Section 1 – Meeting with Joon-ho – The Boutique’s FutureMorning at IMFG HeadquartersThe early morning sunlight filtered through the sleek gss windows of IMFG’s headquarters, casting long streaks of gold across Joon-ho’s office. Seated at his massive desk, he skimmed through a stack of documents, his sharp eyes scanning the details with the precision of a man who left nothing to chance.

  A knock at the door preceded Seul-bi’s entrance. Dressed in her usual sharp, tailored attire, she strode in with confidence, a tablet in one hand and a neatly arranged pile of contracts in the other.

  “Here are the documents for today,” she announced, setting them down in front of him. “Final reviews on the restructuring process, updates from PR, and the revised contract drafts for the Saint Regis colboration.”

  Joon-ho flipped through the files, his expression unreadable. “Noted.”

  Seul-bi crossed her arms and smirked slightly. “By the way, Ji-an and Yeon-jin just arrived. They’re in the meeting room.”

  Joon-ho’s eyes lifted briefly from the papers. “How are they?”

  Seul-bi chuckled. “Recovering from st night’s celebration. I’d give them another thirty minutes before they’re fully functional.”

  Joon-ho shook his head but didn’t comment further. Instead, he focused on signing off a few key documents before checking the time. Exactly half an hour ter, a soft knock came, and Ji-an and Yeon-jin stepped into his office.

  Both looked refreshed—albeit slightly sluggish. Ji-an, in particur, was noticeably quieter than usual, as if still processing everything that had happened the day before.

  The Reveal – A New Fashion EmpireJoon-ho leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he observed them. “Now that you’re both finally awake,” he began dryly, “we have something important to discuss.”

  Yeon-jin rolled her eyes. “Good morning to you too, boss.”

  Ji-an simply tilted her head in curiosity. “What’s going on?”

  Joon-ho gestured towards the two chairs across from him, signaling them to sit. Once they did, he leaned forward slightly.

  “The boutique I took you to before,” he said, looking directly at Ji-an, “it’s mine.”

  Ji-an blinked. “Wait… what?”

  “It’s one of my personal business assets,” he continued. “For now, it operates as an exclusive, high-end boutique—limited production, elite clientele. But that’s about to change.”

  Seul-bi, who had remained standing near the desk, added, “He wants to expand it into a mass-market brand. Something that reaches a much broader audience.”

  Ji-an’s brows furrowed. “Mass-market? Like…?”

  “Think of the way luxury-inspired fashion can be scaled,” Joon-ho expined. “An accessible, stylish brand that delivers high-quality designs at a fraction of the cost. A bridge between exclusivity and affordability. Something the market hasn’t seen before.”

  Yeon-jin’s eyes widened slightly. “You mean like a rge-scale fashion brand that dominates the market?”

  Joon-ho’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Exactly. And no one has done it quite like this yet.”

  Silence filled the room for a beat as the weight of his words settled in. Ji-an stared at him, realization dawning.

  “You want to create it,” she murmured. “Before anyone else does.”

  Joon-ho nodded. “Exactly. And I want you to be the face of it.”

  Ji-an’s mouth parted slightly, caught off guard. “Me?”

  “You represent transformation,” he said smoothly. “Redemption. A story people will tch onto. From scandal to success—your name will set the foundation for this brand’s identity.”

  Ji-an gnced at Yeon-jin, who looked just as intrigued but not entirely surprised. Then back at Joon-ho. “This is… a lot,” she admitted.

  Joon-ho leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "This isn’t an offer, Ji-an. This is your first project. And I’ll make sure you succeed."

  Ji-an exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his words. There was no hesitation in his voice, no doubt. He was certain. And that certainty, in a strange way, was reassuring.

  “Why me?” she finally asked.

  Joon-ho’s gaze didn’t waver. “Because you’re more than just a face, Ji-an. You know the industry, the pressure, the audience. And most importantly, you know what it means to rise after a fall.”

  Yeon-jin nudged her lightly. “Not to mention, you’ve got the best support system in the game.”

  Ji-an let out a small ugh, shaking her head. The challenge ahead was massive, but deep down, excitement flickered beneath the uncertainty. “Alright,” she said, meeting Joon-ho’s gaze. “I’ll think about it.”

