Korean Beauty Industry Gains New Regulatory Framework for Training

The Korean Beauty Industry has made significant advancements with the establishment of mandatory vocational training for beauty practitioners in South Korea, a culmination of over a year of efforts led by the Korean Association of Aesthetic Professionals, headed by Chairperson Jo Soo-kyung. This initiative has come to fruition through amendments to the Public Health Management Act.

The legislative process, which included initial policy proposals, consultations with the National Assembly, and gathering feedback from the field, has paved the way for a more robust foundation for professional expertise among beauty practitioners. The amendment was sponsored by Democratic Party Representative Han Jeong-ae and was approved by the National Assembly on the 23rd.

This legislation aims to support the continuous growth of the K-beauty industry by establishing a framework for training professionals and ensuring safe and high-quality beauty services for the public. The amendment requires vocational training for beauty practitioners and emphasizes the importance of professional development in keeping pace with the evolving K-beauty landscape.

The revised law mandates that the Minister of Health and Welfare conduct vocational training aimed at enhancing the skills and qualifications of beauty practitioners, allowing designated organizations authorized by the Minister to implement these training programs. Detailed procedures and methods for the training will be stipulated by regulations set forth by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The discussion on mandatory training began in February 2025 during a meeting of the National Public Health Association, where a proposal for the bill was brought forward. The need for such training was further explained at a policy conference with Democratic Party Representatives Han Jeong-ae, Nam In-soon, and Park Joo-min in March of the same year, where Chairperson Jo emphasized the existing disparities in technical skill and hygiene standards resulting from the absence of systematic vocational training.

Following the proposal, Chairperson Jo took the initiative to visit the National Assembly three times to discuss the details of the bill, stressing the necessity for the mandatory implementation of vocational training and the inclusion of provisions for authorized organizations or trade associations to administer training. Additionally, in May 2025, Chairperson Jo signed a policy agreement with then-presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung aimed at enhancing the job capabilities of public health workers, thereby supporting the push for mandatory vocational training.

Throughout the legislative process, Chairperson Jo actively incorporated voices from the field. In a letter submitted to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, she argued for the establishment of vocational training as a separate educational requirement distinct from existing hygiene training, highlighting the need for institutional provisions to ensure effectiveness. A survey conducted among beauty business owners revealed unanimous support for the introduction of mandatory vocational training.

Building on this feedback, Representative Han Jeong-ae introduced the amendment to the Public Health Management Act, which successfully passed through the Health and Welfare Committee and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, ultimately receiving final approval in a general assembly vote. The amendment will mandate the Minister of Health and Welfare to conduct vocational training aimed at improving the skills of beauty practitioners, with the implementation date set for 'one year after promulgation.' Specific details regarding methods and procedures will be determined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Representative Han expressed optimism, stating, "The competitiveness of K-beauty begins with the professionalism of beauty practitioners, who are closest to consumers in the field. With the passage of this bill, a foundational training system will be established to continuously acquire new technologies and trends, enabling the provision of even higher quality beauty services to the public." She added, "As the beauty industry predominantly involves female practitioners, I hope this will also support the empowerment of women professionals and contribute to stable economic activities. I will continue to strive for legislation that closely relates to the lives of the citizens and improvements to our systems based on field-centered insights.”