Asia's Next Top Model Season 4 Episode 9 Recap: The Korean Wave
Asia's Next Top Model 4 Episode 9 sees the girls get wet and wild
Increasingly so over the last eight Wednesday nights, we have come to expect the unexpected from Asia’s Next Top Model. But one thing’s for sure—there will be drama.
Episode nine brought the pain in the form of a vigorous work out on the field, under the scorching sun. We are talking high-intensity boot camp exercises like sprints, knee-to-chest push ups and squats. Easy, fitness buffs say? Not when you have to jump straight on to the runway right after and work it in high heels! Not the fittest but surely the feistiest, Malaysia's Tuti came out top of the walk.
Just as the girls catch their breath back at the model house, Cindy Mail arrives: "Colours, colours, all around. It's time to make a splash!" "Oh no, swimming," says Singapore's Angie, who "doesn't like or go near water unless it's to shower."
Back on set with photographer Wai Teck, the models get a fabulous pre-shoot surprise—editor-in-chief of Harper's BAZAAR, Kenneth Goh and #AsNTM season three finalist, Aimee Cheng-Bradshaw are back to guide the girls for the next challenge together with creative director, Yu Tsai.
To the relief of most girls, the shoot didn't involve swimming, but it did comprise getting splashed (the signature Neutrogena splash) with buckets of cold water and having to hold a smile throughout. Did we mention they had to do this clad in little, but super cute, pieces of swimwear? It was all worth it, however, for the challenge winner would become the new face of Neutrogena's 2016 campaign.
Quick rundown: Indonesia's Patricia missed the brief and came out too poised; Thailand's Tawan struggled to find the right angle for her body in red triangle bikini; Korea's Sang In found her stride mid-shoot when she stopped overthinking; Tuti got more comfortable with smiling but couldn't find the light; Angie froze and pretty much drowned under the pressure, and had to be rescued by Yu Tsai who, once again, gave her spirits a nurturing boost; and The Philippines' Julian looked as uncomfortable as a fish out of water.
At judging, host Cindy Bishop's use of the word "big" sparks a heated debate within panel, but frowns are quickly turned around when Sang In describes the moment she started delivering good photos during the shoot: "I always overthink. But when I stopped overthinking about overthinking, I got good pictures." Angie, then explains her breakdown, citing the risk of losing her modesty and cold conditions as the reasons behind it. Her opinions split the panel once again, but we're with Kenneth and model mentor, Kelly Tandiono on this one (sorry Yu Tsai).
In the end, Tuti, who was actually regaining momentum, was sent home. And in signature, fun-fierce Tuti fashion, she bid farewell with the line: "Maybe I'm just too good for this competition." A comeback that the judges loved, replying with a series of Z snaps. Sang In bagged first picture, and was crowned the face of Neutrogena 2016.
Best moment: After Malaysia's Tuti wins the earlier challenge, and gets all giggly receiving her foot massage and pedicure reward by a fetching therapist from Scholl.
Worst moment: When Singapore's Angie breakdowns again. Yu Tsai can only save you so many times, girl.
Challenge winner this week: Korea's Sang In, who was crowned the face of Neutrogena 2016.
Who got kicked off: Malaysia's Tuti.
By Dana Koh
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