本文来自微信公众号：新周刊 （ID：new-weekly），作者：张远山，编辑：陆一鸣，题图来自：视觉中国 周五下班，成群的年轻人飞往韩国，在两天内完成热玛吉、溶脂、填充等多个轻医美项目；周日晚上，带着红肿的脸返程。 在社交平台上，有人的行程更加极致，一天往返。在经验帖中，时间被划分得更加精确：北京时间7：50登机，韩国时间9：50下飞机直奔安检；11：30到 达医美机构面诊，14：00做完全部项目，19：45从韩国起飞。这位网友一天之内往返，她分享秘诀：选一个离机场近的医美机构。 每一小时的行程、每一个项目的顺序，都被精准规划——以短途旅行的预算，同时收获容貌的提升与工作的"刹车片"。 机票千元，签证通过率高达90%，项目价格仅为国内几分之一，中文顾问，一张床式服务，术后即时护理……如果不飞一趟韩国，你或许难以想象，韩国 医美已经为国内追逐美丽的人们打造出一条如何高效的通道。 对"小韩医美特种兵"而言，吸引他们的大概不只是几倍的价差，更是一种极速变美的新生活方式：无需请假，没有恢复期，甚至不影响周一例会。 这么近，那么美，周末去变美？ 7月初的一个周六，凌晨五点半，在微亮的天光里，孟圆从上海的家出发。8点1 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the psychological and financial implications of cosmetic procedures, highlighting the shift from rational decision-making to compulsive behavior in the pursuit of beauty, and the resulting anxiety and dissatisfaction that can arise from such choices [1][19][32]. Group 1: Personal Experience with Cosmetic Procedures - The subject, Xiaoman, has been engaged in cosmetic procedures for six years, starting with a focus on her nose due to childhood trauma [3][4]. - Initially, Xiaoman was rational in her choices, carefully selecting materials and practitioners, and adhering to a budget [7][8]. - The rise of "light medical beauty" has made non-invasive procedures more popular, surpassing traditional surgical options in market value since 2022 [10]. Group 2: Psychological Impact and Behavioral Changes - Xiaoman's experience reflects a broader trend where cosmetic procedures become a coping mechanism for personal crises, leading to excessive spending and a loss of control [13][19]. - After a breakup and increased work stress, Xiaoman's rational approach deteriorated, resulting in impulsive decisions regarding cosmetic treatments, leading to significant financial expenditure [17][18]. - The article discusses the concept of "spiritual essence," suggesting that while individuals may enhance their appearance, they risk losing their unique qualities [21][23]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The cosmetic industry has shifted from exploiting information asymmetry to creating a cycle of anxiety and dependency on procedures [27][34]. - Consumers are becoming more informed and discerning, often researching specific treatments and practitioners before making decisions, which has led to a decrease in prices for certain procedures [26]. - The industry's focus on enhancing beauty standards perpetuates a cycle of demand, where individuals feel compelled to continuously invest in their appearance to meet societal expectations [35][36].

Core Insights - The Korean medical beauty industry is experiencing significant growth, with a projected increase in foreign patients visiting for treatments, particularly from China and Japan [4][5][6] - The cancellation of the tax refund policy for foreign patients raises concerns about the attractiveness of Korea as a medical tourism destination [1][6] - The competitive pricing and advanced technology in Korean medical beauty services continue to draw consumers, especially from China [2][3][4] Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - In 2024, the number of foreign patients seeking medical treatment in Korea is expected to reach nearly 1.2 million, a 93.2% increase from previous years [4] - The skin care sector is the most sought-after, with 705,000 patients, accounting for 56.6% of total foreign medical visits [4] - The Korean medical beauty market was valued at $572.14 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to $1.14 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.29% [6] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Preferences - Many young consumers are opting for "medical beauty weekends," traveling to Korea for quick procedures due to the perceived cost-effectiveness and advanced technology [2][3] - The average cost of procedures in Korea is significantly lower than in China, with some treatments costing only one-third of the price in Japan [5][6] - The presence of multilingual staff and tailored services for foreign patients enhances the overall experience, making it easier for non-Korean speakers to navigate the process [2][3] Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - The recent decision to eliminate the 10% tax refund for foreign patients may lead to a decline in visitor numbers, as this was a key factor in attracting international clients [6][7] - There are safety concerns and potential pitfalls in the medical beauty industry, including price transparency issues and the risk of inadequate pre- and post-operative care [7][8] - The disparity in quality among medical institutions, with many high-quality services concentrated in specific areas like Gangnam, poses challenges for consumers seeking reliable treatments [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - New Oxygen aims to become a disruptor in the medical beauty industry by launching its own light medical beauty brand, "New Oxygen Youth Clinic," to create a "high quality, low price" model in response to the changing consumer demographics and market dynamics [1][2][3] Company Strategy - New Oxygen has transitioned from being a medical beauty e-commerce platform to establishing its own light medical beauty clinics, targeting a broader consumer base beyond high-net-worth individuals [2][3] - The company plans to integrate and optimize its supply chain to lower costs and enhance service quality, addressing consumer pain points related to high prices and inconsistent treatment quality [3][8] Market Dynamics - The light medical beauty market in China reached a scale of 1,461 billion yuan in 2023, accounting for 80.8% of total medical beauty consumption, with a year-on-year growth of 5.8% [7] - The market is expected to grow to 4,157 billion yuan by 2030, nearly double that of surgical medical beauty [7] Financial Performance - New Oxygen's light medical beauty chain business reported a revenue increase of 551.4% year-on-year to 98.88 million yuan in Q1 2025, contributing 33.3% to total revenue [3] - The company anticipates its medical treatment service revenue to reach 120-140 million yuan in Q2 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 337%-410% [3] Competitive Landscape - New Oxygen's pricing strategy has led to friction with upstream manufacturers over pricing authority, highlighting a shift in market dynamics where pricing should be determined by supply and demand rather than manufacturer control [5][6] - The company has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the upstream medical beauty market, including a significant investment in a medical device company [7][8] Industry Challenges - The medical beauty industry faces challenges such as declining profits and increasing scrutiny from regulators, necessitating a transformation in business models and practices [3][11] - New Oxygen aims to address safety and quality concerns in the industry by ensuring rigorous training for its medical staff and maintaining high operational standards [10][12] Future Outlook - The industry is expected to evolve towards a model where professional doctors operate clinics, ensuring safety and quality, alongside large chain institutions like New Oxygen Youth Clinic [11][13] - The company envisions a future where transparent pricing and service quality will become the norm, making light medical beauty accessible to a wider audience [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - New Oxygen aims to become a disruptor in the medical beauty industry by launching its own light medical beauty brand, New Oxygen Youth Clinic, to create a "high quality, low price" model in response to the market shift towards a broader consumer base [1][5][14] Group 1: Company Strategy - New Oxygen officially launched its light medical beauty brand, New Oxygen Youth Clinic, in November 2024, promoting it as an affordable option for consumers [4][5] - The company is transitioning from being a medical beauty e-commerce platform to establishing physical clinics, aiming to integrate and optimize the entire service chain to enhance quality and reduce costs [5][9] - New Oxygen's light medical beauty projects include various services priced from hundreds to thousands of yuan, targeting a wider audience beyond high-net-worth individuals [4][8] Group 2: Market Context - The light medical beauty market in China reached a scale of 1,461 billion yuan in 2023, accounting for 80.8% of the total medical beauty consumption, with a year-on-year growth of 5.8% [8] - The traditional high-price model in the medical beauty industry is becoming unsustainable, leading to a demand for more affordable options as the consumer base shifts to the general public [5][8][14] Group 3: Competitive Dynamics - New Oxygen's pricing strategy has led to conflicts with upstream manufacturers over pricing authority, particularly highlighted by the controversy surrounding the pricing of the "Miracle Youth" project [7][9] - The company has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the upstream market, including a significant investment in medical device companies [9][10] Group 4: Industry Trends - The medical beauty industry is experiencing a shift towards more standardized and regulated practices, with a growing emphasis on safety and quality as consumer awareness increases [10][12] - The future of the industry is expected to see a rise in both professional doctor-operated clinics and large chain medical beauty institutions like New Oxygen Youth Clinic, promoting a more organized market [12][15]

