Summary
K-beauty, short for Korean beauty products, has gained worldwide popularity, resulting in exports from South Korea reaching over $10 billion. Some companies outside South Korea, like US-based Seoul Ceuticals, create K-beauty branded products using Korean ingredients but manufacture them elsewhere. While there is no official definition or designation for what constitutes K-beauty, different opinions exist on whether these products should be made in Korea.
Key Facts
- K-beauty refers to Korean beauty and skincare products, which are popular globally.
- South Korean exports of K-beauty products were over $10 billion last year.
- Seoul Ceuticals is a US company that creates K-beauty products using Korean ingredients but manufactures them in the US.
- There is no official definition or protection for the term "K-beauty" like there is for products like Champagne.
- Some industry voices, like Seung Gu Kim of Hwarangpoom, argue K-beauty products should be made by Korean manufacturers.
- The K-beauty Industry Association is focusing on promoting the trend rather than defining it officially.
