The issue of linguistic borrowing, particularly from English, has become a pressing concern for many governments around the world, as they strive to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their state languages.

In Russia, for instance, the State Duma has adopted a bill in the first reading that aims to clarify the procedure for using foreign words at the state level, with the goal of obliging officials to observe the norms of the Russian literary language.

This move is part of a broader effort to protect the Russian language from excessive saturation with borrowings, as evident in the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on mandatory observance of the norms of the modern Russian language when using it as a state language.

The law proposes to restrict the use of foreign words in official documents, public speeches, and other forms of communication, with the exception of words that have no analogues in the Russian language and are contained in normative dictionaries.

In addition to Russia, other countries have also taken steps to regulate linguistic borrowing, such as New Zealand, which adopted a similar law last fall, and the United States, which enshrined similar rules in 2010.

The Communist Party in Russia has also expressed support for the initiative, citing the need for simple and understandable language in laws and regulations.

To prove the necessity of changing the language of laws, Elena Yanchuk researched several regulations of Moscow with the help of linguists, who pointed to the accumulation of involved turnover and the frequent use of highly specialized and foreign language terms.

The head of the State Duma Committee on Culture, Elena Yampolskaya, is also preparing a bill to combat anglicisms on the signs of outdoor advertising, with the goal of tightening the norm against anglicisms.

However, experts have warned that the law adopted by the State Duma on the restriction of the use of foreign words poses the risk of excesses in the struggle for the purity of the Russian language.

In Uganda, the development of borrowing from external sources has been described as worrisome, with experts advising the government to ensure that loan agreements with China are properly appraised.

Similarly, in Nigeria, experts have cautioned against the dangers of borrowing from external sources, emphasizing the need for careful negotiation and understanding of loan agreements.

The issue of linguistic borrowing is not limited to Russia, as governments around the world are grappling with the challenges of preserving their state languages in the face of globalization and cultural exchange.

The use of foreign words in official documents and public communication can have significant implications for the integrity and uniqueness of a state language, and governments are taking steps to regulate and restrict such usage.

The development of normative dictionaries and reference books is also seen as a crucial step in promoting the use of the state language and restricting the use of foreign words.

Overall, the efforts of governments to prevent borrowings in their state languages and regulate linguistic borrowing are driven by a desire to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their languages, and to promote their use in official and public communication.

The laws and regulations governing linguistic borrowing vary from country to country, but they all share the common goal of protecting the state language and promoting its use.

In conclusion, the issue of linguistic borrowing is a complex and multifaceted one, and governments around the world are taking steps to address it through laws, regulations, and other measures.

The use of foreign words in official documents and public communication is a significant challenge, but governments are working to promote the use of their state languages and restrict the use of foreign words.

The development of normative dictionaries and reference books is a crucial step in this effort, and experts are cautioning against the dangers of excesses in the struggle for the purity of the state language.

Ultimately, the goal of governments is to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their state languages, and to promote their use in official and public communication.

The issue of linguistic borrowing, particularly from English, has become a pressing concern for many governments around the world, as they strive to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their state languages.

In Russia, for instance, the State Duma has adopted a bill in the first reading that aims to clarify the procedure for using foreign words at the state level, with the goal of obliging officials to observe the norms of the Russian literary language.

Title:

