Chapter Eighty-One: Not a Race Track

t's very rare to see groups' names mentioned in song lyrics like this, especially a group like EXO who not only incorporated gestures and dances, but also included close-up shots for the name reveal c..."European luxury brands"

Hearing this news, Ji Jingyuan was taken aback. His gaze lifted from the data he was looking at and landed on Li Manager beside him, blinking as if surprised by the sudden announcement.

However, judging from the situation in the meeting room and the expressions of others, it seems that other staff and management within the company are already aware of this news.

He changed his sitting position and asked, "Is it European What brand is it"

"It's GUCCI, one of the world's most famous luxury brands!" Li Shichang's face was flushed, his expression excited, and even his narrow triangular eyes seemed to widen a bit, with a glimmer in them. It was clear that he felt very excited about being able to connect with the other party.

His mouth opened and closed like a machine gun, as he started to explain rapidly with surging emotions: “It’s not just GUCCI, actually. We received news that more than one luxury brand has expressed interest in you, but only GUCCI has contacted us proactively so far.”

"We first made contact through a letter they sent us some time ago, and it wasn't a completely formal one. Although there haven't been any follow-ups or in-depth discussions about actual collaboration so far, they mentioned that they have been following you for a long time, apparently since around two years ago, showing interest in Kpop and many actors and entertainers. And among them, you are the one they value most."

"Based on our analysis of their word choices and hints, we are very hopeful of getting the GUCCI title."

Not only Li Shizhang, but also Chi Jingyuan noticed that many faces in the conference room were smiling. It was clear that the opportunity to obtain a high-luxury title had indeed made them quite excited.

This is also understandable, fashion resources have always been very important to artists, and the peninsula's artists have always had average fashion resources. Even the top-tier actors are like this. Due to limitations in region and fame, they have always found it difficult to go beyond the peninsula. They usually operate within the peninsula itself, and it is extremely rare for them to be recognized by overseas well-known fashion brands, especially those big-name luxury brands.

Actors are like that, and idols are even rarer.

In recent years, K-pop fandoms have engaged in heated rivalries and battles, primarily comparing digital music streams, album sales, and fundraising efforts. However, with the rise of new media platforms over the past year or two, comparisons have also extended to fan-taken videos and YouTube view counts.

Every day, fans of different combinations online are constantly asking each other "How many sales did [your brother] have in his first week back", "How much was pre-sold Did it break records," "How many streams on the first day How many times did it land at number one How many times did it break charts and achieve a new high for Liu An Did it AKPK" This kind of constant comparison.

And for those who are more top-tier, like EXO fans, they can boast about their idols' endorsements, especially the high-end ones on Park Kyung-won. For example, his status as an LG Electronics all-line endorser gives them an edge in these kinds of squabbles.

You can say that the K-Pop circle is full of these battles. Idol comebacks' achievements and data are what fans rely on to survive and show off.

But fans can tear each other apart over various charts and data, but they also see them battle each other for fashion resources.

Just because the Peninsula idols' fashion resources are really bad, being able to get some small-scale clothing endorsements is already considered high-class. Slightly more well-known brands can make fans rave about them, as for those top luxury brands, they are almost extinct.

Because the Kpop industry's unified fashion resources are brutally competitive, since everyone lacks them, it's better to tacitly avoid mentioning them altogether.

On the entire peninsula, you could count on one hand the artists with this level of top-tier resources. Among actors, Jeon Ji-hyun is considered to have excellent resources.

And in the idol circle, 權誌龍 is unparalleled in this aspect. This is also what his fans are most proud of and often boast about, and it is also an important reason why his status and level are obviously higher than ordinary idols.

What's the title

Hearing that there was actually a project, Ji Jingyuan also became interested. If it was really a significant title, it would be very worthwhile to strive for.

"That's it..." Director Li didn't give a direct answer, but instead gave him a detailed explanation of the division and knowledge about fashion endorsements for the coming year.

