud 9 for about a week and honestly his comment drove me to work even harder on Ian’s character to make sure he wasn’t one-note.

Looking ahead, what kind of roles or stories are you most drawn to as you continue to grow as an actor?

Short term I am drawn to more family man, dad, husband types of roles. They are more of who I identify as. I am very family oriented and would love to connect with a character through my own personal experiences.

Long term I would love to audition for roles that challenge me not only as an actor, but also as a person. If given the chance I would love to take on characters that push me to question my own beliefs and allow me to grow through the process of portraying them.

At this stage in your career, what does success mean to you, and has that definition changed over time?

The definition of success has changed a lot for me over different stages of my career. Success used to mean I booked the job and I am a full-time working actor. But these days that isn’t the case anymore.

Success to me now is when I have challenged myself to try a difficult character in acting class but failed. Or when I have tried my best in an audition but was rejected. When I have been cast in a show as a big character but still get a chance to audition for a short film in a smaller role. For me, success now is any opportunity that pushes me to grow as an actor and try something new, regardless of the outcome.

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Photographer - Jeong Sihu

Hair & Make-up - Kim Chae-an

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