Hallyu and the K-Beauty Industry

South Korea’s cosmetics industry has become a major global force. In 2024, South Korea ranked as the world’s second-largest exporter of beauty products, ahead of the United States and behind only France. In this episode, we look at how K-beauty has grown alongside the global rise of Korean popular culture — a phenomenon known as ‘Hallyu’, or the ‘Korean Wave’.

In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with the rise of South Korea’s K-beauty industry. They begin by explaining the meaning of ‘Hallyu’ and how the worldwide popularity of Korean dramas, K-pop, and film helped create a wider global interest in Korean brands and lifestyle trends.

Skip and Dez's conversation gives listeners a clear and practical look at one of South Korea’s most successful consumer industries — while helping you build your Business English. In this episode, you will learn:

1. What ‘Hallyu’ means, and how the Korean Wave has helped support the growth of K-beauty.
3. Why South Korea became the world’s second-largest exporter of beauty products in 2024.
4. How social media, influencers, and strong product quality helped Korean beauty brands expand globally.
5. What ODMs are, and why they give South Korean beauty companies a major speed and innovation advantage.

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