South Korean cosmetics manufacturer Cosmax said Monday it co-hosted the Koom K-beauty Creator Awards in New York on Saturday, seeking to strengthen ties with North American beauty influencers and expand its US business.
The event, organized with United Korean Founders, a network of Korean entrepreneurs in North America, was part of Koom Week 2026, a festival promoting Korean brands and startups.
The awards ceremony drew about 150 beauty influencers and content creators, as well as UKF Chair Jung Se-ju, Cosmax Group Chair Lee Kyungsoo, and Cosmax BTI Vice Chair and CEO Lee Byungjoo, who presented awards.
The event came amid K-beauty's growing popularity in the US, where South Korea ranked as the largest source of imported beauty, makeup and skincare preparations in July, according to US trade data.
At a dinner Friday, Lee Kyungsoo credited K-beauty's global success to creativity, speed and advanced manufacturing technology, which allow independent brands to bring innovative products to market quickly.
Cosmax said its US subsidiary turned profitable this year, providing a stronger foundation for local expansion and support for smaller Korean beauty brands entering the market.
The company plans to leverage its US production facilities and research capabilities to develop products tailored to American consumers while deepening partnerships with local beauty creators.
yejinlim@heraldcorp.com