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K-Beauty Growth Continues… Yoon Sang-hyun of Kolmar: "100% YES!"

Policy1 min read

Yoon Sang-hyun, vice chairman of Korea Cosmetics (Kolmar Korea), says K-beauty will keep growing. He says the industry needs more investment in AI and healthcare technology to stay strong.

What happened

At the 'Amazon Beauty in Seoul 2026' event in Seoul on the 27th, Yoon said he is 100% sure K-beauty (Korean beauty products) will keep growing. He added that companies must keep investing in the whole K-beauty ecosystem, which means the network of makers, brands, and sellers, to stay competitive. He also said Kolmar is moving beyond research and manufacturing. It now wants to offer brand design, marketing, and sales support too.

Key numbers and facts

  • Dr. Melaxin, a Korean brand, earns 96% of its sales overseas.
  • Dr. Melaxin made 230 billion won (about 230 billion won in sales) last year.
  • This year, its sales have passed 200 billion won every quarter (every three months).
  • Yoon expects Dr. Melaxin to make at least 800 billion won this year.

Background

K-beauty means Korean skin care and makeup. Amazon is a large online store that helps Korean brands sell to customers in other countries. Kolmar makes cosmetics for other brands. Its new AI-based skin device checks the skin and sprays products onto it using a very fine mist.

Why it matters

This shows that Korean beauty brands can grow fast and sell well abroad. It also shows that big online platforms like Amazon play a key role. Yoon's view is that AI and health technology will be the next big source of growth for the industry.

What to watch

  • Whether Dr. Melaxin reaches its goal of at least 800 billion won in sales this year.
  • How Kolmar's partnership with Amazon grows and which new K-beauty brands it helps.
  • Whether Kolmar's AI skin device is sold widely.
  • How much investment Korean companies put into AI and healthcare in beauty.

Glossary

K-beauty
Korean beauty products, such as skin care and makeup, and the industry that makes and sells them.
Amazon
A large global online store that helps sellers reach customers in many countries.
AI
Artificial intelligence, computer systems that can learn patterns and make decisions from data.

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