My Hot Rodent Boyfriend

21st Century Rat Pack: Hollywood's New Breed of Heartthrobs

In the past, fortune tellers focused solely on predicting the fates of kings and rebels. But times have changed. Today, we live in a world where beauty standards are as diverse as ever. From the striking features of the Arabic aesthetic to the soft, pillowy charm of the tofu-face, and even the more angular, charismatic "tofu-edge" look, we’ve seen a rebellion against traditional beauty ideals.

   

This trend isn't just confined to Korea. On social media, the term "Rodent Boyfriend" has been all the rage. The concept is actually quite intriguing. According to WikiHow, a Rodent Boyfriend is a man who defies traditional masculine stereotypes. He's not your typical rugged, handsome type. Instead, he's someone who relies on his aura and personality to captivate women. Think of him as a more unconventional heartthrob, someone who doesn't fit into the mold but still manages to be incredibly charming.

As trendsetters here at jente, we can't ignore this phenomenon. Let's delve deeper into the concept of the Rodent Boyfriend and explore the unique appeal of these unconventional heartthrobs.

    

ⓒgq.com, ⓒharpersbazaar.com, ⓒvogue.com, ⓒclassy

   

Editor Na-Young (Young)

Honestly, I'm a total sucker for looks. Is that a bad thing? I mean, it's natural to form an initial impression based on someone's appearance, but it's not just about being pretty or handsome. There has to be something about them that draws me in, and I've spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly that is. I’ve come to realize that it's not always about having classic, chiseled features.

For me, it's more about the combination of looks and attitude. There's a certain charisma that some people have that makes me feel a bit powerless. I'm quite confident myself, but there are times when I want to be led by someone who exudes a strong sense of self. These individuals often have a unique blend of strength and vulnerability. They might appear tough on the outside, but there's a softer side to them that I find incredibly appealing. It's that contrast that makes me want to explore their world and discover everything there is to know about them.

 

Editor Joo Dan-dan (Joo)

Nothing in life ever goes according to plan, especially relationships. After countless experiences with love and fleeting connections, I've come to realize only one thing: love often strikes unexpectedly. It's like a sudden accident, completely unpredictable and dwelling on romantic worries is mostly a waste of time. Ironically these realizations have led me to develop a rather peculiar type. Instead of getting lost in the complexities of unrequited feelings, I've found it more intriguing to focus on individuals who offer even the slightest hint of mystery. I'm drawn to people who seem to carry a certain weight of experience, those with stories waiting to be told.

It’s not about obvious physical traits; it’s the subtle nuances that fascinate me. A fleeting shadow behind a bright smile, a trembling voice beneath a calm demeanor, or a faint stain on an otherwise pristine outfit, these are what captivate me. Whenever I find something like this, my heart races with anticipation as if I’ve stumbled upon an unsolved riddle. While others might find them enigmatic or even aloof, they’re like an unopened gift to me.

Instead of focusing on love itself, I've developed a unique ability to analyze people, piecing together clues from their appearance and behavior. It's a bit like being a detective but with hearts instead of crime scenes. While the outcomes of my romantic endeavors are ultimately my responsibility, the fact that people consistently seek my advice on matters of the heart suggests that perhaps this skill isn't entirely useless after all.

 

 

Timothée Chalamet

ⓒrollingstone.com, ⓒpinterest, ⓒfashionablymale.net, ⓒv.daum.net

    

Born in 1995 in New York City to a French father and an American mother, Timothée Chalamet first dipped his toes into acting with a commercial back in 2008. He made his TV debut in 2009 on Law & Order, where he played the role of a crime victim. Everyone learned his name after the 2017 film Call Me By Your Name, where he truly captured our attention and begun his meteoric rise to fame. Now starring in films directed by some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry, it definitely isn’t an exaggeration to say that he is one of the biggest young actors today.

ⓒpinterest

   

Young

Timothée Chalamet? More like 'Timothée Sharr sharr sharala Shalamet,' as film critic Jung-jin Lee so eloquently put it. Seeing someone born in the same year as me achieve such incredible things is honestly wild. It's not really envy, but more like… amazed disbelief seeing how far someone who's lived a similar number of years as me can go. This guy is a fashion icon, a heartthrob, and he's dating some of the hottest people on the planet. It's like, 'Damn, he's living the good life'

 

ⓒSplash News

    

But hey, just because he's living the dream doesn't mean his life is all sunshine and rainbows, I mean, we're all complex beings, and I bet he's got his own share of shadows. It’s only when you're curious about those darker parts that you can really say you know someone. And speaking of shadows, I got a glimpse of that in the recent paparazzi shots of him as Bob Dylan for the upcoming movie A Complete Unknown. Dressed in the classic Dylan look: suede jacket, brown shirt, loose-fitting jeans, and those vintage cowboy boots, he seemed to capture something deeper. To play Dylan, he must've had to dive into the depths of heartbreak and loss that the man’s music is so often about. I wonder what kind of darkness lurks beneath all that Hollywood glamour.