Content: Communists are asking for clarity
The Deputy of the Moscow City Duma proposes to simplify the language of laws
The Deputy of the Moscow city Duma Elena Yanchuk (CPRF) this week will submit a bill, which proposes to simplify the language of the capital ’ s regulations.
Modern laws, in her opinion, are overloaded with complex turnovers, highly specialized terms and bureaucratic jargon.
This does not allow people whose lives are regulated by these norms to fully understand them and influence the change in their content, Ms. Yanchuk believes.
United Russia says that developments in this direction are already underway, in particular, in the field of replacing foreign analogues of Russian words.
The bill proposes to supplement Article 11 of the law “On legal acts of the city of Moscow ” with a norm on the simplification of their language: the presentation should be“ simple and understandable ”, which means that when writing they should avoid “clerisms, professional jargons, borrowed words and complex syntactic constructions ”.
In the explanatory note, Elena Yanchuk refers to the scientific monograph of 2018 of the Research Institute of Problems of the State Language of St. Petersburg University, which notes that the language of legislative acts is understood by “no more than five percent of the country ’ s residents ”.
According to the MP, the complexity of the presentation of laws “leads to misunderstanding between the government and society ”, and the correction of the situation will contribute to the“ development of civil society ” and “the implementation of fundamental constitutional principles. ”
In particular, Ms. Yanchuk notes that according to the law on legal acts, residents of the capital “are subjects of lawmaking ”, but it is“ difficult without a deep understanding ” of the laws, which makes it necessary to state them “in a simple and understandable language. ”
The Communist also recalls the experience of other countries: in particular, New Zealand, which adopted a similar law last fall, and the United States, which enshrined similar rules in 2010.
To prove the necessity of changing the language of laws, Elena Yanchuk researched several regulations of Moscow with the help of linguists.
They pointed to the accumulation of involved turnover and the frequent use of highly specialized and foreign language terms (for example, “sequestration of expenses ” and“ listing of securities ”).
Ms. Yanchuk emphasizes that her initiative does not imply the introduction of any restrictions for ordinary people and concerns only the unjustified use of foreign words.
“The bill does not set the task of inventing or selecting Russian synonyms for all words borrowed from other languages, of which there are many in our language, ” the explanatory note says.
It should be noted that on December 13, the State Duma adopted in the first reading a bill clarifying the procedure for the use of foreign words at the state level.
The document proposes to oblige officials to observe the “norms of the Russian literary language ”, comparing them and permissible foreign words with reference books to be developed by the government.
Proposals to cleanse the language of laws from unnecessary clerisms are periodically expressed, since this is dictated by the need for an unambiguous understanding of the meaning of the document, the head of the Moscow City Duma Commission on Legislation Alexander Semennikov (United Russia) told Kommersant.
There are developments in this direction, the deputy noted, citing the above-mentioned law “On the state language ” as an example.
“In addition, there is judicial and law enforcement practice of interpretation of terms and verbal blocks, — said Mr. Semennikov. — It is clear that in one day it is impossible to change, because there is a huge array of already adopted laws, set out in a certain style and lexical uniformity.
Simultaneously go from the language, conditionally, "War and Peace" to the syllable of the fairy tale about Alyonushka and brother Ivanushka is unreal. "
However, the bill has not yet been submitted to the city Duma, and to look at what is written and how it is written, “it will be interesting, ” the deputy added.
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This move is part of a broader effort to protect the Russian language from excessive saturation with borrowings, as evident in the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on mandatory observance of the norms of the modern Russian language when using it as a state language.

Title:

Content: In Russia, they are determined to protect the language from excessive saturation with borrowings
The Russian language is one of the most popular in Eurasia, and attempts to abolish our culture have failed.
© Video: TRK "Zvezda" © Photo: TRK "Zvezda"
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Store, Department, Home and other foreign words in the names of shops, cafes and restaurants in Krasnodar soon will not be.
The Cuban capital decided to abandon all foreign names.
The Cuban authorities obliged entrepreneurs to translate business into Russian.
“A sign in a foreign language or using transliteration or a sign in Russian has a big difference.
In part of the fact that 100% of our population can read, understand the sign in Russian.
And many, by ignorance and age, do not even understand what is written on these signs, ” said the chief architect of Krasnodar Artem Salamatin.
So far, the business has been given time until September 1.
But many entrepreneurs are ready to change now.
“Everything will be in Russian.
We will translate the site into Russian.
We'll change everything.
With pleasure, ” entrepreneur Hovhannes Hovhannisyan shared.
Words borrowed from foreign languages became an integral part of Russian many centuries ago.
Massive in our speech, they appeared in different iconic historical periods.
For example, the Mongol invasion.
And after the Patriotic War of 1812 - there were a lot of gallicisms, that is, French words.
Now in conversations predominate borrowing from English.
“We began to use foreign words very actively in areas where such activity had not been observed before.
First of all, it is the public sphere.
Social sphere.
Where actually came a lot of foreign words ”, – said the Chairman of the Association of teachers of literature and Russian language Lyudmila Dudova.
Russia is now determined to protect the language from excessive saturation with borrowings.
President Vladimir Putin recently signed a law “on mandatory observance of the norms of the modern Russian language when using it as a state language. ”
What specific rules are we talking about?
It's not clear yet.
They are compiled by a special government commission.
“The normative dictionary of the Russian language will be a single consistent comprehensive publication, which will be formed on the basis of dictionaries of the Russian language.
Interpretive, spelling, ” explained Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Tatiana Vasilyeva.
Thus, foreign words should disappear as much as possible from all official documents.
In addition, officials should not use anglicisms and other borrowings during public speeches and generally avoid them in their speech.
“There are so many wonderful and beautiful words in the Russian language.
But why then instead of the word mentor we say coach.
Well, it doesn't sound.
It seems to me that we need to get rid of such words that are imposed, ” said Lyudmila Skakovskaya, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture.
This law, according to officials, should protect the Russian language from attacks from abroad, where they have long been trying to abolish all Russian.
But now these sentiments have intensified even more.
The Kiev regime has long declared war on our culture and heritage.
Throughout the country, the monument to Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is being demolished, because it is he who is considered the creator of the modern literary Russian language.
And it was the language issue that became one of the main reasons for the bloody confrontation in the East of Ukraine in 2014.
Residents of Donbass then did not agree with the nationalists, they did not refuse the Russian language.
“They use the term underdogs.
All these years, when the Maidan happened, they etched Russian in the Donbass, for them it is a symbol of communication.
The Russian world is hysterical.
What connects the Russian world?
The Russian language, ” said political scientist Yuri Svetov.
The fact that our language and culture need protection is also said by the leaders of other neighboring states.
During the autumn meeting of the heads of the CIS countries in Astana, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on his colleagues to create an organization for the protection of the Russian language.
“Our idea is to create an international organization in the image and likeness of the UN.
Using the positive experience of Francophonie.
The headquarters of which is located in Paris, ” said President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Rossotrudnichestvo recently conducted its own study abroad, which showed that openly Russophobic sentiments are present only among politicians.
But ordinary people continue to willingly learn our language and culture.
According to the United Nations, Russian is spoken by 258 million people worldwide.
It is one of the most popular in Eurasia, and attempts to abolish our culture have failed.
Abroad, Dostoevsky, Pushkin and other Russian classics are also read.
Expert opinion and analytics
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The law proposes to restrict the use of foreign words in official documents, public speeches, and other forms of communication, with the exception of words that have no analogues in the Russian language and are contained in normative dictionaries.