In the world of fashion endorsements, the highest tier is undoubtedly the 'Six Blue Bloods' and the 'Eight Big Brands'. To be able to collaborate with these fourteen houses is considered a top-tier luxury resource. GUCCI, being one of the Blue Bloods, boasts even greater brand recognition compared to some of the other brands in that group.

And the title refers to the titles and levels obtained from partnerships with brands, even cooperative titles have different ranks.

The highest level is global brand ambassadors and product ambassadors. For this level of ambassador, the brand will actively produce hard commercials for global promotion, customize exclusive products, and pay high endorsement fees. They also sponsor clothing for major public events and occasionally send special product gifts.

You can say that getting this level of title, fashion resources have already reached the top. However, because it's too difficult, there are really very few.

Next come representatives and ambassadors from regions like Asia-Pacific and the peninsula. Then there are titles like "brand friend" and "brand muse," with diminishing prestige and importance placed upon them by the brand. The latter few aren't even considered endorsements; they struggle to borrow clothes for events and mainly appear in promotional press releases, often without any endorsement fees.

Simply put, the highest level of endorsement means that our brand thinks you are fantastic.

The ambassador, our brand thinks you're a great fan.

Best friend = Our brand encourages your fans to be great.

Muse, you and your fans have to become better.

Besides being the spokesperson for the full range of products at the highest level, these titles are also divided into many types because of the different products they endorse, such as perfumes, clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics.

Because there are too many titles, it's hard for outsiders to understand what they mean or how much they're worth.

However, in the eyes of most ordinary people, being able to receive cooperation from these brands and wearing this title is already very impressive.

To be honest, Chi Jingyuan hadn't really paid much attention to the fashion industry before. He only knew a little bit because of work-related matters. After listening to the other person's explanation, he gained a lot more understanding.

After thinking for a moment, he spoke: “Getting the title isn’t that simple, is it If it were something like Muses... how would they put it”

To be like全智賢, successfully snatching the deal from李兵兵 and landing the title of Gucci's Asia Pacific watch, jewelry, and eyewear accessories ambassador is definitely worth striving for. This level of endorsement would be a great addition to 池景源's popularity and level in Korea, as well as his overseas recognition. It would also be a significant help to ** Company and EXO.

But if it's just promotion, a Muse like this wouldn't get any real benefit. Even something as simple as clothes, people might not even wear them. He thinks that even if he got it, there wouldn't be much point to it.

"The company feels that based on the other party's attention and dedicated contact, they wouldn't promote or endorse titles that are considered lower-end, and might not even be limited to just Peninsula Region titles... However, formal negotiations haven't begun yet; the other party has only expressed a willingness to cooperate."

And as you said, it's not that simple. After all, luxury brands carefully select their brand ambassadors and it's a long-term commitment, with a specific process involved...

When it comes to fashion resources within the industry, YG Entertainment reigns supreme, significantly surpassing other companies. ** Entertainment falls behind in this aspect, while JYP Entertainment, whose stock price is currently competing with "Starbuck's," is even further down the list.

Although the company's resources are not abundant, Manager Li, who has obviously done his homework and is well-versed in this area, gave a detailed explanation.

Let's not talk about ordinary promotions or things like Muses. These luxury brands, when they select an ambassador, go through several steps.

At the beginning, brands would interact with celebrities on their official SNS platforms by acknowledging the same clothes and accessories worn by the celebrities. Then, they would have the celebrities shoot promotional photos and videos for luxury brands.

Next, I was invited by brands to attend fashion shows in Europe. I went to all sorts of events, like fashion weeks, spring/summer and fall/winter new collection runway shows, and high-fashion garment launch events.

Being invited to a fashion show by a brand means that both parties are very interested in collaborating, and it's basically set. The next step is getting promoted by the luxury brand, such as being retweeted, followed by an official announcement of the endorsement title, confirming the collaboration.

For the selection of brand ambassadors, these brands are very particular. They generally go through a process of observation and attention that lasts for several years, just as Mr. Li mentioned earlier, GUCCI seems to have been paying attention to Ji-won池 for one or two years now.

