Crying in O.Y.

Zac
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The business behind the glow. Hosted by Zac, a bilingual analyst in Seoul. Crying in O.Y. is your weekly market briefing on the South Korean beauty industry. We skip the reviews to analyze the strategy and data driving the global K-beauty phenomenon. Leveraging insights from @goojeon.insight, we break down: Market Intelligence: M&A, VC funding, and revenue news. Retail Strategy: Olive Young trends, Live Commerce, and the Wellness pivot. Marketing IP: The power of Character Marketing. Real news. Real Seoul. No fluff.

Episodes

  1. Is Home Shopping Dead? The $25B Live Commerce Shift

    FEB 5

    Is Home Shopping Dead? The $25B Live Commerce Shift

    South Korea’s retail landscape is undergoing a massive shift. In this episode, Zac explores the decline of traditional TV home shopping and the explosive growth of Live Commerce. We discuss the "Big Seven" networks, the crushing weight of transmission fees, and how platforms like Naver and Coupang are using "Rocket Delivery" and social engagement to capture the MZ generation. Plus, a look at how Live Commerce bridges the "Spatial Gap" for regional consumers and what the future holds for AI virtual hosts in the beauty space. Follow the pod on IG: @cryingino.yLanguage & Global Insights: @goojeon.insight

    11 min
  2. The Mang-gom Effect: How Character IP Drives Sales

    FEB 3

    The Mang-gom Effect: How Character IP Drives Sales

    Sorry for the late post—moving house is a full-time job! 📦 In today's episode, your host Zac explores the fascinating world of character collaborations in South Korea. We’re moving beyond the surface-level "cuteness" to look at the hard data: Why do characters like MangGOM drive a 300%–400% increase in web traffic? We analyze the shift from children’s TV icons to "Kidult" culture and how brands like Beplain, Anua, and Numbuzin are using limited-edition merch to clear a quarter’s worth of inventory in just weeks. Key Highlights: The business of "healing" through IP. Analysis of Olive Young’s ever-changing Best Seller list. How character branding helps K-beauty penetrate the US and SE Asian markets. Stay Connected:IG: @cryinginoliveyoungK-Beauty Language Insights: @goojeon.insight

    11 min
  3. Olive Better: CJ Olive Young’s $20B Wellness Pivot

    JAN 30

    Olive Better: CJ Olive Young’s $20B Wellness Pivot

    In this briefing, we dissect the emergence of K-Wellness via the launch of Olive Young's newest platform, Olive Better. We analyze the 2026 F.U.L.L.M.O.O.N. framework and why the industry is pivoting toward "Wholeness" and "Healthy Pleasure." Professional Takeaways: Beyond Cosmetics: The strategic re-branding of "Health" to "Wellness" as a daily lifestyle practice. Longevity Economy: How the Gwanghwamun flagship targets high-stress corporate demographics. The Ingestible Wave: Data supporting the 140-fold increase in inner-beauty film and functional snack consumption. Industry Network: Visuals: Follow @cryinginoliveyoung on Instagram for updates and more Global Market News: For insights into how K-Beauty globally, subscribe to @GooJeon—the definitive source for K-Beauty’s international market impact.

    12 min
  4. Torriden’s 100B Won Club: M&A & LG H&H Rumors

    JAN 29

    Torriden’s 100B Won Club: M&A & LG H&H Rumors

    Host Zac returns to the "Crying in Olive Young" studio to dissect the success of Torriden, a brand that has mastered the middle ground between "Clean Beauty" and "Dermacosmetics." With the Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum reaching 11 million units sold as of 2025, Torriden isn't just a trend—it's a category leader. We explore the "5-D Complex" technology that makes their HA serum a global bestseller at Sephora and Boots, and why it consistently tops the Olive Young charts. The Business Sidebar: We address the rumors surrounding LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H) and their interest in the indie market. What does CEO Lee Sun-Joo’s "Agile Adaptation" strategy mean for the future of K-Beauty? Plus, we provide an essential update on Dr. Althea’s recent press release regarding their 2026 expansion and internal sale discussions. Key Highlights: Torriden’s "Your Skin is Our Planet" ethos. The math behind a 100-billion-won brand. Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular weights explained. LG H&H’s shift away from legacy brands toward indie prospects. Dr. Althea’s 2026 recruitment and growth update. Connect with us:IG: @CryingInOliveYoungKorean Language K-Beauty Updates: @Goojeon