Title:

Content: 22 February 2023, 17: 37
The Federation Council approved the law on the prohibition of the use of foreign words at the state level
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The Federation Council approved a law implying the inadmissibility of the use of foreign words at the state level.
The exception will be those words that have no analogues in the Russian language and which at the same time are contained in normative dictionaries.
“When using the Russian language as the state language of the Russian Federation, the use of words and expressions that do not meet the standards of the modern Russian literary language (including obscene language) is not allowed, ” the law states.
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The norms are understood as language tools and rules for their use, reflected in normative dictionaries and reference books.
The government on the basis of proposals of the Commission will approve the list of regulatory dictionaries and requirements for them.
It is also understood that they will reflect a list of foreign words, which are acceptable due to the lack of analogues.
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The composition and procedure of the government commission will also be approved by the Cabinet.
According to the law, the state language of the Russian Federation must be used in official relations and official correspondence of all organizations, both with Russians and with foreign citizens.
In addition, the addresses of senders and recipients of telegrams, parcels, postal orders within Russia, information for consumers of goods and services, and so on should be drawn up in the state language.
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In addition to Russia, other countries have also taken steps to regulate linguistic borrowing, such as New Zealand, which adopted a similar law last fall, and the United States, which enshrined similar rules in 2010.

The Communist Party in Russia has also expressed support for the initiative, citing the need for simple and understandable language in laws and regulations.

To prove the necessity of changing the language of laws, Elena Yanchuk researched several regulations of Moscow with the help of linguists, who pointed to the accumulation of involved turnover and the frequent use of highly specialized and foreign language terms.

The head of the State Duma Committee on Culture, Elena Yampolskaya, is also preparing a bill to combat anglicisms on the signs of outdoor advertising, with the goal of tightening the norm against anglicisms.

Title:

Content: The State Duma has developed a bill to combat anglicisms - RIA Novosti, 26.04.2022
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In the state Duma has developed a bill to combat anglicisms
Head of the State Duma Committee on Culture Yampolskaya is preparing a bill to combat anglicisms
© RIA Novosti / Maxim Blinov / Go to photobankSigns of tour operators "Intourist" and Thomas Cook
Signs of tour operators "Intourist" and Thomas Cook.
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MOSCOW, April 26 – RIA Novosti.
The head of the Duma Committee on culture Elena Yampolskaya (“United Russia ”) said that is preparing a project to toughen the fight against borrowing from other languages on the signs of outdoor advertising.
“The draft law is now ready.
And we'll start talking to our colleagues, we'll start talking.
We need to tighten the norm against anglicisms...
We will introduce in the near future, first to the discussion of the faction and the party, and then all interested departments.
This is to the issue of creating a nationally oriented environment, "Yampolskaya said at a press conference.
Matvienko urged to protect the Russian language from external borrowings
She also gave data on the number of signs in foreign languages in Russian cities.
“We just walked through the central streets and counted the number of signs (in foreign languages).
This is not a purely Moscow disease, I see in other cities.
The statistics are as follows: there are more Latin signs on the central streets by 30-50% than signs in Russian, "Yampolskaya said.
According to her, with a change in this situation, it is necessary to start the creation of a "nationally oriented environment".
“And (when you walk around the city) you already begin to not understand what country we live in.
What is the state language here?
And if in the case of trademarks it is at least somehow possible to explain, then if Russian words with incomprehensible provincial ponts are written in Latin, then this (is) a bad taste fashion.
In fact, the creation I would have started with (creating the environment), ” she added.
VTsIOM found out how Russians relate to borrowings in the Russian language
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However, experts have warned that the law adopted by the State Duma on the restriction of the use of foreign words poses the risk of excesses in the struggle for the purity of the Russian language.

