Section 1 - Aftermath of the Saint Regis MeetingThe tension from the Saint Regis meeting still lingered as Joon-ho and his team stepped out of the conference room. There were no immediate reactions, no celebratory gestures—only sharp, calcuting looks exchanged between the IMFG executives. This wasn’t the kind of deal that was won in a single meeting. It would take strategy, patience, and meticulous follow-ups.

  As soon as they returned to IMFG headquarters, Joon-ho gave his first order. “Get in touch with Saint Regis. Set up the first meeting.” His voice was cool, unwavering. “We keep up the momentum.”

  His team nodded in understanding, swiftly moving to carry out his directive.

  Joon-ho returned to his office, immediately shifting his focus back to IMFG’s internal matters. The restructuring efforts were still underway, with old board members stepping down, projects being cut, and new strategies being implemented. Every decision was calcuted to ensure IMFG’s long-term strength. He had no time to dwell on uncertainties.

  Immediate DebriefSeul-bi entered his office with a tablet in hand. “The meeting went as expected. Sophie Vernet didn’t reveal much, but she was engaged. That’s a good sign.”

  Joon-ho sat down, steepling his fingers. “And the weaknesses?”

  “She’ll need more than just Ji-an’s presence. We need to reinforce how this benefits Saint Regis beyond just a rebranding statement.” Seul-bi scrolled through her notes. “Also, internally, we need to clean up our restructuring progress. The changes we’ve implemented so far are good, but there’s still inefficiency that might weaken our positioning. Some of the models we retained aren’t performing well, and there’s still one in particur who was only kept around due to her... connections with the previous board members.”

  Joon-ho's expression darkened slightly. “Cut anyone who isn’t aligned with our future goals. We need talent, not baggage. Prepare a detailed report on what still needs refining, including any remaining dead weight. I want specifics on underperforming models, especially the ones who were kept around for reasons other than merit. If they can’t bring value, we’re not carrying them forward. Also, assess the PR and other office staff—if there are inefficiencies or members riding on old favors, I want to know. This isn’t just about models; we need a team that functions at its best.”

  Seul-bi nodded. "Understood. There are a few questionable hires in PR, likely tied to the old board’s interests. I’ll cross-check their contributions and report back. Cleaning house is necessary if we want IMFG to move forward without dead weight.”

  Ji-an listened quietly from where she stood, absorbing the conversation. Though she hadn’t been actively involved in the negotiations, she was beginning to understand the weight of each interaction. Without thinking, she moved toward the sofa in Joon-ho’s office and sank into it, the tension from the long day catching up with her. She curled up slightly, exhaling as she let her muscles rex, almost forgetting she was in his office.

  Joon-ho gnced at her briefly before returning his focus to Seul-bi. He made a mental note of Ji-an’s growing ease in this environment.

  Yeon-jin’s Arrival & TeasingThe door swung open, and Park Yeon-jin strode in, carrying a thick file. “New recruit reports,” she announced before pausing, her eyes nding on Ji-an sprawled comfortably on the sofa. A sly grin spread across her face.

  “Well, well,” Yeon-jin teased, crossing her arms. “Did you move in here while we were gone? Should we get you a bnket and a pillow?”

  Ji-an shot her a tired gre, sitting up straight. “I was just resting for a second.”

  “Uh-huh,” Yeon-jin smirked. “Or maybe you just like this office’s atmosphere. I hear powerful men have that effect.”

  Ji-an’s face heated up instantly. “That’s not—”

  Joon-ho, who had been signing off documents, finally looked up at the exchange. His gaze flickered toward Ji-an, noting the slight blush on her cheeks, before settling on Yeon-jin with mild exasperation. “Yeon-jin.”

  “Yes, boss?” she responded innocently, though her mischievous grin remained.

  “Wrap up your report and stop causing distractions.”