I have to admire Kwong Chi-lung for this pool view. He's been the focus of Chanel's attention for several years, often posting pictures on his SNS and frequently appearing in public wearing Chanel clothes.

But the problem is that Chanel currently doesn't have a menswear line.

Although the other party may have been investigating for two years, they are still in the contact stage. However, since the other party has proactively expressed their interest and hinted, we are naturally willing to accept and respond accordingly.

He went on to explain the current situation and then looked at Ji Jingyuan with a wry smile: "But Jingyuan, you don't usually pay much attention to your personal SNS. Your past business has been very minimal, mostly some uniquely angled selfies, and you rarely post many pictures. Let alone posting specifically photos of brand fashion outfits..."

"I... actually, I care about it quite a bit."

Despite the unwarranted accusations, Chi Jingyuan still attempted to refute them.

Ignoring Pool Jingyuan's justifications, Director Li chuckled and continued, "Jingyuan, your INS followers exceeded 13 million last month. You are among the KPOP artists with the most fans, and your growth rate remains very high. Therefore, we suggest you increase your business activities a bit, and shoot some outfits featuring GUCCI products. The company will also publish and share them through EXO's official account, and we will continue to communicate with them."

"Well, I understand."

He doesn't usually operate much just because he's rather lazy, and his fans are a bit too indulgent, leading to fewer updates from Ji-seong. However, since this is for something important, he will definitely pay attention to it.

He still attaches great importance to being the spokesperson for luxury brands. Not to mention the high endorsement fee, this level alone speaks volumes. Besides boosting his own style and fame, being able to get such an endorsement is also a very good recognition of himself personally.

At least his fans are invincible in the fan circle.

"If there's no brand clothing..." He thought for a moment, then tried asking again.

"Don't worry about this."

Mentioning this, Chi Jingyuan waved his hand.

Luxury goods are expensive, and most mid-level entertainers on the peninsula can't afford them. But for him, it's no problem. Although Ji Kyeong-won actually prefers collaborative designs to high-end brands in private, his family has always had access to these things from a young age.

His older brother, Chi Jingxu, is very particular about these things. He always carries high-end items with him, from his tie clip to his shoes. However, according to what he knows, compared to GUCCI, Chi Jingxu prefers LV.

Ji Jingyuan's casual expression gave the ** staff a sense of ease, and they couldn't help but think, 'As expected.'

"That's about it. Recently, the company has also increased its connections and investment in resources for you in the fashion world. Although the competition is fierce, fortunately, you have always been very popular and loved by the fashion industry. Your popularity and heat are undeniable, and many fixed purchasing groups of fashion magazines quite like you."

Li, the director, glanced at the documents in his hand, organized them, and finally concluded: "Apart from a few small magazines' pictorials, the most important thing is that we got the cover of Vogue Korea and the July issue. We'll start shooting immediately once the time is right. Remember to prepare for it."

"Okay, I understand."

……

The sudden endorsement opportunity also surprised Ji-yeong. As an idol, being noticed was a rare and precious thing, and for ** Entertainment, which had always been lacking in fashion resources and far behind YG, it was like finding a treasure. They began preparing for this in every way, and at the same time, they adjusted Ji-yeong's schedule for the next period of time, focusing on fashion shoots and cases.

However, whether we can get the title and what kind of title, it's still unclear in the short term. But since we've been following this for so long, hopefully, we can reach an agreement within this year.

If he could get the endorsement, even if it wasn't worldwide, just for the Asian region or the peninsula region, Chi Jingyuan would be considered one of the top idols in the peninsula idol world when it comes to fashion resources. I wonder what expression many ordinary idols who are still struggling for endorsement opportunities with some local brands and private stores will have when the news is confirmed and spread.

It's no longer a race track.

The meeting went on until one in the morning. After it ended, several company representatives were still unsatisfied and chatted with Chi Jingyuan for a while longer, leaving him no chance to reply to the few text messages he had received before the meeting.

By the time he returned to the dormitory, it was almost three o'clock. Because of tomorrow's work, the other members had already rested. After a quick wash, he also hurried to bed.