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Content: The ban on foreign borrowings in the Russian language - what should be feared - RIA Novosti Crimea, 16.02.2023
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Radio "Sputnik in Crimea"
The ban on foreign borrowings in the Russian language – what should be feared
Philologists: in the fight against foreign borrowings in the language, it is important to prevent excesses
© Fotolia / daria rizaDictionary of the Russian language.
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SIMFEROPOL, Feb 16 – RIA Novosti Crimea, Alexey Goncharov.
The main risk of the law adopted by the State Duma on the restriction of the use of foreign words is the excesses that can be allowed in the struggle for the purity of the Russian language.
This opinion was expressed by the interviewed website RIA Novosti Crimea and radio "Sputnik in Crimea" experts.
Chancellery is no less an enemy
On Thursday, the State Duma in the second and third reading adopted amendments to the federal law "On the state language of the Russian Federation".
The law, in particular, prohibits the use of foreign words at the state level, with the exception of those that do not have common Russian-language analogues.
Deputies also approved a list of areas where Russian is mandatory for use.
These include information for consumers of goods, works and services, as well as the education sector, state and municipal information systems.
Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor of the Institute of Philology of the Crimean Federal University.
Vernadsky Vladimir Orekhov believes this law is correct and necessary, since the Russian language needs protection.
However, the main problem is how this document will work in practice.
"Indeed, there can be excesses, and on the part of officials, who in many cases are themselves a source of stupid borrowing.
It is this category that often distorts the Russian language with stationery and borrowings, inventing some new formulas.
To make a beautiful project or report, you need to call the old with new words, preferably foreign, and, passing the old for new, somehow raise your prestige.
And then it already diverges, ” the expert explained in comments to RIA Novosti Crimea.
Orekhov also does not believe that young people are the main source of borrowing in the language.
According to him, youth slang is changing so quickly that such loanwords rarely take root for a long time.
At the same time, what is recorded in official documents, already, as they say in a well-known saying, "you can not cut down with an axe."
Down with the Chancellery: Officials Were Requested to Speak Human > >
“Most of the borrowings that this law is designed to save us from are in official documents of different levels.
This also applies to the capital institutions, but to a greater extent provincial.
This is a kind of fashion – to show your knowledge using incomprehensible foreign words.
How to deal with it, I have no recipe.
On the other hand, this law in itself can change this fashion in the administrative environment.
In this case, he by the very fact of his existence will correct the situation, ” the philologist suggested.
Russia will support the creation of an organization to promote the Russian language – Putin
According to Orekhov, the mechanisms that will be able to effectively implement the norms of this law should be developed through a wide public discussion, with the involvement of school teachers, university teachers, cultural figures and all those who are involved in the development of the Russian language.
Define clear criteria
Director of the Crimean Republican Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education, Doctor of Philology, Professor Alexander Rudyakov is also sure that the law adopted by the State Duma and the protection of the Russian language in general is a good thing.
But the question arises: where is the criterion that distinguishes foreign words from non-foreign ones.
After all, in our language there are many Russian words that are originally borrowed from other languages.
"My wife is a German, we often argue with her.
She believes that the word "barrier" is a German word.
And I, a simple Russian, I am convinced that this is a Russian word.
Therefore, it is important that there are clear criteria for all this.
That's what we're talking about.
The law is excellent, but it is important how it will be applied and what criteria will be there, ” the expert said on the radio “Sputnik in Crimea ”.
Another important fact to pay special attention to is professional universal terminology, said Rudyakov.
“In many branches of knowledge, say, in the banking sector, there are words that are, in principle, international.
It is probably not very smart to isolate yourself from the terminology that is inherent in this area.
Another thing is not to drag it into our public vocabulary.
This is also very important to understand and comply with, ” explained the philologist.
"Adapt and switch to Russian": how the schools of Kherson region work > >
At the same time, the professor agreed that today in a number of areas, including administrative and media, there is an excessive use of foreign words, which can be easily and simply replaced by Russian-language analogues.
"When you hear 'communicate', 'collaboration' - the hand reaches for the gun.
Somewhere I read the information that a "Children's Collaboration House" was built in Vladivostok.
That's what's scary, you know.
These are obvious excesses, ” said the doctor of science.
Rudyakov, who is also a member of the Council on the Russian language under the President of Russia, assured that he will raise questions regarding the new law at the next meeting of the organization on March 2.
Read also on RIA Novosti Crimea:
Quoting the classics: how and why great writers quarreled
Than English-language words interfere in advertising – the opinion of senators from the Crimea
Russia will support the creation of an organization to promote the Russian language – Putin
Leave the “barn ” and“ dog ” alone: a linguist about the law on the protection of language
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In Uganda, the development of borrowing from external sources has been described as worrisome, with experts advising the government to ensure that loan agreements with China are properly appraised.