  Section 2 – Naming & Positioning the BrandsThe Two-Tier Brand StrategyGathered in one of IMFG’s sleek conference rooms, Ji-an and Seul-bi studied the documents spread across the table. A bold new venture was unfolding, and this time, Ji-an wasn’t just a face for the brand—she was part of the foundation.

  Joon-ho leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled as he spoke. “We’re taking a two-tier approach. The boutique as it exists now will remain untouched—an exclusive, high-end brand catering to an elite clientele. But we’re introducing a second line—one that captures the essence of high fashion while being accessible to the broader market.”

  Ji-an tilted her head slightly. “So, the boutique stays as is?”

  “Yes,” Seul-bi confirmed, flipping through her notes. “It already has its prestige. Changing it would only dilute its exclusivity. But the new brand needs a distinct identity—something bold, something aspirational.”

  Joon-ho nodded. “This isn’t about just another mass-market bel. We’re creating a brand that challenges the traditional fashion industry. We’ll dictate trends, not follow them.”

  Ji-an’s lips parted slightly in surprise. “You’re really pnning to break the mold.”

  He smirked. “I already know what works. We’ll just be doing it before anyone else figures it out.”

  Brainstorming the Brand Name & IdentitySeul-bi tapped her pen against her tablet. “Alright, if we’re making this a movement, we need a name that speaks to that ambition. Something modern, sleek, but with depth.”

  Ji-an leaned in, thoughtful. “It has to feel empowering, something that makes people want to be part of it. Not just wear it, but live it.”

  Joon-ho nodded in agreement. “A name that represents transformation, accessibility, and power. This isn’t just fashion—it’s an attitude.”

  Several names were tossed around, each met with critiques and refinements. Ji-an, who had spent years being dressed by designers, found herself looking at fashion from a different angle. This wasn’t about what she wore—it was about what others would wear, and why.

  Then, Ji-an hesitated before speaking. "What about ChériHan?" she suggested, gncing between them. "It feels elegant, but approachable. A mix of timeless and modern."

  Seul-bi raised a brow, testing the name on her tongue. "ChériHan... French and Korean fusion. It sounds sophisticated but not intimidating."

  Joon-ho smirked. "ChériHan it is."

  As the discussion continued, excitement buzzed between them. Ji-an wasn’t just a model anymore. She was shaping something real, something sting. And for the first time in a long while, she felt more than just a comeback story—she felt like she was stepping into something far bigger.

  “This is going to change everything,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

  Joon-ho met her gaze, his confidence unwavering. “That’s the pn.”

  Section 3 – Pnning the Launch CampaignGathering the PR TeamThe atmosphere in the IMFG conference room was sharp with anticipation as the key members of the PR team assembled. Joon-ho, Seul-bi, Ji-an, and senior strategists sat around the sleek gss table, reviewing the strategy to introduce ChériHan to the world.

  Joon-ho, seated at the head of the table, steepled his fingers. "We’re not just selling clothes; we’re building a fashion empire. That means we need to be precise about who we’re targeting and how we introduce the brand."

  One of the PR managers, Min-seok, nodded. "We have two major demographics to consider. First, the loyal luxury buyers who already associate Ji-an with high-end fashion. Second, the broader audience that aspires to that lifestyle but hasn’t had access to it yet."

  Seul-bi added, "The challenge is blending the two without diluting the brand. We can’t make it feel like an overnight pivot for Ji-an. The transition has to be seamless."

  PR Strategy: Ji-an’s Role in the BrandJi-an shifted slightly in her seat, listening intently. "So, how do we bance my image? I know my past as a celebrity is an asset, but I don’t want this to feel like just another endorsement deal."

  Joon-ho smirked. "Exactly. You’re not just a face for ChériHan. You’re its foundation. That’s why we need to frame the narrative carefully. If we link too much of your past to it, people might see it as just another comeback attempt. But if we completely separate you from it, we lose the emotional connection your name brings."

  A junior PR specialist hesitantly raised her hand. "What about a slow-build strategy? Instead of a full-force media blitz, we gradually integrate Ji-an’s involvement through curated media appearances and organic storytelling."

  Seul-bi nodded. "A soft unch could work, but we still need a strong moment to mark the official reveal."