    10 min
  5. Dr. Althea’s 1,415% Growth: The New Retail Playbook

    JAN 27

    Dr. Althea’s 1,415% Growth: The New Retail Playbook

    Episode Summary:Is Dr. Althea the next $450 million acquisition in K-beauty? In today’s episode, we step away from the hype to look at the cold, hard data behind one of 2026’s most successful skincare brands. Host Zac breaks down the operational maturity of Dr. Althea—a brand that has moved 15 million units of its hero product, the 345 Relief Cream, while maintaining a lean, high-utility SKU strategy. We explore how the brand navigated a massive 1,300-door rollout into Ulta Beauty and why their focus on "skinimalism" and barrier health has made them a prime target for beauty conglomerates looking to bolster their portfolios. Key Discussion Points: The Hybrid Advantage: How Dr. Althea bridges the gap between topical treatment and daily cosmetic use. Demographic Crossover: Why one product is winning with both Gen Z acne-care and Millennial longevity goals. Institutional Interest: Comparing Dr. Althea’s current trajectory to the landmark Dr. G acquisition of 2025. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or interested in the business of beauty, this episode provides a deep dive into the logistics and strategy of a brand at its peak.

    9 min

  6. JAN 26

    K-Beauty’s Golden Era: US vs China Export Strategy

    The K-Beauty industry is entering its "Golden Era," but the landscape is shifting faster than ever. In the debut episode of Crying in Olive Young, your host Zac breaks down the heavy-hitting business news that industry professionals and hardcore K-Beauty fans need to know. We’re moving past the "viral product" hype to look at the numbers, export trends, and the massive corporate power shifts defining 2026.In this video, we analyze the groundbreaking Olive Young x Sephora partnership that is bringing curated K-beauty zones to 700+ stores globally. We also dive into the Goodai Global (Beauty of Joseon) IPO valuation of $6.8 billion and why the US has officially overtaken China as the #1 export market for Korean cosmetics.Key Topics Covered:The Tech Shift: Why "Bioactives," PDRN, and Spicule technology are replacing clinic-based dermatology treatments with at-home solutions.The Male Grooming Boom: Why 50% of Korean men aged 18-24 are using makeup and the $4.1B shaving market.Market Shifts: The rise of "Guochao" in China and how K-Beauty is pivoting to Poland, the UAE, and the "Silver Market" (Pro-aging).IPO Watch: Financial breakdowns for Goodai Global, Benow (Numbuzin/Fwee), and Seorin Company (Round Lab).Stay ahead of the curve in the $13.24 Billion K-Beauty market. Subscribe for weekly industry wrap-ups, data-driven insights, and behind-the-scenes analysis from the heart of Seoul.Follow Zac on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cryinginoliveyoung?igsh=MWVvOXBnZDAwOW5yMg==

    20 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

The business behind the glow. Hosted by Zac, a bilingual analyst in Seoul. Crying in O.Y. is your weekly market briefing on the South Korean beauty industry. We skip the reviews to analyze the strategy and data driving the global K-beauty phenomenon. Leveraging insights from @goojeon.insight, we break down: Market Intelligence: M&A, VC funding, and revenue news. Retail Strategy: Olive Young trends, Live Commerce, and the Wellness pivot. Marketing IP: The power of Character Marketing. Real news. Real Seoul. No fluff.

Information

  • Creator
    Zac
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Zac
  • Show Website
    Crying in O.Y.