THE WHAT? K-beauty pioneer Jungsaemmool Beauty is set to receive a 50 billion won (US$36.6 million) investment from CLSA Capital Partners, valuing the company at approximately 300 billion won.

THE DETAILS Hong Kong-based CLSA Capital Partners has been named the preferred bidder in a deal that gives the South Korean brand an enterprise value over 15x EBITDA. Founded by legendary makeup artist Jung Saem-mool in 2015, the brand is behind cult-favorite products like the Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, which reportedly sells every 20 seconds. In 2024, Jungsaemmool Beauty posted sales of 110 billion won and operating profit of 12.1 billion won. The new funding will support a stronger push into international markets, especially the US, and fund new product launches. Currently, the brand operates over 1,300 locations in about 200 countries.

THE WHY? As global investor appetite for K-beauty intensifies, legacy brands with strong founder stories and global growth potential are becoming prime targets. CLSA’s move underscores rising confidence in the profitability and exportability of premium Korean cosmetics. With a strategy centered on international expansion and long-term value, Jungsaemmool Beauty is well positioned to leverage its brand equity and celebrity cachet on a larger global stage.

Source: KEDGlobal