  Grand Reveal vs. Organic Introduction"What about an exclusive unch event?" Seul-bi suggested, gncing at Joon-ho. "Something grand, but invitation-only. We control who sees it first, creating buzz without overexposing it."

  Ji-an tapped her fingers on the table, considering the idea. "I get the appeal of a big unch, but I’d prefer something more organic. If we make it too fshy, it might feel inauthentic. What if we introduce it through strategic partnerships first? Maybe a private showcase for industry insiders, fashion editors, and select influencers?"

  Joon-ho listened, his expression thoughtful. "Both approaches have merit. We could blend them—start with a private showcase to build credibility and then transition into a rger-scale reveal once we’ve secured the right narrative."

  Seul-bi leaned forward. "For the private showcase, we can hold it at an exclusive venue—something intimate yet striking. A curated guest list of top editors, key fashion influencers, and select buyers from major retailers. We create an air of exclusivity, making people want to talk about it even more."

  Ji-an nodded. "And instead of a traditional runway, we make it immersive. Let the guests experience the brand firsthand, interact with the designs, understand the vision behind ChériHan."

  Min-seok added, "If we keep press coverage limited, it’ll heighten curiosity. Then, when we roll out the rger reveal, the public will already be intrigued."

  Joon-ho smirked. "Exactly. We’re not just unching a brand; we’re making a statement."

  Seul-bi grinned. "Now that sounds like a pn."

  The meeting buzzed with agreement as details began to take shape. ChériHan’s unch wouldn’t just be another brand announcement—it would be a movement, a shift in the fashion industry, and at its heart was Ji-an, not as a comeback story, but as a force to be reckoned with.

  Arranging the Private ShowcaseJoon-ho steepled his fingers and turned to Seul-bi. "The IMFG Hotel ballroom should be our venue. It’s prestigious, well-connected to the industry, and offers the exclusivity we need."

  Seul-bi nodded. "That’s a strong choice. The ballroom is versatile—we can create an intimate yet high-fashion atmosphere. A mix of minimalist runway with interactive brand dispys."

  Ji-an smiled. "We can let the guests experience ChériHan firsthand, like a walking exhibit. The way the fabric moves, the details, the craftsmanship—it should feel personal."

  Min-seok jotted down notes. "I’ll handle securing the venue. We’ll need to coordinate lighting, music, and set design to match the brand aesthetic."

  Joon-ho leaned back. "Good. Let’s make this a moment that shakes the industry. This isn’t just an event—it’s the dawn of a new fashion movement."

  Section 4 – Boutique Visit – First Steps in the ExpansionYeon-jin Joins the DiscussionThe office door swung open as Park Yeon-jin stepped inside, stretching her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Finally done with training those rookies. I swear, some of them can’t even walk in heels properly. What’s next?"

  Joon-ho barely looked up from the document he was signing. "Perfect timing. We’re heading to the boutique. Get ready."

  Yeon-jin tilted her head. "The one Ji-an went to? How’s the meeting progress? Everything on track?"

  Ji-an, seated across from Seul-bi, looked just as curious. "Are we meeting someone there?"

  Joon-ho smirked. "You’ll see when we get there. Just be prepared."

  Arrival at the BoutiqueThe boutique’s entrance was discreet yet elegant, nestled between high-end stores in one of Seoul’s most exclusive shopping districts. As they stepped inside, a stylish woman in her te forties greeted them with a warm yet professional smile.

  "CEO Kang, welcome back," she said, bowing slightly. "And Miss Seo Ji-an, it’s an honor to have you here."

  Ji-an, unused to the level of deference typically reserved for the elite, managed a polite nod. The boutique manager’s gaze was warm but carried a weight of expectation. "Thank you."

  The boutique manager gestured towards the showroom. "Everything is ready for your visit. Please, take a look."

  Ji-an’s eyes widened as she took in the racks of clothing neatly arranged. The collection wasn’t just a concept—it was already materialized. The fabrics, the tailoring, the attention to detail—it all exuded a sense of refinement.

  Yeon-jin let out a low whistle. "Wait… how is everything already prepared? I thought we were still in the pnning phase."

  Seul-bi crossed her arms and gnced at Joon-ho. "When exactly did you do all this?"

  Joon-ho, ever composed, leaned against the counter. "Last time we were at the salon next door. While you were all busy, I had a meeting with the manager at Moonbucks."