Actually, the first time I really got Timothée Chalamet was at the end of Call Me By Your Name. Remember that scene where he was just bawling his eyes out? That's when I knew there was more to him than meets the eye.

 

Joo

I've never been into the whole 'boy-next-door' type. It's always felt like I'd have to babysit them or something. Like they're just a little too immature for me. But Timothée? He's a whole different story. When I saw him in Call Me By Your Name, I realized he was Elio. And for those of us who love a good first love story, Elio was the first love. I love him because he reminds me of our own awkward teenage years. It's like he's a stand-in for all of us, and rooting for him is like rooting for our younger selves.

Plus, his style? It's like watching a coming-of-age story unfold right before our eyes. From the classic European boy-next-door look in polos and shorts to the more casual sweatpant vibes he put on when he was with Lily-Rose Depp, he's always got something new to show us. And then, he'll completely switch it up and slay a formal event in a perfectly tailored suit. It's like watching a highlight reel of a teenager's life – full of ups, downs, and constant reinvention. I mean, that Haider Ackermann red jumpsuit he wore to the Bones and All premiere? Pure teenage angst, bottled up and served on a red carpet.

I'm not sure what it is about him, but there's something so captivating about watching this guy grow up in the public eye.

    

Paul Mescal

ⓒfashionista.com, ⓒ@johnarmour, ⓒesquire.com, ⓒyahoo.com, ⓒgq.com

   

Born in Ireland in '96, this guy totally blew us away with his deep acting in the series Normal People. Since then, he's been killing it in movies like Aftersun and the recently released Gladiator 2. He's basically the new hotness right now, giving Timothée Chalamet a run for his money. Talk about a rising star!

  

ⓒgettyimages.ca

   

Young

I'm absolutely obsessed with Paul Mescal. In this age of endless streaming options, he's one of the few actors who can actually make me buy a movie ticket. I mean, I never even watched the first Gladiator, but the moment I heard he was in the sequel, I had to go see it. It all started with Normal People. Remember when he first appeared on our screens as that awkward Irish high schooler? I knew right then and there I was in for a wild ride. I stayed up all night watching the whole thing. Apparently, Ridley Scott felt the same way. He cast Paul in Gladiator 2 without even auditioning him after seeing Normal People. If you're curious about this guy, trust me, you've got to check him out. Seeing is believing.

 

Drama <Normal people>

   

They say the best actors can speak volumes with just their eyes, and Paul Mescal is definitely one of them. He's always playing characters who are going through some serious pain, and he has this incredible ability to make you feel his pain like it's your own. When he looks at you with those sad eyes, it's like he's opening up a part of your soul you didn't even know existed.  I've been wondering: what kind of books does he read? What music does he listen to? What kind of conversations does he have with people? I find it harder and harder to feel that deep curiosity about someone as I get older. With him, it's different, I'm really curious to know more. I have to interview him someday. 

 

Joo

There's something about Paul Mescal's sad eyes that just draws you in. Even when he's smiling, there's this underlying melancholy that makes you wonder what he's been through. After watching him in Normal People and Aftersun, I’m convinced he’s got a past. Like, a really good past. The kind that leaves you with a lingering sense of longing. He's the perfect example of what I call a 'man of mystery'.

That’s why, of course, I had to do a deep dive into his life. And guess what I found? His casual style is actually pretty revealing. I mean who wears boxer shorts out and about? The more I thought about it, the more I realized it might have something to do with his past. He was a promising soccer player before he was an actor. Classic story: injury, career change, Hollywood stardom. Maybe those boxer shorts are a little nod to his athletic days, a way of holding onto a part of his life that he had to leave behind. It's funny, though. With his curly hair and blue eyes, he should be a total heartthrob. But there's something so... grounded about him. It's like he's a fancy steak on a bed of simple, hearty stew. It's a weird combination, but it totally works. I think it's kind of refreshing.

 

Callum Turner

ⓒhero-magazine.com, ⓒwmagazine.com, ⓒelle.co.kr, ⓒpagesix.com

    

You know that hot British actor who's engaged to Dua Lipa? Yeah, him. He started modeling back in 2010 and then jumped into acting in 2011. If you're a fan of the Harry Potter universe, you might recognize him from the Fantastic Beasts movies. Talk about a career upgrade!