  Yeon-jin sighed dramatically. “But distractions are fun. And Ji-an’s reactions are priceless.” She chuckled, handing over the file before sneaking another gnce at Ji-an, who was still fidgeting slightly, her ears tinted red. "Anyway, about the new recruits," she continued, flipping open the file. "There are some promising ones, but don’t expect too much just yet. They’re too green. Most of them ck the confidence and presence needed to make an immediate impact."

  Joon-ho took the file and flipped through it briefly. “Then we train them. If they show potential, we refine it. If they don’t, we move on.”

  Yeon-jin stretched her arms zily. “Sure, sure. Just don’t get your hopes up too fast.”

  Dinner InvitationJoon-ho’s eyes flickered to Ji-an again, finally realizing how at ease she had become in his office. A faint amusement touched his expression before he closed the folder in front of him and stood.

  “That’s enough for today.” He gnced at Yeon-jin and Seul-bi. “Let’s go to dinner.”

  Yeon-jin blinked. “Wait, what?”

  “You, Seul-bi, and Ji-an. I’m taking you all to dinner.”

  Seul-bi raised an eyebrow but said nothing, while Yeon-jin grinned. “Well, who am I to refuse free food?”

  Ji-an, still caught off guard by the sudden shift, hesitated. “You don’t have to—”

  Joon-ho gave her a pointed look. “You worked just as hard today. Let’s go.”

  Yeon-jin leaned in toward Ji-an and whispered, “See? Told you powerful men have that effect.”

  Then, she perked up. “So, where are we eating? Please tell me it’s somewhere high-css—I’m in the mood for luxury. And, more importantly, is there going to be alcohol?”

  Joon-ho gnced at her with a knowing smirk. “We’ll go to Le Ciel Privé.”

  Yeon-jin’s eyes lit up. “That exclusive pce in the middle of Seoul? The one with private rooms and a strict guest list?”

  He nodded. “It has what we need—privacy and quality.”

  Yeon-jin cpped her hands together. “Now, that’s the kind of answer I like. Let’s go.”

  Ji-an swallowed, feeling warmth creep up her neck. With no room for protest, she stood and followed them out of the office, the tension of the day slowly melting away into something else—something unfamiliar, yet not entirely unwelcome.

  Section 2 – Official Announcement: Seo Ji-an x IMFGThe whispers had been growing for weeks, but at exactly 6:00 PM, IMFG made it official.

  The Official Press ReleaseAs the city lights of Seoul flickered to life, IMFG’s PR team released the long-awaited statement:

  “IMFG is pleased to welcome Seo Ji-an as our newest partner. A timeless presence in the industry, Ji-an embodies grace, resilience, and reinvention—values that align perfectly with our vision. This partnership is just the beginning of a new era.”

  The announcement was intentionally vague—revealing just enough to confirm her return while leaving room for specution. It wasn’t just a rebranding move; it was a statement of intent.

  Within minutes, major media outlets seized on the story, setting the internet abze:

  “Seo Ji-an Returns: IMFG’s Boldest Move Yet?”

  “IMFG x Seo Ji-an: Comeback or Takeover?”

  “Seo Ji-an Steps Back Into the Spotlight—What’s Next?”

  By 6:30 PM, the news was everywhere.

  Ji-an’s First Official StatementJi-an’s response had been meticulously pnned, just like every step of her return. Her first official statement wasn’t a rushed reaction—it had been pre-recorded the day before during an exclusive IMFG photoshoot.

  Sitting against a minimalist studio backdrop, Ji-an faced the camera with quiet confidence. She wore an elegant bck ensemble, her makeup refined yet striking. The lighting was warm, casting an ethereal glow over her features.

  In the video, her voice was steady, poised.

  “It’s been a while. I’m grateful to be standing here today, at the start of a new chapter. Thank you to those who never stopped believing in me. Let’s walk this path together. See you soon.”

  Short. Elegant. Undeniably Seo Ji-an.

  At 6:45 PM, IMFG posted the video across all official ptforms. Ji-an’s personal accounts followed suit moments ter.

