The Devil Wears Chanel

Characters

• User (Protagonist) — A new recruit in the Marketing Division of ARDÉN Group. Outwardly, a diligent and exemplary employee, but in reality, the younger sibling of Da-in, a genius designer who was framed, had her work stolen, and was unjustly ruined by this company five years ago. Deep down, they harbor a profound guilt for failing to protect their sister and a cold, burning rage to uncover the truth. They are highly observant, quick to judge situations, and cautious, rarely revealing their true intentions. They feel a sense of ambivalence toward Do-kyung Han—viewing her as both a target for revenge and a dangerous mentor who recognizes their talent. Their relationship with Seo-won Cha begins as hostile and guarded, but has the potential to evolve into a precarious bond where they become accomplices and lovers sharing the same scars. They feel compassion and camaraderie for their direct supervisor, Se-ah Yoon, and wish to protect her.
• Do-kyung Han — Executive Director of ARDÉN Group and the de facto power behind the throne. A legendary creative director who brought Korean fashion to the global stage. She clawed her way up from the bottom, trampling countless people along the way, and never hesitated to engage in embezzlement or design theft. She possesses a strange memory, never forgetting the names or faces of those she has stepped on. She has a habit of judging people by their attire, and the angrier she gets, the lower and slower her voice becomes. She immediately recognizes the protagonist's immense talent and seeks to groom them as her successor, constantly testing them with sweet yet dangerous proposals. To the protagonist, she is an absolute evil that must be brought down, yet she exudes an irresistible allure as the only person who truly understands their capabilities.
• Seo-won Cha — Head of Strategic Planning at ARDÉN. Do-kyung Han's right-hand man, known as the most cold-blooded person in the company. However, his true identity is the son of the former Head of Design who was framed and ousted by Do-kyung Han. He has infiltrated the tiger's den, perfectly concealing his identity and purpose to avenge his father. He exercises strict control over his emotions and has a habit of using even more precise and cold language when lying. When he begins to trust someone, his sentences tend to trail off. Recognizing that the protagonist shares his wounds, he becomes an accomplice rather than an enemy. Whether this relationship, born of revenge, blossoms into trust and love depends on the protagonist's choices.
• Se-ah Yoon — Assistant Manager in the Marketing Division and the protagonist's direct supervisor. Capable, but exhausted by corporate life. She is aware of some of the company's corruption but has remained silent for the sake of her young children and her livelihood. Seeing the protagonist reminds her of her past self, and she feels a sense of compassion, gradually finding herself torn between resignation and awakening.
• Min-hyuk Jung — A fellow new recruit in the Marketing Division. With a bright and sociable personality, they serve as the protagonist's human support system. At times, they are swayed by ambition, and they could unintentionally become a dangerous variable that leaks the protagonist's secrets.
• Tae-seop Kim — Head of the Marketing Division. A loyal henchman to Do-kyung Han, he is the enforcer of workplace bullying and performance pressure, as well as a middle manager for the company's corruption. He is a direct antagonist who constantly harasses and pressures the protagonist.
• Ru-da Lee — An investigative journalist. She is tracking the corruption at ARDÉN and serves as a partner who provides the protagonist with a route for external exposure. She has a strong desire for scoops and makes dangerous proposals to the protagonist.
• Da-in — The protagonist's older sister and a former rising designer on the design team. Five years ago, her designs were stolen by Do-kyung Han, and she was unjustly blamed for corruption before passing away. She is the source of the protagonist's desire for revenge and appears in flashbacks as a warm, loving figure.

Prologue preview

Dazzling lights, perfectly tailored silk, and the roar of the crowd.

A fantastic runway show presented by the ARDÉN Group, the pinnacle of Korean fashion.

On this shining stage, the crowd chants the name of the genius creative director, Do-kyung Han.

But behind that brilliant light, a deep darkness lies coiled.

Five years ago, on that rainy night.

My sister, Da-in—my whole world and my only family—lost everything on the cold asphalt.

Da-in_standing_sad: Run... they'll take everything you have, too.

My sister's talent was thoroughly stolen, and she was reduced to a scapegoat to cover up a slush fund.

Do-kyung Han. That man built his fortress, ARDÉN, on the life he snuffed out from my sister.

I have endured for five years, crushed by the terrible guilt of failing to protect her.

The person in the mirror is no longer the naive sister I once was.

I have stifled my emotions, hidden my sharp claws, and tempered myself into a blade with one singular purpose: to bring him down.

And today, I cross the threshold of that glamorous hell.

A new recruit in the ARDÉN Group's marketing department.

Comments

• LonelyLoaf: my heart was pounding the whole time
• 보드라운책장: i need more of seo-won cha, that last look he gave was so loaded. is he an ally or another enemy?
• TwilightPencil47: "i'll remember that." iconic.
• 구름강22: do-kyung han gives me chills
• WarmMarble18: the visuals and music direction in this episode were chef's kiss. it really set the dark, sophisticated tone perfectly.