Unfortunately, because Zhou Tzuyu and Nako Yabuki heard some interesting gossip at school and were eager to chat with each other, they only sent one reply all night. All subsequent messages have gone unanswered, and it's unknown what mood the two are in now.

Over the next three days, from the 16th to the 18th, the concerts were held consecutively. This second round of concerts wasn't like the first round last year, which was plagued with accidents and unexpected incidents. From start to finish, nothing bad happened, which finally eased the worries of both the staff and fans.

After the special encore performance on the 18th, EXO's second tour in Seoul also officially came to an end. Online reviews and word-of-mouth have been very positive, showing significant improvement compared to last year. Especially the dazzling lights and stage effects blended perfectly, coupled with some newly added special equipment, which made most of the audience very satisfied.

The Seoul Station concert had five shows from the 13th to the 18th, all of which were sold out. The Olympic Gymnastics Arena was packed for every performance. A total of nearly 70,000 spectators attended the five concerts, making this one of the highest mobilizations among K-pop groups on the peninsula.

Despite this, many fans and passersby have taken to **'s official accounts and online platforms to express their dissatisfaction and complaints. They argue that the number of shows is too few, the venue is too small, and tickets are impossible to get. Many are also calling for additional shows, stating that adding just one isn't enough.

To be honest, the gymnastics arena is already quite large. A capacity of over 16,000 people is incredibly glorious for most idol groups if they can even fill it up.

However, this is still relatively speaking. For the current EXO, this capacity is indeed a little small.

** simply smiled and brushed off the clamor for additional shows. Although the company undoubtedly knew that tickets would sell out instantly if more shows were added, the venue rental and specific scheduling had already been finalized beforehand, making last-minute changes very difficult.

Moreover, concert tickets on the peninsula are too cheap. If you want to make a lot of money, you definitely need to seize the time and go overseas. ** even feels that five performances at the Seoul stop are already too many, so it's better to move the time to China or other countries.

After wrapping up their Seoul station, EXO has also begun focusing their energy on preparing for their second tour's Shanghai concert at the end of the month, as well as preparations for their single album "L."

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** has its own initial assessments for each title track. Compared to previous comebacks, the title tracks of this album, “O,” are considered slightly mediocre in quality and they don't expect them to be a major hit. The unexpected popularity of "Targeting Sniper," a non-title track, is a pleasant surprise, but it hasn't changed the company's planned strategy.

After all, a concert is more important than singing.

And regarding promotions and resources for "L," some have already been put in place. Just the promotional pictorials, they shot several versions with Jingyuan. Even though their official comeback is still ten days away, you can already see some promotional press releases arranged by the company online.

This period of time hasn't just been about EXO, **'s other artists haven't been idle either. As the eldest sister, BoA released a new song on the 12th. After a long wait, Shee also made her official comeback to the music scene with her fourth full-length album on the 18th.

Interestingly, the title track for SHEE's fourth album, "View", was once considered as a potential title track for EXO during their album preparation. ** even contemplated including this song in their comeback, making it a title track for one of their four comebacks this year.

However, later it was decided to forgo this idea because Shee also needed to return and "View" still involved member Kim Jong-hyun in the songwriting and composition.

In less than a month, several ** artists have released songs and returned to their familiar "self-promotion" cycle.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye, May 19th, evening.

"Hey, Haiying, come watch *Sixteen* with me!" A girl enthusiastically invited her classmate to watch the broadcast together in a girls' dormitory at a university.

"You've recommended it so many times, JYP is already washed up and has no future. And what kind of trash show is this, choosing a girl group I wouldn't watch it." Haiying, her name was, didn't even have the slightest interest. She impatiently replied with a sentence before hugging her phone and researching something on it.

"Oh..."

"...but this period has Yuan."

"!"

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Networkight.As the moon set and the sun rose, Chi Jingyuan, waking up from his bed in the dormitory early that morning, looked out the window at the sky just beginning to brighten. He couldn't help but let o...