Small Worlds

09 A Trilogy of Jealousy: Othello

09 Othello

Haerin met Kim Minjae at the After Party.

Mr. G, the Asia-Pacific head for brand D, used to have some business dealings with Kim Minjae. That's why brand D would specifically feature Haerin's photo on Instagram, as CEO Park explained.

Brand D had already taken care of their part, but CEO Park had other plans.

Ever since her debut, Haerin and her NewJeans members graced the covers of all six major women's magazines in South Korea: Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, W, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.

This time, for the highly anticipated September issue of Vogue Korea, one of the most prominent issues of the year, CEO Park aimed to put the most popular member of NewJeans, Kang Haerin, on the cover. She planned to collaborate with brand D and Kim Minjae to make it happen.

It used to be easier for female idols to land the cover of Vogue Korea. Now, the competition was fierce with numerous popular idols and actresses dominating the market. Haerin hadn't started a solo career yet, and aspiring for the September cover felt like entering a challenging survival show, like 'Produce 101.'

The manager always said, "CEO Park is no ordinary woman."

"I want it, I got it" perfectly describes CEO Park; if she wants something, she'll make sure to get it.

Vogue's editors were notorious for being quite picky. Even if you wanted to build connections with Vogue, you had to wait your turn, as many luxury brands were ahead in line. Neither Brand D nor Kim Minjae had enough influence to secure Haerin a cover.

An hour before the event, CEO Park, Kim Minjae, and Haerin quickly had a meeting. Mr. G was going to stay in South Korea for a week, and CEO Park was going to have dinner with him, with Kim Minjae joining as well.

As for the cover, Kim Minjae suggested, "Why not let Minji give it a try?" He had just received a message from his sister. It turned out that Minji had a schoolmate working as a fashion editor at Vogue Korea.

Last year a TV drama depicting office life was aired. Despite its mediocre ratings, the attire of the female characters became a trend, all thanks to the lead stylist, Rebecca Lim.

Rebecca was famous for her impeccable fashion sense, and she had even been invited to a YouTube show. Haerin and her group members watched the program in their dorm.

Rebecca wasn't just pretty; she had a distinctive style, quite different from the typical Instagram influencers.

Hyein commented, "Is this Rebecca Unnie from France or somewhere?"

After the YouTube channel interview, Rebecca wrote an article published in Vogue Korea's digital magazine, where she shared her design philosophy. The article had a clever title: "Café Conversations: No love found in Cheongdam dong." The article was short but had clever, Woody Allen-style comments, showcasing Rebecca Lim's unique personality.

Meeting Rebecca in person was even more fascinating.

At the brand D after-party, Rebecca and Kim Minji engaged in a hot conversation. It started on the second floor near the railing, but as the crowd grew, they moved downstairs and found seats at the bar.

Rebecca often had her hand on Kim Minji's tie as they enjoyed one drink after another. Kim Minji appeared to be in high spirits, and because of the loud music, she leaned in close to Rebecca's ear to chat.

The after-party was packed with people, including those not invited to the pop-up store event.

The air was heavy, and Haerin needed a breather.