(News Focus) K-beauty's 2nd boom: How indie brands, manufacturing powerhouses are rewriting the industry (opens original article in a new tab)

South Korea's cosmetics industry is undergoing a second global boom led by indie brands, with exports reaching record levels and the U.S. becoming the largest market, driven by social media, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

• South Korea's cosmetics industry is experiencing a second global boom driven by indie brands, not traditional conglomerates
• K-beauty exports reached $5.6 billion in January-May 2026, up from $4.6 billion a year earlier
• The U.S. became South Korea's largest cosmetics export market in 2025, surpassing China and Europe showing significant growth