South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Yoon Cheol-koo, visited Kolmar Korea's Integrated Technology Institute in Seoul on May 28, underscoring government backing for the K-beauty tech sector. The visit highlights the growing importance of AI and device convergence in cosmetics R&D, a key signal for overseas buyers sourcing innovative beauty technologies from Korea.
Government attention on beauty tech R&D
Deputy Prime Minister Yoon, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of SMEs and Startups, toured the institute and held a roundtable with industry leaders. The visit focused on Kolmar Korea's recent CES 2026 win, where its AI-based 'SKA Beauty Device' earned the Best Innovation Award in the beauty tech category—the first for a beauty company—along with an innovation award in digital health.
Kolmar's integrated R&D scale
Kolmar Korea's Integrated Technology Institute houses over 700 researchers across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health functional foods. Technologies developed here are applied at Kolmar's Sejong and Bucheon plants, as well as global production bases in China, the U.S., and Canada. This makes the institute the central R&D engine for the entire Kolmar group, a critical node for international partners seeking advanced ODM capabilities.
Industry roundtable and strategic direction
The roundtable included senior executives from Kolmar Group, Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, and emerging beauty brands. Discussions centered on supporting the beauty tech industry and strengthening public-private collaboration. Yoon emphasized that K-beauty is evolving beyond cosmetics into a future strategic industry integrating AI, data, and devices.
What buyers should watch
For overseas importers and distributors, this high-level visit signals sustained Korean government commitment to beauty tech innovation. Kolmar Korea's CES recognition and integrated R&D model offer a reliable source for cutting-edge formulations and device-integrated skincare solutions. Buyers should monitor Kolmar's upcoming product launches and potential partnerships in AI-driven beauty devices and anti-aging technologies.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 01, 2026