Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Unravelling the K-Beauty Paradox

South Korea is one of the world’s leading exporters of beauty products but the narrow definition of ‘K-beauty’ in international markets means many exciting brands in Seoul have yet to go global.

Jennie Kim for Hera. — Jennie Kim, member of South Korean band Blackpink, for local beauty brand Hera. (Hera)

Zoe Suen

13 March 2023

When Joohyun Lim moved back to Seoul in 2014 after living overseas, veganism had yet to hit its stride in the K-beauty space. South Korean beauty exports were still famous for 10-step skin care routines and single-use sheet masks rather than products that aligned with her plant-based lifestyle and the bourgeoning ‘clean beauty’ movement.

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

K-Beauty: From Fad to Fixture

Korean beauty is transcending its cult of cute, riding a wave of remarkable innovation. Will it last, asks Sarah Brown, and what does it mean for the industry’s established superpowers?

Billionaire Rides K-Beauty Boom That Began in Grandma's Kitchen

Looking at the replica of his grandmother’s kitchen, where skincare products maker Amorepacific began, Suh says that becoming one of the world’s elite beauty brands is his ambition.

The BoF Podcast | Hallyu: How the Korean Wave Is Sweeping Global Culture

Influencer Irene Kim and V&A curator Rosalie Kim join Chanel executive Yana Peel to chart South Korea’s rise to global creative juggernaut.

About the author

Zoe Suen

Zoe Suen is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Suen is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant who writes about luxury fashion and beauty.

In This Article

Topics

Organisations

Amorepacific

Location

South Korea

Can Mikayla Nogueira Sell Fragrance, Too?

The beauty influencer is hoping her 20 million-strong following can cut through the category’s oversaturation with Only Sunshine, a tropical scent launched with indie brand Snif.

Ulta Beauty Joins TikTok Shop

Ulta Beauty becomes the first US specialty beauty retailer to launch on TikTok Shop, making the case for partnership rather than competition with the platform’s beauty e-commerce business.

For Beauty Brands, What’s a Department Store Worth?

In Full Coverage, Priya Rao looks at the world’s buzziest luxury department stores in Paris.

For Niche Fragrance Makers, Time Is On Their Side

For centuries, perfumers have aged fragrances to get their best scent expressions. More recently, time is becoming a crucial marketing tool.

Can Lake Translate Success in Sleepwear Outside the Bedroom?

The Savannah, Ga.-based pajama brand has developed a devoted following for its super-soft pyjamas. With their first daywear collection, they’re hoping that loyalty will apply in a much more competitive category

Who Won Fashion’s Red Carpet Season of Change

Sunday night’s Oscars concluded an awards season that fashion’s biggest labels used to show off their new creative game. BoF breaks down what we learned about brands’ celebrity strategies.

Trump Signs Order to Combat Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels, White House Says

The executive order directs ⁠the FTC chairman to prioritise enforcement of existing laws against sellers and manufacturers who falsely claim products are made in America.

Oil Market Set for Tumultuous Week as Kharg Attack Raises Stakes

Global oil markets face turmoil after a US attack on Iran's main export hub heightened risks to supply across the Middle East.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

CONNECT WITH US ON

News & Analysis

Topics

More

Careers

Community

Subscribe

About Us