当独立品牌成为主角：第二波K-Beauty的增长逻辑变了

Core Viewpoint - The second wave of K-Beauty is characterized by the rise of independent brands, which are collectively driving growth in the North American market, moving away from reliance on traditional giants like Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care [4][5][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The growth engine of Korean beauty has shifted to a "long-tail ecosystem" composed of numerous small and medium-sized brands, leveraging a mature ODM system and affordable quality pricing strategies [4][5]. - By the end of 2025, approximately 75% of Korea's beauty exports will come from small and medium enterprises, highlighting their role as the core engine of growth [7]. - The pricing strategy of K-Beauty independent brands targets a previously overlooked middle market, with key skincare products priced between $25 and $50, significantly lower than traditional luxury brands [13]. Group 2: ODM Evolution - The advanced ODM ecosystem in Korea allows independent brands to compress the product development cycle to 3-6 months, enabling them to quickly capture and validate global trends [15][19]. - ODM companies have evolved from mere manufacturers to comprehensive solution providers, supporting brand innovation and market responsiveness [19]. Group 3: Digital Native Pathways - Unlike the first wave of K-Beauty, which relied heavily on offline channels, the second wave's independent brands adopt a digital-first approach, validating demand through platforms like TikTok and YouTube before scaling on e-commerce sites [20][23]. - This strategy significantly reduces risks and costs associated with international expansion, marking a maturation of their go-to-market model [20]. Group 4: Cultural Influence - The popularity of Korean culture, including K-Pop and K-Dramas, has created a favorable consumer perception of Korean products in the U.S., facilitating market entry for K-Beauty brands [24]. - The cultural groundwork laid by Korean entertainment has established a consumer base that is already receptive to Korean beauty products [24]. Group 5: Challenges in China - Korean beauty is experiencing a decline in its core growth market, China, with exports dropping from approximately 45% in 2022 to about 25% in 2024 [25][26]. - The challenges in the Chinese market stem from a shift in consumer standards, where the previous advantages of Korean beauty—trend design and cultural appeal—are losing effectiveness [28]. - The traditional giants in the Korean beauty industry are facing pressure to adapt, as the market evolves towards higher standards of efficiency and value [29].