K-Beauty Revolution: New Legislation to Boost Global Competitiveness in 2026

[Inews24 reporter Ahn Young-rok] A new, comprehensive support system is in the works to sharpen K-beauty’s edge on the global stage.

On April 8, Song Jae-bong, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing Cheongju Cheongwon in North Chungcheong, said he introduced a bill as the lead sponsor to support the cosmetics industry.

Song says the bill would create a public–private–academic partnership—bringing together government, industry, and universities—to build an end-to-end support system. That system would cover industry promotion, technology development, export growth, and ESG-focused management.

Key provisions include creating a Cosmetics Industry Promotion Committee and accelerating AI and digital technology integration. The bill would support ESG-driven tech—like eco-friendly and carbon-reduction innovations—establish an integrated system for certification, testing, and standards to meet overseas regulations, and designate cosmetics industry clusters while introducing a certification program for innovative companies.

Song noted that K-beauty has already emerged as a nationally vital industry with global clout. He pledged legislative backing to build an industry ecosystem that goes beyond export growth—embracing digital transformation and ESG measures—so K-beauty can anchor South Korea’s future economic growth.