  Yeon-jin raised a brow. "So, while we were getting pampered, you were out here making power moves?"

  Ji-an blinked. "You set all this up in that short amount of time?"

  "I don’t like wasting time," Joon-ho replied simply. "Now, let’s see how well you can adapt these designs."

  Yeon-jin ran a hand along a particurly sleek fabric. "These designs… they feel expensive. How do we bring this level of quality into something scable for ChériHan?"

  Ji-an, running her fingers over a structured bzer, nodded in agreement. "The craftsmanship is incredible, but we need to find a bance between luxury and accessibility."

  The boutique manager smiled. "We have prototypes that incorporate simir aesthetics but with cost-effective adjustments. I can show you the samples."

  Seul-bi smirked. "Ji-an, this is your test. Let’s see how you handle it."

  Ji-an squared her shoulders and stepped forward, ready for the challenge.

  The Test: Ji-an’s First Hands-on TaskJi-an turned to him, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

  Joon-ho nodded towards the boutique’s collection. "I want you to select pieces that could serve as the foundation for ChériHan’s first collection. Think of it as a test. Pick the ones that fit the brand’s vision."

  Ji-an hesitated for only a second before stepping forward, scanning the racks with a sharp eye. The fabrics felt luxurious under her fingertips, and she could already envision which designs could transition into a broader market appeal.

  Yeon-jin watched from the side, arms folded. "No pressure, huh?"

  Seul-bi smiled. "If she’s going to be the face of this brand, she needs to know more than just how to wear the clothes."

  Ji-an exhaled slowly, then focused. She started pulling pieces—ones with timeless silhouettes, strong yet feminine structures, adaptable styles that could bridge the gap between exclusivity and accessibility.

  Yeon-jin, getting more invested, joined in. "Try this one," she suggested, handing Ji-an a sleek midi dress with structured shoulders. "This could be the statement piece of the collection."

  Ji-an nodded and draped it over her arm, adding more pieces as she went. She carefully examined fabrics, feeling the texture between her fingers. "This material is incredible, but do you think it would transte well to a mass-market line?"

  The boutique manager stepped forward with a thoughtful expression. "For high-end clients, this is perfect. But we can source simir textures in a more cost-efficient way without losing the elegance."

  Yeon-jin hummed in agreement, picking up a tailored coat. "I can see this working with a slight modification to the structure. Maybe a softer fit for everyday wear?"

  Ji-an took a few outfits into the fitting room, emerging one by one in different ensembles. The structured bzer paired with tailored trousers gave off a powerful, confident aura, while a flowy chiffon dress softened her look without losing sophistication.

  Yeon-jin twirled in a wrap dress she had picked for herself. "Not bad, right? This one’s got a great silhouette. I can already see it in editorials."

  The boutique manager, watching them both, stepped closer. "If you want to create a signature look for ChériHan, we should consider a bance between versatility and statement pieces. Ji-an, what do you think makes a piece truly stand out?"

  Ji-an thought for a moment, then gestured to a minimalist jumpsuit. "It’s about the little details. The cut, the fabric, how it moves. This one, for example, has a timeless silhouette, but maybe we can add an unexpected element, like a unique button design or a subtle embroidery."

  Yeon-jin smirked. "And that’s why she’s the face of the brand. She’s already thinking ahead."

  The boutique manager nodded approvingly. "In that case, we should also consider how the fabric will photograph under different lighting. Some materials might lose their charm under fshes and harsh lights."

  Ji-an turned towards the boutique manager. "If we adjust the draping on this one and use a lighter fabric, do you think it would maintain the same flow?"

  The boutique manager smiled. "Absolutely. I'll have my team prepare samples for review."

  Ji-an assessed her reflection, then turned to Joon-ho. "These designs have potential. We just need to tweak the materials and cuts slightly to bance luxury with affordability."

  Joon-ho examined the selection, then nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Now, let’s see how they can be adjusted for mass production."

  The boutique manager cpped her hands together. "I’ll prepare the samples immediately."

  Ji-an, realizing she had just taken her first real step into the business side of fashion, felt a rush of excitement. This wasn’t just about modeling anymore—this was about building something from the ground up. And she was ready for it.

  apmoneysense