Core Insights - Peninsula Medical has been recognized as both a "Gazelle Enterprise" and a "Potential Unicorn Enterprise" at the 2025 China (Shenzhen) Unicorn Enterprise Conference, highlighting its rapid growth and innovation in the optical medical aesthetics sector [1][2] - The company has developed the "Peninsula White Aurora," which has been awarded as a "2025 Guangdong Province Excellent High-tech Product," showcasing its commitment to technological advancement and market leadership [1][6] Group 1: Company Achievements - Peninsula Medical's growth trajectory is marked by significant technological breakthroughs, including the launch of the Peninsula Ultrasound Cannon, the first domestically approved ultrasound medical device, which disrupts the import monopoly [2][4] - The company has over 400 R&D personnel and more than 1,000 patent applications, establishing a strong foundation for innovation and market penetration [1][4] Group 2: Product Innovation - The "Cold Picosecond" device, known as "Peninsula White Aurora," features the industry's shortest pulse width of 250ps and dual-wavelength precision control, setting a new standard for domestic picosecond laser technology [6] - This product addresses specific challenges in treating Asian skin types, effectively targeting superficial pigmentation and deep tattoos, thus enhancing its market competitiveness [6][7] Group 3: Industry Ecosystem - The ecosystem in Bao'an includes 4 global unicorns, 7 Chinese unicorns, 71 gazelle enterprises, and 28 potential and seed unicorns, creating a robust network of innovation across strategic industries such as semiconductors and renewable energy [7] - The synergy of the "industrial chain, innovation chain, and capital chain" supports the efficient operation of this enterprise matrix, with over 57,000 manufacturing companies facilitating local procurement and rapid iteration [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article investigates the manipulation of online reviews and ratings by "water army" organizations, revealing a systematic approach to creating fake positive reviews and suppressing negative feedback across various e-commerce and social media platforms [1][3][4]. Group 1: Online Review Manipulation - Consumers have reported that negative reviews on certain products mysteriously disappear, while positive reviews dominate the comment sections on live-streaming e-commerce platforms [1]. - The use of coded language such as "S蛋" and "鱼塘" allows users to find hidden content related to review manipulation, despite warnings from platforms [3][4]. - A water army intermediary disclosed that positive reviews can be purchased for 1 yuan per comment, indicating a clear pricing structure for manipulating online perceptions [4][5]. Group 2: Fake Transactions and Reviews - The strategy employed by water armies involves recruiting ordinary consumers to pose as legitimate buyers, posting misleading positive reviews without having used the products [5][6]. - A specific case involved a transaction where a user was instructed to pay a significantly reduced price for a product, only to receive a refund that included a commission, illustrating the deceptive practices used to create the illusion of genuine sales [6][8]. - The article highlights that these operations are designed to evade e-commerce platform algorithms, creating a façade of authentic user engagement [6][8]. Group 3: Broader Implications and Business Models - The manipulation of reviews is not limited to individual sellers; some legitimate platforms are also implicated in promoting review manipulation for increased traffic and profits [9]. - The "freedom to explore" model on platforms like Dazhong Dianping allows users to submit reviews without actual experiences, further blurring the lines of authenticity in consumer feedback [9][11]. - The article also discusses the emergence of a "reporting business" where water armies exploit platform governance rules to extort money from users by threatening account suspensions [21][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the opening of a high-end medical beauty clinic named "Shenzhen Dawi Clinic" near Huawei's headquarters, highlighting its strategic location and the background of its founder, former Baidu Vice President Qu Jing [1][2][5]. Group 1: Clinic Overview - Shenzhen Dawi Clinic officially opened on June 24, 2025, although it was established on December 23, 2024. The clinic specializes in light medical beauty services such as golden microneedling, ice point hair removal, and water light injection, targeting mid-to-high-end consumers with an average spending of 2,218 yuan per visit [6][9]. - The clinic's location near Huawei's headquarters is strategic, as it attracts a high-income clientele, primarily Huawei employees and nearby corporate workers, who appreciate the combination of high-quality service and convenience [9][10]. Group 2: Founder Background - Qu Jing has a diverse and tumultuous career, having worked in various high-profile roles, including as a journalist at Xinhua News Agency and later at Huawei and Baidu. Her experience in public relations has shaped her professional trajectory [12][13]. - In May 2024, Qu Jing faced significant backlash due to controversial statements made on social media, which negatively impacted Baidu's reputation and led to a substantial loss in market value [13][14]. - The success of her medical beauty venture remains uncertain, as the industry is highly competitive, and her ability to redefine her identity from a corporate executive to an entrepreneur will be a significant challenge [15].