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Content: Nigeria risks losing assets to China over $3.48bn loan, experts warn FG

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Economic and financial experts have warned the Federal Government that Nigeria risks losing key national assets to China in the event that it defaults in paying back loans obtained from China which is currently put at $3.48bn.

They spoke against the backdrop of the possible takeover of Uganda’s only international airport and other key assets over the East African country’s inability to repay a $207m loan obtained on November 17, 2015 from the Export-Import Bank of China.

The loan has a maturity period of 20 years including a seven-year grace period. According to the deal signed with the Chinese lenders, Uganda will have to surrender its only international airport.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority said some provisions of the financing agreement with China exposed the Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets which might be taken over by Chinese lenders upon arbitration in Beijing.

China has reportedly rejected recent pleas by Uganda to renegotiate the toxic clauses of the 2015 loan.

This came as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in August 2020 hinted about the possibility of Nigeria forfeiting its assets to China in the event of loan default.

Amaechi reportedly said Nigeria had waived immunity on a loan, which means China could take the country to arbitration in the event of a default.

The minister, however, added that there would be no need for China to claim any infrastructure once Nigeria repaid its loans to the Asian country.

 “We must learn to pay our debts and we are paying, and once you are paying, nobody will come and take any of your assets,” Amaechi said.

However, financial analysts hinted about the possibility of Nigeria forfeiting key national assets to China if the country defaulted on its $3.48bn loans.

They also advised the Federal Government to properly review the loan agreements with China to save the country from facing a situation similar to that of Uganda.

The Chief Executive Officer of SD&D Capital Management, Idakolo Gbolade, said Nigeria might forfeit certain assets in the event of a loan default.

Asked if Nigeria faced any risks on its China loans, Gbolade said, “Yes, it is very possible. If you remember about a year ago, there was serious concern in the National Assembly on the loans given by the Chinese Exim Bank to us, and I am sure the loan clause also includes forfeiture of national assets.”

The expert, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria was capable of paying back its debt.

An economist and professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Uyo, Akpan Ekpo, said the development in Uganda was worrisome and exemplified some of the dangers of borrowing from external sources.

He, therefore, advised the government to ensure that loan agreements with China were properly appraised.

Ekpo said, “It is an issue of concern; that is why in any loan agreement with China, we have to read in between the lines. We have to make sure we really understand their agreements.

“We should make sure that Nigerians are involved in the loan negotiation process. Experts should be carried along so that they can properly understand both the agreement in English and in Chinese.

“If the loans have clauses that may cost us our assets or even our sovereignty – as the debate was earlier in the year – that would be disastrous.

“So they should take experts with them when they go to negotiate the loans they collect from China, not just people from foreign affairs.”

A professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Sheriffdeen Tella, equally expressed a similar view, stressing that all loan agreements between Nigeria and external sources should be properly studied by experts.

He said, “It could happen to any African country because they are all thinking of borrowing. But I think that since people have kept the conversation alive now, the government will be very careful with loans collected from China.

“There is, however, the need for an assessment of government external debt from different sources now. We have to start looking at it and there is a need to study the documents that contain the agreements of some of these loans to prevent a similar occurrence.

“We need to start asking ‘what are the contents or the conditions of the loans?’ There is also a need for the government to create a means for offsetting such debts.”

The Managing Director of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, said the country should not have a problem paying back the loan if the economy thrived sufficiently.

He said, “An interest of 2.5 per cent is not high. The key challenge is that did we invest the money in productive assets, and are we getting the value for the money? Was the project cost-optimal?

“It is important to note that investment in infrastructure should lead to an expansion in the country’s ability to generate revenue. If the economy thrives, paying back the loan should not be a problem.

“However, if certain reasonable conditions are not met, it may have a catalytic effect on the economy with the country finding it difficult to pay back the loan.”

Although the Federal Government has been mostly secretive about the terms of the agreement of its China loans, the Debt Management Office has made some statements on them in recent times.

In a statement in June, 2020, the DMO said, “The total borrowings from China of $3.121bn as at March 31, 2020, are concessional loans with interest rates of 2.5 per cent per annum, tenor of 20 years and grace period (moratorium) of seven years.”

According to the DMO, the terms are compliant with the provisions of Section 41 (1a) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

In addition, the low interest rate reduces the interest cost to government while the long tenor enables the repayment of the principal sum of the loans over many years.

