Core Viewpoint - The news reports that L'Oréal's acquisition of Stylenanda and its brand 3CE is facing challenges, including layoffs and speculation about exiting the South Korean market, although L'Oréal denies these claims [1][3][9]. Group 1: Company Performance and Strategy - Stylenanda initiated a voluntary retirement plan for employees related to the 3CE brand, indicating a contraction in its beauty segment after exiting the clothing business in 2024 [3][9]. - 3CE's revenue peaked in 2019 at 269.5 billion KRW (approximately 1.4 billion RMB), but has seen a steady decline in revenue from 2020 to 2024 [7][9]. - L'Oréal's official statement claims that 3CE has achieved double-digit growth in the South Korean market for three consecutive years, contradicting reports of its decline [9][23]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - 3CE is reported to be the number one Korean beauty brand globally in 2023 and 2024, despite challenges in the South Korean market [10][23]. - The brand has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia and plans to re-enter the Japanese market in fall 2024, indicating a strategy to diversify its market presence [10][23]. - The competitive landscape in South Korea has intensified, with local brands gaining market share, which may impact 3CE's performance [20][23]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Outlook - L'Oréal acquired Stylenanda in 2018 for approximately 400 billion KRW (about 2.1 billion RMB), but the exact ownership structure remains somewhat unclear [22][23]. - Previous exits of other L'Oréal brands from the South Korean market, such as Maybelline and Shu Uemura, raise concerns about the sustainability of international brands in this market [15][18]. - The future trajectory of 3CE will depend on L'Oréal's strategic decisions and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics [23].