After a while, an article was released announcing that Taeha had officially become a global ambassador for Prada.
[Prada Makes a Surprise Selection of Writer and Actor Kang Tae-ha as New Global Ambassador!]
At the same time, a mix of anticipation and concern began to spread online.
- Wow… I love Prada ♡♡
- Finally, Kang Tae-ha is becoming a global ambassador too ^^
- This was bound to happen the moment Byeonghwa blew up lol
- Surprising? I thought he’d go to Louis Vuitton
- I heard he turned Louis Vuitton down lol
- Why? Didn’t it suit him?
- Apparently LV’s next concept is traditional Japanese clothing
- Ah… then no way… Seongwol is a hero of the Imjin War
- Then Prada was the right choice lol
- Yeah, I always liked Prada more than LV
- Louis Vuitton lost a great model lol
- Taeha’s momentum is insane these days
- Prada suits his image perfectly!
- Finally Prada lol
- But… is it really okay?
- Right, isn’t Prada notorious for that?
- Ah, that curse?
- Come on, no way lol
- You think Taeha would cause a scandal?
- I think it’s possible
- He succeeded too young
- So success early means trouble?
- Stop the hate
- Seriously… he’s never had a single rumor
***
The anticipation came from how perfectly Taeha matched Prada’s brand image.
His chic and sophisticated aura aligned seamlessly with Prada’s identity. Anyone who remembered his portrayal of Lee Jae-hyun would understand immediately. Moreover, his role as Ian carried an even more refined and elegant presence.
For a long time, fans—known as the Initials—had expressed their wish for Taeha to become a Prada model. Now that it had come true, it was something they could celebrate wholeheartedly.
However, not all reactions were positive.
There were also many voices of concern.
The reason was simple.
Many celebrities who had served as Prada’s global ambassadors had later become embroiled in scandals.
[Leader of Famous Girl Group Accused of Bullying Staff]
[Chinese Actor Arrested for Illegal Prostitution]
[Celebrity Faces Surrogacy Controversy]
Beyond that, there had been incidents involving drugs, abuse, and other controversies. Because of this pattern, people had even coined the term:
“Prada’s Curse.”
As a result, Taeha’s appointment came with a fair share of worried eyes.
However, those who knew Taeha personally weren’t concerned at all.
His private life was so clean that nothing negative could be uncovered even under scrutiny. In fact, those close to him believed that the more his personal life became public, the more his reputation would improve.
Taeha himself had already heard about “Prada’s Curse” from Im Chan-hyung, but he wasn’t worried.
After all, it had nothing to do with him.
If anything, he saw it as an opportunity.
‘Breaking that curse wouldn’t be a bad thing.’
***
Amid the mixed reactions, Taeha began his first official schedule as Prada’s global ambassador.
His first task:
Attending Prada’s F/W fashion show in Milan, Italy.
Of course, it wasn’t just about attending.
He had to wear Prada.
***
“I’ve been thinking about it for days,” Kim Su-jin said. “I think this is the best outfit for departure.”
Prada had sent multiple outfit options, and choosing the best one was her responsibility.
In truth, Kim Su-jin was the happiest about Taeha becoming Prada’s ambassador. She had always believed Prada suited him better than Louis Vuitton—and she personally preferred Prada as well.
That enthusiasm showed in her styling.
She chose a combination of:
- A cotton shirt
- Functional fabric pants
- A Re-Nylon raincoat from Prada’s previous F/W collection
The look balanced past and present, strength and delicacy.
The raincoat stood out the most—its soft shoulder line, refined metal buttons, textured Re-Nylon fabric, and deep navy color created a powerful impression.
Paired with a leather Prada buckle bag, the styling was flawless.
Taeha smiled more than usual.
“Good. Let’s go with this.”
“Yes!”
***
After changing, Taeha headed to Incheon International Airport.
***
At the departure gate, a massive crowd had gathered.
Journalists and fans filled the area, all waiting to capture his airport look.
Even Im Chan-hyung was surprised.
“There are so many people… more than music shows or award ceremonies. So this is airport photo culture.”
Taeha nodded.
It really was that crowded.
After a moment of thought, Im Chan-hyung asked:
“Should I call extra security?”
But Taeha shook his head.
“No need. They’re all here to see me. Let’s go out quickly—they’ve been waiting.”
“…And?”
“Don’t block them too much unless something seems dangerous. I won’t shake hands or accept gifts, but I want to greet them.”
“I understand.”
***
After a brief pause, Taeha stepped out of the car.
At the same time—
“Kyaaaa!”
A deafening cheer erupted.
His Prada styling was flawless, leaving both fans and journalists stunned for a moment before cameras began flashing.
Taeha, however, walked calmly with a smile, waving naturally.
His pace was perfect—not too fast, not too slow.
His expression was warm, almost inviting.
And yet—
“Take pictures!”
“Oppa! Have a safe trip!”
No one rushed forward.
No one crossed the line.
The crowd remained orderly and respectful.
This shocked both security staff and reporters.
But Taeha wasn’t surprised.
‘Because I’m acting like a global star—with fans who behave like one.’
Using his Immersion Ability, he subtly guided the atmosphere.
Normally, even one disruptive person could cause chaos.
But today, everything flowed smoothly.
Fans themselves were amazed.
The atmosphere was unlike anything they had experienced before.
***
Soon, Taeha boarded his flight.
Later, social media and news outlets were filled with praise—not just for Taeha, but for his fans’ remarkable behavior.
It marked a positive beginning to his journey as Prada’s global ambassador.
***
After a long flight of 13 hours and 20 minutes, Taeha arrived in Milan.
At the arrival gate, a smaller but still notable crowd awaited him.
He was surprised.
He hadn’t expected so many people abroad to recognize him.
A Prada staff member smiled and explained:
“A lot of people here watch your show. I’m one of them.”
Given the show’s global success—over 650 million viewing hours and top rankings—it wasn’t surprising.
Smiling, Taeha waved to the fans and headed to the hotel prepared for him.
He needed rest.
The real event was about to begin.
***
The next day.
“Huh? What’s this?”