Eleven projects, ranging from water supply, power generation, railways, airport terminals, communication to agricultural processing are funded by the loans acquired.

The Director-General, DMO, Patience Oniha, had in February said, “So far, let’s be very clear that there has not been any default, whether of local or international debt.”

The earliest of the funding agreements between Nigeria and China was signed in 2010 with an interest rate of 2.5 per cent yearly, a repayment period of about 20 years and a grace period of seven years.

If Nigeria is unable to pay its first debt by 2038, the country may have to lease out any of the Chinese-funded projects in Nigeria to China.

The first loan project was for the Nigerian national public security communication system project with $399.50m agreed on December 20, 2010 and disbursed.

The second loan was for the Nigerian railway modernisation project (Wu- Kaduna section) with $500m agreed on December 20, 2010 and disbursed.

While the third loan was for the Abuja light rail project with $500m agreed on November 7, 2012 and disbursed, the fourth loan was targeted at Nigerian ICT infrastructure backbone project with $100m agreed on January 5, 2013 and disbursed.

The fifth loan was meant for the Nigerian four airport terminals’ expansion project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt) with $500m agreed on July 10, 2013 but $455.28m was disbursed, which is 91.06 per cent of the agreed amount.

The sixth loan was for the Nigerian Zungeru hydroelectric power project with $984.32m agreed on September 28, 2013 but only $518.24m was disbursed, which is 52.65 per cent of the agreed amount.

The seventh loan was for the Nigerian 40 parboiled rice processing plants project (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), with $325.67m agreed on April 26, 2016, but nothing was disbursed.

The eighth loan was for the Nigerian railway modernisation project (Lagos – Ibadan section), with $1.27bn agreed on August 18, 2017 but only $759.84m was disbursed, which is 17.50 per cent of the agreed amount.

The ninth loan was targeted at the rehabilitation and upgrading of Abuja-Keffi-Markurdi road project with $460.82m agreed on August 18, 2017 but only $80.64m was disbursed, which is 59.96 per cent of the amount agreed.

The 10th loan was meant for the Nigeria supply of rolling stocks and depot equipment for the Abuja light rail project with $157m agreed on May 29, 2018, but nothing was disbursed.

Lastly, the 11th loan was for the Nigeria greater Abuja water supply project with $381.09m agreed on May 29, 2018, but nothing was disbursed.

In terms of repayments, Nigeria paid $102.68m to China in the first six month of 2021, while it still owes about $3.48bn

Nigeria also paid a total of $102.68m to the Exim Bank of China in the first half of this year.

Nigeria paid an interest fee of $42.54m, which is 73.76 per cent of the principal fee of $57.67m as debt service to the Exim Bank of China in the first three months of 2021

Alongside commitment charges of $1.98m, Nigeria paid a total of $102.20m.

In the second quarter of 2021, Nigeria paid an interest fee of $306,050, without paying the principal fee, as debt service to the Exim Bank of China in the second three months of 2021

Alongside commitment charges of $170,680, Nigeria paid a total of $476,730 in Q2 2021.

The PUNCH had reported that Nigeria spent $591.11m in five years on servicing the debts owed to the Exim Bank of China.

Nevertheless, Nigeria still owes China $3.48bn as of the end of June 2021.

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Similarly, in Nigeria, experts have cautioned against the dangers of borrowing from external sources, emphasizing the need for careful negotiation and understanding of loan agreements.

The issue of linguistic borrowing is not limited to Russia, as governments around the world are grappling with the challenges of preserving their state languages in the face of globalization and cultural exchange.

The use of foreign words in official documents and public communication can have significant implications for the integrity and uniqueness of a state language, and governments are taking steps to regulate and restrict such usage.

The development of normative dictionaries and reference books is also seen as a crucial step in promoting the use of the state language and restricting the use of foreign words.

Overall, the efforts of governments to prevent borrowings in their state languages and regulate linguistic borrowing are driven by a desire to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their languages, and to promote their use in official and public communication.

The laws and regulations governing linguistic borrowing vary from country to country, but they all share the common goal of protecting the state language and promoting its use.

In conclusion, the issue of linguistic borrowing is a complex and multifaceted one, and governments around the world are taking steps to address it through laws, regulations, and other measures.

The use of foreign words in official documents and public communication is a significant challenge, but governments are working to promote the use of their state languages and restrict the use of foreign words.

The development of normative dictionaries and reference books is a crucial step in this effort, and experts are cautioning against the dangers of excesses in the struggle for the purity of the state language.

Ultimately, the goal of governments is to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of their state languages, and to promote their use in official and public communication.


The popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry has been on the rise globally in recent decades, with its unique philosophy and features setting it apart from traditional Western skin care.