Core Viewpoint - The male aesthetic medicine market is rapidly growing, with an annual growth rate exceeding 20%, and is expected to reach a market size of 227.9 billion yuan by 2025, with males accounting for nearly 15% of the overall market [1][10] Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - The male aesthetic medicine market is experiencing a significant shift from a niche to a mainstream segment, with male consumers increasing by 68% from 2021 and 227% from 2019 [1][2] - In 2023, male spending on aesthetic medicine increased by 27%, with 43% of surveyed males planning to increase their spending in 2024 [1][10] - The demand for aesthetic procedures among men is diversifying, focusing on hair and skin treatments, with popular procedures including hair transplants, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging treatments [2][3] Group 2: Influencing Factors - Workplace and social media pressures are driving men to enhance their appearance, with 76% of HR professionals believing that appearance management affects interview evaluations [3][4] - The rise of "beauty influencers" on social media platforms has encouraged more men to share their aesthetic experiences, reducing stigma and increasing acceptance of aesthetic procedures [3][4] Group 3: Industry Opportunities - The emergence of specialized male aesthetic institutions and the segmentation of male aesthetic services indicate a growing recognition of this market [4][5] - The hair restoration market is projected to grow significantly, with the global hair loss market valued at $8.77 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030 [6][7] Group 4: Light Aesthetic Medicine - Light aesthetic procedures are particularly appealing to male consumers due to their non-permanent effects and shorter recovery times, making them an attractive entry point for first-time users [12][10] - The non-surgical aesthetic market is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025, with light treatments like photorejuvenation gaining popularity [12][13] Group 5: Consumer Demographics - The average age of male aesthetic consumers is around 35, with 70% being over 30 years old, indicating a mature demographic that is increasingly focused on personal appearance [10][14] - Male consumers are categorized into three groups: those accompanying others, younger males (post-95s and 00s) who prioritize appearance, and economically stable middle-aged men seeking anti-aging solutions [14][15] Group 6: Challenges and Future Outlook - Traditional views still limit male engagement in aesthetic medicine, and the presence of unqualified institutions poses risks to consumers [16] - Regulatory measures are expected to enhance safety and standards in the aesthetic medicine industry, with a focus on ensuring qualified practitioners handle surgical procedures [16] - As societal attitudes evolve, the male aesthetic market is anticipated to become a new growth point for the industry, driving innovation and service upgrades [16]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant challenges and transformations facing the cosmetic surgery industry in China, marked by a wave of closures and a shift in consumer behavior towards more transparent and affordable services [2][19][20]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - Recently, major hospitals like the Chongqing Tumor Hospital and the most expensive hospital in Xi'an have announced shutdowns, indicating a troubling trend in the healthcare sector [2][3]. - A large number of cosmetic surgery institutions are facing bankruptcy, with over ten medical beauty clinics reportedly "running away" in major cities within just five months [4][5]. - The cosmetic surgery industry, once thriving, is now experiencing a crisis, with more closures than openings in private clinics, revealing a harsh reality of the market [5][13]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The cosmetic surgery market in China has seen explosive growth, with the market size increasing from 796 billion in 2016 to 2545 billion in 2023, a 3.2 times increase, and projected to exceed 6000 billion by 2025 [19]. - Despite the growth in market size, the number of compliant cosmetic surgery institutions has decreased from 13,000 to 9,800 in 2023, with predictions of a further 20% reduction by 2025 [20]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior Shift - Consumers are becoming increasingly aware and cautious, leading to a decline in trust towards cosmetic surgery institutions, which are now often associated with scams [16][32]. - The rise of public hospitals entering the cosmetic surgery market has intensified competition, offering similar services at lower prices and with better transparency [24][25]. - Consumers are now prioritizing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, moving away from marketing gimmicks and demanding more genuine services [32][41]. Group 4: Industry Response - In response to the challenges, many cosmetic surgery institutions are focusing on compliance and improving service quality, including eliminating illegal procedures and enhancing post-operative care [37][39]. - The industry is shifting from a one-time transaction model to a more sustainable approach that emphasizes ongoing care and customer satisfaction [38][39]. - Institutions are also working to provide transparent information about procedures, including product details and practitioner qualifications, to rebuild consumer trust [42][43].