Why K-beauty is everywhere

韩国美妆为何无处不在

The Global Story

2025-12-19

26 分钟
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The promise of pore-free, glassy, youthful-looking skin has made Korean beauty products a global phenomenon. Americans spent as much $1.7bn (£1.3bn) on K-beauty in 2024, according to industry estimates, and the US now imports more cosmetics from South Korea than any other country. How did the South Korean government help K-beauty ride the soft power wave that has also brought us TV shows like KPop Demon Hunters, and pop groups such as Blackpink and BTS? And what are the risks of buying into the ‘perfect’ beauty ideals that the industry promotes? Today, we speak to Elise Hu, the host of TED Daily Talks host and author of 'Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital'. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Marty Peralta Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Model Lee Hyun-yi attends the photocall event celebrating the launch of AHC’s new product ‘Full Lift Eye Cream for Face’ at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu. Credit: iMBC/Imazins via Getty Images.
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  • That's all in the New Yorker Radio Hour, wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • There's this super popular cosmetic store that's near the BBC offices here in DC that I have unfortunately spent a little too much time and money in over the years.

  • And one thing I've noticed is that there are so many Korean skincare products.

  • I'm not talking about just a little dedicated section.

  • I'm talking about shelves and shelves of sheet masks,

  • moisturizer, serums, all promising to give you that iconic,

  • pore-free, glassy skin look that has become so synonymous with K-Beauty.

  • This whole K-Beauty scene has been trendy for a while.

  • I'm sure you know that.

  • But what we're seeing now is a supercharged K-Beauty boom.

  • And it's all part of a soft power push from the Korean government.

  • As of this year,