  Instagram & Naver PostOn Instagram and Naver, Ji-an posted a still from the shoot—a bck-and-white portrait that captured her in a moment of quiet strength. The caption was just as deliberate:

  “New chapter, same passion. Let’s walk this path together. #SeoJian #IMFG”

  The Internet Reacts: Naver & Instagram ExplodeNaver Forum Discussions[Hot Topic] Seo Ji-an signs with IMFG – Comeback confirmed??? (TOP COMMENT - 20K likes): “She’s back at 6PM sharp like it’s a primetime drama. ICONIC.”

  ?? “Seo Ji-an is pying the long game. IMFG wouldn’t gamble unless they knew she was a sure bet.”

  ?? “The way this was executed... no leaks, no fluff—just raw power.”

  ?? “This comeback has Seul-bi’s fingerprints all over it. They’re not just bringing Ji-an back, they’re making a statement.”

  ?? “6PM drop? They wanted full media saturation before primetime. Genius move.”

  Instagram Comments Under Ji-an’s Post?? “SHE’S BACKKKK!! SEO JI-AN NEVER LEFT!!!”?? “The fashion world is finally healing.”?? “A new era begins. Can’t wait to see what’s next!”?? “IMFG + Ji-an = unstoppable.”?? “This woman survived hell and still looks like a goddess. RESPECT.”?? “6PM announcement?? This was a strategy, not just a comeback.”

  Ji-an scrolled through the flood of reactions, her pulse quickening. Praise, skepticism, specution—but above all, attention.

  Seul-bi smirked as she gnced at the trending topics. “Six o’clock sharp, peak engagement, full media takeover. Welcome back, Ji-an.”

  And with that, Seo Ji-an was officially back in the game.

  Section 3 – Posting of the Photoshoot & Social Media ReactionAt 8:00 PM, just as the initial buzz from Ji-an’s official announcement reached its peak, IMFG’s PR team unleashed the next wave.

  IMFG’s Official Photoshoot ReleaseThe first set of official images from Ji-an’s exclusive shoot at the IMFG Hotel Bar was posted across IMFG’s social media channels.

  The visuals were nothing short of breathtaking.

  Ji-an, seated at the marble-topped bar, an elegant martini gss in hand, dressed in a satin backless dress that reflected the ambient glow of the bar’s golden lighting.

  A monochrome close-up, her gaze sharp, lips slightly parted—undeniably powerful.

  A wider shot, Ji-an standing by the panoramic windows, Seoul’s skyline glittering behind her like a crown.

  The photos exuded luxury, dominance, and reinvention—Ji-an was no longer just a returning figure, she was a statement.

  Caption by IMFG“Rebirth of a legend. Welcome to a new era. #SeoJiAn #IMFG”

  Within minutes, the images exploded online.

  Unexpected Behind-the-Scenes Post – Song Ha-rinOne particur post added unexpected fuel to the fire.

  @HaRin_S (Song Ha-rin, a well-known influencer and fashion personality) posted on Instagram:

  “Sometimes, you’re just in the right pce at the right time. Was at the IMFG Bar when THIS happened. Watching Seo Ji-an in action? Unreal. She doesn’t just pose—she OWNS the space. This comeback? It’s about to be legendary.”

  Attached were two images:

  A subtle behind-the-scenes shot, capturing the moment a photographer adjusted Ji-an’s pose while stylists fussed over her. Ji-an, effortlessly composed, exuded quiet power.

  A short, blurry clip, catching the moment Ji-an turned to the camera, locking eyes with the lens—her expression unreadable, magnetic.

  Song Ha-rin hadn’t been invited. She just happened to be at the bar that night. And her unexpected endorsement sent fans into a frenzy.

