Lang mo (Chinese:𡃁模, o靚模, 口靚模) or Pseudo-models[1] is a Cantonese slang term used to describe a type of models in Hong Kong who rose to prominence since the late 2000s, and was the most popular new term in Hong Kong in 2009. The term refers to young models with no training and who do not possess the physical qualities required of high fashion catwalk models, which usually include a minimum height of 5'9".[2]
Lang mos often work as promotional models at fairs and expositions. They often attract publicity by welcoming photos of them being taken in skimpy outfits, such as bikinis.[3] Many have published their own albums of photographs.[4]
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It doesn't matter if she has done any modelling before. What matters is the willingness to display her body - not limited to her cleavage. When a lang mo bends forward in her deep-V tops, she doesn't see the need to use her hands to cover her bosom.
Lang mo is a neologism derived from Cantonese slang to describe teenage models with no formal training. The word lang (𡃁), written alternatively as "o靚" or "口靚", is from Cantonese usage, meaning 'young' or 'lacking in maturity'.[6] It is used mainly in Hong Kong and does not exist in Putonghua.[7] 'Mo (模)' simply means 'model'.
The English translation of lang mo to pseudo-models, first appeared in the South China Morning Post in a story by reporter Vivienne Chow.[8] According to a Hong Kong TV and radio host, Jacqueline Pang, the typical 'lang mo' is a teenage girl who is prepared to dress (and undress) and "show off her hot body at public functions in a way that, in previous years, could only be seen in adult magazines."[5] According The Standard, 'lang mo' was the most popular new term in Hong Kong in 2009.[9]
During the late 1980s, Hong Kong's modelling industry produced many professional and "proper" models, such as Janet Ma (馬詩慧) and Sophia Kao (aka QiQi 琦琦).[10]
But in the early 2000s, a new type of models known as lang mo gradually rose to prominence, principally due to media attention given to some of them.[2] Instead of performing catwalk shows for high fashion, they are hostesses at shows and exhibitions,[6] particularly those promoting video games and electronic products. They soon gather a large fanbase consisting mainly of young otaku men.[11]
Many have now issued 'albums' which are launched at book fairs and sold at news stands.[2][4] These have been generally criticised as 'low-class' and 'inappropriate'. Public figures, notably pundit Chip Tsao, said: "allowing these vulgar photo books to be sold in the book fair reflects a wide spread of stupidity in Hong Kong."[4]
Some web groups such as "Public culture protection groups" (公共文化活動關注組) are against the models making appearances in certain places. In July 2009, they complained against the models' appearance in the annual Hong Kong Book Fair and caused a media stir.[12] More than 30,000 signatures were gathered in an online petition against the models.[13][14] Already mindful about potential disruption to the fair, organisers Hong Kong Trade Development Council dedicated a remote area for those autograph sessions in 2009.[4]
Citing numerous complaints from the previous year, the Trade Development Corporation decided to ban promotion of leng mo photograph collections at the 2010 Book Fair. They said that they wanted to minimise disruption caused by the presence of these girls publicising their books.[15] The decision was welcomed by 22 parent-teacher groups,[16] Tsao, and by Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong. Publishers and the models objected, and many stationed themselves outside the book fair venue, holding autograph sessions. Saying that the organisers could not bar them from entering the exhibition hall, some of the girls challenged the organisers by entering the book fair venue in their capacity as ordinary members of the public.[17] The organisers' attempt to contain the exploits of the lang mo's did not succeed from taking away the attention on them.[18]
Following the ban on promotions at the Book Fair, organisers of the annual Animation- Comic-Games Festival also decided to ban pseudo-models from taking part in promotions within their salon. Microsoft, which had engaged Chrissie Chau and Jessica C, were informed that the girls only be allowed to enter the event as visitors, and that promotions must only be held at designated areas "in order to avoid chaos and to ensure visitors' safety."[19]
Veteran Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong has openly criticized and ridiculed leng mo, (specifically Chrisse Chau) calling them brainless and overall a "bimbo" during July 2010 in a few open events.[20] This has led to a recent book fair controversy (in 2010) where pseudo-models were banned from participating in the event. Many non-leng mo fans consider his remarks a prominent one, as not many people agree or approve how they get into the spotlights at times.
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