  

ⓒbuzzfeed.com

   

Young

Ever since Dua Lipa announced her engagement to him, I’ve been obsessed with their couple photos. They’re like a perfectly curated Pinterest board, and I’ve saved countless pictures of them together. I especially love Callum’s effortlessly cool style. If someone ever asks me what kind of guy I find attractive, I’d just show them pictures of his date night outfits. He’s got that classic look: leather jackets, denim jeans, and crisp shirts. Also, the way he looks at Dua Lipa? It’s like he’s her personal bodyguard. So swoon-worthy.

I often hear people say they want a guy with no personality, but I think what they really mean is that they want someone like Callum Turner. Someone who’s reliable, lowkey, and always there for them. Unfortunately, guys like that are pretty rare. I hope he and Dua Lipa stay together for a long time. They’re such a great couple.

  

Joo

There's a big difference between liking the color black and wearing it all the time. Callum Turner, despite being a celeb, sticks to black almost exclusively. Why you ask? Let's get a little psychological. Contrary to the bold image black often conveys, people who wear a lot of black are sometimes said to be lonely or overly self-conscious. Callum seems to fit that mold. He's in the spotlight all the time, but there's a shyness about him, a reluctance to draw attention. (Which is part of his charm.) He's got this amazing model physique, but he doesn't flaunt it. He's like a guy who doesn't realize he's hot. And honestly, who doesn't love a man who's oblivious to his own attractiveness? Isn't that every woman's dream?

  

ⓒgq-magazine.co.uk, ⓒvogue.co.uk

  

There's something missing, though. Sometimes he gives off this nerdy vibe, other times he's got this wild energy, and then there are those moments when he seems so cold and aloof. He's a really complex character, but his fashion is so... plain. I kind of envy Dua Lipa in a way. I bet she loves having a boyfriend who doesn't have a strong personal style. It must be so much fun to dress him up and experiment with different looks. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a personal stylist for someone like that? It's like having a blank canvas to work with.

 

Josh O'Connor

ⓒfashionfav.com, ⓒgq.com.au, ⓒissuu.com

   

You've probably seen him in a movie or TV show and didn't even realize it. He’s British, and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He really burst onto the scene with his role in the 2017 film God's Own Country. It was a huge hit and got everyone talking. Since then, he's been in tons of other big projects like The Crown on Netflix and films like Challengers and Chimera.

  

ⓒes magazine

    

Young

Remember those lists that were going around last year about Hollywood's hottest 'rodent' look? You know, the whole slightly downturned eyes, tall and lean, with a hint of fragility? Josh O'Connor was basically the poster boy for that trend. Let's not forget that he's also a favorite of Jonathan Anderson, who's basically the king of finding the next big thing. Anderson even called Josh 'the kind of guy you'd see next door' in a LOEWE campaign. Next door? No way.

Josh O'Connor has a way of speaking with his eyes. I remember watching Chimera on a flight with one of those crappy headphones that only worked in one ear, and I couldn't stop myself from watching the whole thing. I was just so drawn to his pure, innocent image. Some actors can play the most worn-out characters, but you can still see their true selves shining through. Josh is one of those. Even when he's wearing the most beat-up beige suit, he still manages to look so fresh and clean. I'll never forget that scene where the light hit his face; it was like looking into a crystal clear pool. Pure magic.

  

Joo

Once upon a time, when people asked me about my ideal type, I used to say 'a sexy carpenter'. My friends let out a squeal and teased me. I didn’t mean it like that… I just thought it would be romantic to live in a cabin in the woods with someone in a house we built ourselves. It's all because of this one time I had a huge crush on a guy who built traditional Korean houses. The way he'd oversee the workers while reading blueprints, and then turn around and show such delicate care when working with huge pieces of wood... it was a total mind-blow. He was my first love.

I get a similar vibe from Josh O'Connor. The first time I saw him in a Carhartt work jacket, I knew. He's so rough around the edges in real life, but when he's acting, he's incredibly sensitive. It's this weird contrast that's made designers go crazy for him. And it's the same in movies. Luca Guadagnino, one of my favorite directors, cast him in Challengers this year. I had no idea who he was before that, but it was like seeing Timothée Chalamet in Call Me by Your Name all over again. I knew right then and there that I had to remember this guy.

 

ⓒtheguardian.com

Film <Challengers> ⓒglamour.pl

   

Adam Driver

ⓒpinterest , ⓒgq-magazine, ⓒdujour.com

    

One of those actors who's been quietly climbing the ranks and is now having a major moment. This Scorpio-born American actor, born in 1983, has a certain mysterious charm that's hard to pin down. Before he hit the big screen, he actually served in the Marines. I would call that a unique backstory. And his acting chops are no joke, either. He won both the Chicago Film Critics Association Award and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor for his role in Marriage Story. Now, he's set to play the legendary Enzo Ferrari in Michael Mann's upcoming film Ferrari. From the Marines to Hollywood royalty.