  Netizen Reactions: Social Media ExplodesNaver Forums & Twitter Trends?? #SeoJiAn #IMFGTakeover #QueenIsBack #SongHaRinBTS

  ?? “I was NOT READY. This is what you call a COMEBACK.”?? “She’s not just returning—she’s owning the game.”?? “IMFG did NOT come to py. That bar setting, the styling—she’s the femme fatale of fashion.”?? “WAIT. SONG HA-RIN WAS THERE?!? That’s how you know it’s real.”?? “This comeback has Joon-ho written all over it. Why does this feel so personal??”?? “I swear, if there’s even a hint of romance between Ji-an and Joon-ho, the internet will explode.”?? “Former Eclipse fans… how are we feeling? ??”

  Former Eclipse Fans React?? “I want to be happy for her, but part of me still resents how it ended.”?? “I’m just saying… Eclipse made her. Now she’s acting like she never needed them?”?? “Nah, Eclipse USED her. IMFG is finally treating her like the queen she is.”?? “I just hope she doesn’t get burned again.”

  Anti-Fans Stir Controversy??? “People really forgot what happened before? The industry just lets anyone back in.”??? “She’s just riding IMFG’s power. Let’s see how long it sts.”??? “Why does this feel like a PR stunt? Something’s off.”

  Industry Insiders Weigh In?? Celebrity Stylist, Choi Ha-rin: “Ji-an’s comeback is more than just personal redemption—it’s a shift in power. If IMFG backs her this strongly, she’s about to change the game.”

  ?? Fashion Journalist, Kim Joon-seok: “IMFG’s branding is genius. They’re not selling Ji-an’s return; they’re selling a rebirth. This will shake the industry.”

  Section 4 – Each Person’s ThoughtsAt 9:30 PM, inside Le Ciel Privé, an exclusive high-end restaurant nestled in the heart of Seoul, a private dining room buzzed with low conversation and the occasional clink of gsses. The city lights shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting the quiet tension and unspoken thoughts at the table.

  A Toast to the FuturePark Yeon-jin raised her crystal flute, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "To Seo Ji-an’s comeback," she decred. "And to us for making it happen."

  Seul-bi smirked, lifting her own gss. "To smart investments paying off."

  Ji-an hesitated for half a second before lifting her gss as well. The surreal nature of everything—the announcement, the photoshoot, the media frenzy—hadn’t fully sunk in yet. But in this moment, surrounded by them, she wasn’t just an outsider watching from the shadows. She was here.

  "So, Ji-an," Yeon-jin mused, twirling her gss between her fingers, "How does it feel to be the center of attention again?"

  Ji-an exhaled slowly before answering, "Overwhelming. But... different this time."

  Seul-bi nodded knowingly. "Because this time, you're not just someone’s project. You have control."

  Ji-an looked down at the amber liquid in her gss, absorbing the words. "Yeah... I think so."

  Joon-ho, however, didn’t join in the enthusiasm. He simply lifted his gss, his dark gaze meeting Ji-an’s. A quiet toast. No words, no unnecessary fir. Just acknowledgment.

  Ji-an wasn’t sure why, but the way he did it made her chest tighten just slightly.

  Sera’s UneaseAcross town, Sera sat alone in her penthouse, a gss of wine in hand as she scrolled through her phone. The glowing screen dispyed Ji-an’s test photos, her name trending, the industry buzzing with specution.

  She had ughed at first. Dismissed it as nothing but a passing headline.

  But now?

  The uneasy feeling in her gut refused to go away.

  Ji-an wasn’t just back—she was making waves.

  Sera hated how much it bothered her.

  Entertainment Agencies on AlertWithin Seoul’s elite talent management circles, Ji-an’s rebranding wasn’t just seen as a personal success—it was a calcuted power move.

  Executives from competing agencies quietly took notes, wondering if this approach could be replicated for their own fallen stars.

  Top-tier stylists whispered about whether IMFG was setting a new trend, blending luxury branding with celebrity influence.

  Entertainment reporters analyzed every aspect of Ji-an’s return, debating whether this was a temporary PR stunt or a true industry shift.

  Everyone was watching.

  And Ji-an was at the center of it all.

  apmoneysense