Korean skin care is known for its emphasis on skin health and the use of fermented ingredients, which are believed to be four times more potent than their non-fermented counterparts.

The use of unique and effective ingredients, such as those fermented by honey bees, has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors.

The Korean government's active investment in its beauty brands has also contributed to the country's success in the cosmetics industry, with South Korea becoming the world's third largest cosmetics exporter.

The international boom of Korean skin care can be attributed to its introduction to the Western market through popular channels and social media, creating demand and opportunity for business.

According to Jonathan Watts, General Manager of AS Watson, Korean skincare has become a treasure trove in the beauty industry globally, with sales doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The demand for Korean beauty products is also driven by their affordable price points, encouraging cost-conscious shoppers to buy.

Korean skin care brands have partnered with local and international vendors to offer original products at competitive prices, delivering them quickly to meet the growing demand.

The "skintellectual" age group is particularly drawn to the product efficacy of Korean skin care, with the market expected to reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026.

Overall, the combination of unique ingredients, effective products, and strategic marketing has contributed to the continuing popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry worldwide.

The popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry has been on the rise globally in recent decades, with its unique philosophy and features setting it apart from traditional Western skin care.

Title:

Content: Skincare Sunday

5 K-Beauty Trends To Amp Up Your Spring Skincare Routine

Rosdiana Ciaravolo

There’s a reason that so many of our favourite skincare trends (on TikTok and otherwise) hail from Korea, where they know a thing or two about how to create the juiciest skin. But what’s trending now? Vogue spoke to aesthetic doctor and K-beauty expert, Dr Christine Hall, to learn about the latest ingredients, routines and rituals coming from the place where it all begins – and how to work them into your skincare regimen with products currently available in the UK.

Fermented ingredients

We know how good fermented foods are for our guts, but our Korean counterparts know how good they are for their skin. “They ferment most of their ingredients – for example, red rice, lactic and glycolic acid, are all fermented byproducts,” she says. “Fermenting an ingredient makes it something like four times more potent than it would be in its normal state.”

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask

La Mer The Resurfacing Treatment

Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Skip-care

Even the Koreans are now shunning the 12-step skincare routine they made so popular. “There’s been a shift away from the very old school multi-step routine,” says Hall. “Skip-care is basically a fancy way of saying that you skip some of the steps. They do that by using products that house a combination of ingredients.” Step hybrid formulas, like Tatcha’s Vitamin C formula, combine different active ingredients (like vitamin C and fruit acids) in one formula. They work harder for the skin and save money and time – what’s not to love?

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil

Waterless beauty

“In Korea, there’s a real focus on products that don’t have much water in them – which is where the term ‘waterless beauty’ comes from. The idea is that you get way more than what you pay for because they last longer, due to the minimal water in the product,” says Hall. Look at many ingredients lists and you’ll notice “aqua” is often at the top, but the idea with waterless formulas is that, instead of being filled by water, they are packed with more efficacious ingredients and less filler. You’ll often find them in powder format or oils. For the latter reason alone, they’re not for every skin type, but Hall says this move has come from a more earth-friendly approach to beauty in South Korea.

Ethique The Perfector Nourishing Solid Face Cream

Chanel N°1 Red Camellia Powder-To-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfoliator

Skin flooding

You may have heard about “skin flooding” on TikTok – the term has a cool 2.1 billion views on the platform. The idea really originated with that aforementioned multi-step Korean skincare regime, where layer upon layer of hydration (using different formulas in different textures) were applied to the skin to quench its thirst. To “skin flood” is a similar affair; it involves applying a number of different hydrating products, from serums to lightweight lotions to thicker moisturisers, to deeply moisturise and lock it all in. “Double moisturising is also a big trend for those who are time poor,” adds Hall.

Huxley Grab Water Essence

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Line Plumping Water Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sisley Ecological Compound Advanced Formula

Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep and Plump Essence

Double SPF

And if doubling up on your moisturiser isn’t enough, have you also tried applying your SPF twice? “There’s a real interest in blue light, so the Koreans are finding SPFs that concentrate on blue light, then using another SPF – one that has light-reflecting filters and so on – on top,” says Hall. “This second SPF often comes in the form of make-up, and they’ll wear that as their base instead of applying foundation.” All in the name of excellent sun protection.

Dr.Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF50

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Korean skin care is known for its emphasis on skin health and the use of fermented ingredients, which are believed to be four times more potent than their non-fermented counterparts.

The use of unique and effective ingredients, such as those fermented by honey bees, has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors.

