The Korean Beauty Show 🎧 Your K-Beauty audio library starts here →
February 06, 2026
A decade after returning to Korea in 2016, STYLE STORY founder Lauren Lee was invited to sit down with Arirang TV to discuss how Korean beauty evolved from “cheap and cheerful” to a global benchmark for innovation and trust, and why “Made in Korea” now carries real weight in overseas markets.
Arirang TV’s international programming is designed to explain Korea to the outside world with context. STYLE STORY Founder & industry consultant Lauren Lee was invited to the show because her career mirrors the global trajectory of K-beauty itself. Having first arrived in Seoul as an exchange student in 2011, she has worked inside the Korean beauty industry for 15 years, bringing a rare combination of Korea-side execution and export-market perspective from a foreigner living in Korea.
Early global interest in Korean beauty was largely driven by affordability and novelty. In the early 2010s, Korean products stood out because they were different and cheap. They had cute or novelty packaging and interesting formats that many westerners hadn't seen but overseas awareness didn't automatically lend itself to long-term credibility. Instead, K-Beauty was largely seen as 'niche' with cutesy products that didn't hold mainstream appeal.
This began to change in the mid 2010s, with the rise of new brands that better matched what global and foreign consumers were looking for. The popularity of skincare on social media platforms led to an increase in consumer education. They wanted products that not only looked good on the shelf but also wanted products that performed consistently and met their standards. This is where “Made in Korea” really began to shift from a trend to a trust signal.
When it comes to the beauty industry, Korea’s real strength lies in its ecosystem. Unlike many developed countries, which have given up or exported manufacturing, Korea maintains a competitive domestic industry, characterised by innovative trends, cutting edge machinery & R&D and fast iteration cycles. This industry not only helped Korean brands scale internationally but also global brands who increasingly started looking to Korea for a read on "what's next".
In 2026, K-Beauty has moved from a niche to a point where it is now globally recognised as a market leader. When individual brands are matched with Korea's domestic manufacturing prowess, it gives the entire country and industry an edge over other markets. Now, “Made in Korea” signals formulation expertise, manufacturing capability and a proven track record with educated consumers, as well as an ability to lead trends.

In this episode of TalkRoom, Lauren also reflected on her journey from corporate lawyer to Korean beauty speaker, podcaster, brand leader and consultant, and how that shift shaped STYLE STORY as it exists today.
Back in 2014, STYLE STORY started as Australia's first online e-commerce platform dedicated exclusively to Korean beauty. Over the last decade, building within inside Korea’s beauty ecosystem from Seoul, our business evolved. From growing Korean brands overseas, navigating compliance, exporting, building retail assortments and scaling across global markets we learned a different set of skills that allow us to help other foreigners looking to tap into K-Beauty's ecosystem.
Today, STYLE STORY operates as an industry consultancy, advising brands, retailers, professionals and investors in the global beauty industry on everything from manufacturing and exporting to product development, market entry and strategic decision making.

STYLE STORY does not just advise brands, we also practise what we preach through our own brand, Jelly Ko. We are proud to have won Best of Beauty awards three years in a row and to bring Korea-side formulation and product development expertise directly to global consumers.
The cult-favourite moisturiser that helped put Jelly Ko on the map, our moisturiser is packed with over 10 active ingredients and is built for dull, dry, dehydrated, perimenopausal and mature skin.
A cult favourite overnight jelly face mask that goes to work while you go to sleep. It nourishes, hydrates and cocoons skin during your skin's Golden Time (from 10pm to 2am) so that you wake up skin that's softer, smoother, more hydrated and nourished.
This glossy, cushiony lip mask works 24/7 to help lock in moisture and leave lips feeling softer and smoother.
The refill version of our #1 best-seller Bubble Tea Steam Cream, took home last year's award for sustainability and performance, doubling as a travel pack to slot into your bag on holidays.
If you work in beauty, wellness, retail or investment and want a clearer picture of what “Made in Korea” represents in 2026, this segment is worth watching.
Below are four ways clients work with our consultancy right now:
Thinking about manufacturing your beauty products in Korea? This session gives founders and brand owners clarity on what it takes to bring a product to life in one of the world’s most advanced skincare markets, with practical guidance on everything from briefing labs, to compliance, MOQs, timelines, IP, packaging, sampling and what to expect when dealing with factories.
A fast, practical clinic matching call for people who are coming to Korea for cutting edge treatments and want reputable dermatology clinics aligned to their skin history, goals and budget. This is designed to save you hours of research and help avoid common red flags, especially in clinics marketing heavily to foreigners on social media.
Lauren offers practical 1:1 Korean skincare guidance for people who want a routine that makes sense. This session is designed to reduce overwhelm and build a realistic routine aligned with your skin goals and lifestyle. This is not a medical or diagnostic consultation.
A focused strategy session for beauty and wellness professionals who need Korea-side clarity on sourcing, exporting, market research and how the industry in Korea works commercially. Whether you are looking for wholesale partners, coming to Korea to learn a new skill or investigate leads, this session is designed to cut through noise and map practical next steps.
STYLE STORY helps founders, retailers, beauty & wellness industry professionals and investors make informed decisions with practical guidance. Whether you are coming to Korea in person or working it all from abroad we can work with you and meet you where you are.
"STYLE STORY founder Lauren Lee joins Arirang TV to explain K Beauty’s global rise, why “Made in Korea” signals trust, and how STYLE STORY can help."
STYLE STORY
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.