 

ⓒpinterest

     

Young

I’ve never thought Adam Driver was particularly ‘handsome.’ That is, until I watched Girls. It’s a bit embarrassing to talk about his style in that show because, well, he was mostly shirtless. And no, that’s not why I liked it. Girls was probably the only time we saw him so young, so lost, and surprisingly puppy-like. That's what I loved about it.

I'm not usually attracted to people who seem tough and stubborn. There’s something about that unwavering quality that rubs me the wrong way. Adam Driver gives me that vibe. Except for in Girls. I’ll make an exception for that one.

 

 

Joo

Like half of my friends are total movie buffs. They can quote entire filmographies, debate the merits of obscure directors for hours, and generally know more about cinema than I'll ever hope to. Then imagine my surprise when they all started raving about this actor named Adam Driver. I hadn't seen any of his stuff, so I was like, 'Okay, cool.' But that name... it stuck with me.

 

I couldn't exactly join the conversation without knowing anything about him, so I started doing my research. I came across this blog post that said something along the lines of, 'Adam Driver needs to do a rom-com ASAP!' I was like, 'Really? Him?' I didn't think he had the classic leading man look. Then I saw Paterson and everything changed. Man, that was real love on screen. It was understated, yet intense, and he had this incredible energy that just jumped off the screen. And don't even get me started on his face. It's like a foggy morning version of Adrien Brody, mixed with a dash of Benedict Cumberbatch's brooding intensity. Now I get why everyone was obsessed. When he dresses up in a suit for a fancy event, it's like a whole new level of sophistication. All black, everything. It's the simplest look, but he pulls it off so well. It's like he's proving that you don't need to be a classic Hollywood heartthrob to be a fashion icon. He's definitely the face that makes the outfit.

 

ⓒimdb.com, ⓒnewyorker.com, Film <Patterson> ⓒvanityfair.com

    

Suda Masaki

ⓒpinterest, Film <Drowning Love>

   

Born Sugou Taisho, this Osaka native was practically destined for stardom. They say he was getting scouted left and right every time he stepped out of his neighborhood. That’s what I call being born with it. While he originally dreamed of being a teacher, fate had other plans and he ended up becoming an actor. He quickly became known for his bad-boy roles, but don't let that fool you, he's incredibly versatile. From the superhero world of Kamen Rider to playing a cross-dressing jellyfish enthusiast in Jellyfish Princess, and even bulking up 15kg to play a boxer in As the Wild Winds Blow, there's nothing this guy can't do.o wonder he's still going strong today.

 

ⓒclassy

Young

Isn't it crazy how feelings can change? I used to be obsessed with this guy, but as soon as he married Nana Komatsu, I just... lost interest. I know, I know.

Anyway, have you ever noticed how different the ideal of male beauty is among East Asian countries? I'm personally a huge fan of the Japanese aesthetic. Deep-set eyes, sharp noses, and that undeniable aura of sex appeal. Like there's this mystery about them that I just want to unravel. When I find an actor I like, of course I dive headfirst into their filmography. Suda Masaki was no exception. He was basically my ideal type: the loose necktie over a white shirt look, especially in a school uniform. Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but I'm really into those bad-boy, delinquent roles. I think it has something to do with wanting to be the heroine in one of those cheesy romance novels. Who knew, right?

 

Joo

I've always thought that the phrase 'irresistible charm' is linked to something dangerous. That feeling you get when someone seems to have nothing to lose, no real goals in life, always on the brink of something risky. Constantly worrying that they might get hurt, which is what keeps you coming back for more. If love were a person, it would be him. Impossible to control, always leading you on a wild ride, and leaving you heartbroken but unforgettable.

Suda Masaki perfectly embodies that dangerous allure. He's the kind of guy you randomly think about and wonder how he's doing. The guy who would never show up to a high school reunion, but everyone secretly hopes he will. For me, Suda is that person. And if he did show up, I bet he'd be wearing a vintage sweater and some baggy jeans. He doesn't seem like the type to try too hard. But get this: he was voted the most stylish man in Japan in 2017. So, yeah, he's totally unattainable.

Okay, so we've had this intense debate about these six guys, but I think we forgot something important. Who's our favorite? Well, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I'm going to say Paul Mescal. And you, Dan-dan? Callum Turner? Alright then.

 

Editor: Na-young Kim, Joo Dan-dan