A new era

Mia's Diamond is one of Korea's most iconic fashion brands, first established in 1990 by Kim Mia, the trailblazing entrepreneur who became the first Korean businesswoman to achieve commercial success in the fashion industry. Now, at just twenty-five, her granddaughter is set to take the reins after her father's unexpected resignation—a move that has sparked both curiosity and criticism. As the press gathers, eager to question the new CEO, everyone wonders: What will she say?

Outside the headquarters, crowds swell. Paparazzi jostle for position, and even a few celebrities have shown up, curious to meet the new boss of this multimillion-dollar empire. The air is thick with anticipation.

Jin, the only son of Kim Mia, took over the company when his mother turned seventy. Under his leadership, Mia's Diamond grew stronger, building on the empire his mother started. But Kim Mia passed away a decade ago, and the company nearly went bankrupt due to Jin's hasty decisions. His marriage to Melissa, the daughter of an American oil mogul, is what ultimately saved the company.

The headlines paint a picture of power and wealth, but they miss the heart of the story. The media obsesses over success, ignoring the failures that forge a person's character. My family's history is far too complex to fit into a single report. Sometimes, I wish people cared more about the stories behind the money—or even in front of it. Money can buy us luxury, education, even influence, but it can also lead us astray, fueling addictions and distorting our values. I would trade all the wealth we've accumulated just to see my mother again. My grandmother, who raised me, always said the most precious things in life are those money can't buy. Love, forgiveness, peace—none of these can be purchased, no matter how much money you have.

As our family driver took me to the company's headquarters, I reflected on the strange shift in how people treated me. With my new role and polished appearance, I've become acutely aware of "pretty privilege." People adore physical beauty, often placing it above all else, creating pressures that no one should have to endure. Beauty standards, impossible to reach for most, can lead to profound mental health issues. I am wealthy and, by society's standards, beautiful, but even before I spoke a word, people treated me with undue kindness and admiration. It's baffling how appearance alone can change how people perceive and treat you.

As I stepped onto the stage, the conference room filled with the sound of applause. I took a deep breath, calming myself before addressing the crowd.

"I stand here today as the new CEO of Mia's Diamond, carrying on the remarkable legacy of my grandparents. Growing up, I admired my grandfather—not because he was a successful CEO, but because he worked tirelessly for his dreams and, more importantly, for the woman he loved. Together, he and my grandmother built not just a company, but a life. My grandfather had the biggest heart, and he helped everyone he could because he understood what it meant to fail. Mia's Diamond is more than just clothing; it's a representation of the values they lived by.

My grandfather never understood discrimination, and neither do I. I've never taken my position for granted. In fact, I went to a transfer school, hiding my identity to ensure people saw me, not the wealth or the legacy I was born into. I realized that wealth and status can obscure people's true intentions. As a child, I was chubby, and that made me a target for teasing, but I know that if everyone had known who I was, they wouldn't have dared. This experience taught me that we must not judge others by appearance or status. I know our society places wealth and beauty above all else, but I believe we can change that.

As CEO, I vow to make Mia's Diamond inclusive for everyone, regardless of size, gender, or race. Our clothes will not just be material objects, but symbols of the positive change I wish to bring to this industry. I am Kim Mia, and I will lead this company into a new era.