Samsung C&T’s fashion brand JUUN.J eyes global expansion

Jung Wook-jun, creative director (CD). [Courtesy of Samsung C&T Corp.’s fashion division]

JUUN.J, the global brand under Samsung C&T Corp.’s fashion division, is aiming for global expansion, particularly in Japan this year.

“Japan is a leader in the fashion industry with many veteran designers,” said Jung Wook-jun, creative director (CD) at JUUN.J and vice president of Samsung C&T’s fashion division, in a recent interview with Maeil Business Newspaper. “However, there is a scarcity of new generations, making it a feasible market for Korea to approach.”

Highlighting the strength of Korean designer brands in terms of quality, Jung mentioned the possibility of considering flagship stores in Japan as part of its expansion strategy.

JUUN.J has consistently achieved double digit growth in annual sales since 2021. In terms of overseas business, the brand achieved a near 60 percent growth in sales at the end of last year.

The three-year average growth rate stands at over 40 percent.

Jung emphasized the need for the emergence of sustainable Korean brands in the global market.

“Like luxury brands that have been around for over 100 years, we need three to four sustainable Korean brands, and more Korean designers active in the global market,” he said.

Jung further emphasized the importance of establishing a unique identity for Korean fashion on a global scale, similar to the success of K-pop and K-movies.

Recognized as a fashion leader in the global market, Jung hosted JUUN.J’s 2024 Fall/Winter season collection in a garage building on 29 Rue de Grenelle in Paris on January 19.

Attention has recently been drawn to JUUN.J as Hollywood actors Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya Coleman wore JUUN.J outfits during a press conference for the movie “Dune: Part 2.”

Jung revealed that their stylists approached JUUN.J for collaboration, and the fittings took place in Paris during the collection in January.

Chalamet also visited JUUN.J’s flagship store in southern Seoul, on February 20, where he purchased multiple items, including bombers, shirts, hoodies, and cardigans.