Title:

Content: Is Korean Skin Care Really Superior? An Investigation

Photographed by Hayleigh Longman
With its shelfie-worthy packaging and a focus on intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water, Korean skincare has been the subject of Western fascination for years. Brands like CosRx, Innisfree, and Laneige have assumed viral social-media status, while Glow Recipe and Dr. Jart+ are now practically household names, thanks to TikTok.
Besides whipping up curiosity, Korean skin care has established a name for itself as one of the most effective and trustworthy categories in beauty. And ahead of winter, it's seeing a serious revival. In the past few weeks, searches for 'Korean skin-care routine', '10-step Korean skin care', and 'best Korean skin-care products' have made up Google's skin-care trends. While on TikTok, the hashtag #koreanskincare has seen a handful of new videos, each raking in millions of views.
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In October, a tweet and TikTok video posted by skin-care blogger @Mul_OVO went viral for showcasing the benefits of switching to Korean skin care. But is Korean skin care really better? Or have we simply got caught up in the hype?
Cosmetic Chemist and Licensed Aesthetician Esther Olu believes our obsession with K-skincare started with 'glass skin' — skin so dewy, it's almost reflective. Olu says that glass skin was the ideal and promoted "healthy-looking" and "luminous" skin standards. "Everyone wanted to have healthy skin," says Olu, "and Korean [skin care] has played a critical role in this mindset."

The Korean approach to skin care is a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists compared to Western products, which can be harsh.

You could argue that the main intent of skin care everywhere is to promote healthy, happy skin. But there are some key differences. Many Western skin-care trends (such as skin cycling, peels, and rediscovering skin toners) tend to home in on ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, for example glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. These are great when used properly and sensibly under the guidance of an expert but they can be notoriously irritating when overdone, as many of us tend to do.
Ask any dermatologist to pinpoint common skin gripes they regularly spot in clinic and they'll almost always reel off perioral dermatitis (a red rash that circles your mouth), burns, irritation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier (redness, tightness, breakouts, rashes) — all a result of overdoing it on harsh ingredients.
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Of course, Korean skin care does feature the aforementioned ingredients. They do work, after all. But the Korean approach seems to be a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists, too, says Olu. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a lot more popular in Korean skin care, for example. Take Dr. Jart+'s recently launched Pore Remedy range, in which PHAs are the star ingredient. Much like glycolic and salicylic acids, PHAs exfoliate the skin effectively, but what sets them apart from other exfoliators is their large molecule size. They exfoliate at surface level without going too deep and aggravating skin as other acids might. Glow Recipe and CosRx are just a few Korean brands championing them and subsequently promoting a kinder approach to the controversial exfoliation trend.
In fact, Korean skin care has been something of a savior for our irritated skin barriers of late. Much of Korean skin care shines a light on reducing inflammation rather than drying out skin. "Promoting hydration as well as soothing ingredients is a primary focus in Korean skin care," confirms Cosmetic Chemist Ramón Pagán. "This is a contrast to the products we tend to see in the west, which can be more astringent or irritating to the skin with higher percentages of active ingredients."
Pagán explains that thanks to skin-care marketing in the early '00s, the Western approach to skin care has been hooked on stripping skin: getting rid of the 'bad' stuff like excess oil and clogged pores. Conversely, Korean skin care is about nourishing the skin. Reddit's skin-care obsessives concur that Western skin care can be disagreeable, particularly for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
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@hkjennylee #greenscreen and not to mention the dupe has bifida as the FIRST ingredient while the original has it as the SECOND… tea 🙈 #koreanskincare #kbeautyblogger #kbeauty #koreanskincareproducts #kbeautyskincare ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Olu seconds this. "Western skin-care products tend to take a corrective approach," she tells R29. "Specifically, the formulas are dedicated to solving a skin-care concern, whether it is retinol, azelaic acid, or BHAs and AHAs," which are different kinds of exfoliating acids. "[Western skin care] is meant to help with anti-aging and things like redness," explains Olu, "while Korean skin care focuses more on maintenance and skin barrier health."
It's why you'll find excellent ingredients, like ceramides (very moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together), centella asiatica aka cica (a herb that decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness, and swelling) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil) in most Korean skin care. The color-correcting cream that recently went viral on TikTok? It includes cica — and of course it's Korean.

A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics.

Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't. Snail mucin (excreted from snails) is a popular moisturizing ingredient among Korean brands, with influencers and experts extolling the virtues of products like CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel. "This is a great barrier-protecting ingredient," Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa told R29 recently, "but it also gives your skin a great shine."
Then there's allantoin, popular in Korean skin care for locking moisture into the skin, as well as rice extract (said to increase hydration, making skin plump), and bee propolis, a natural substance produced by honey bees that has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors, such as pollution.
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Beyond the more skin-friendly and interesting approach to ingredients, it has been reported that Korean beauty and skin care is one of the country's biggest businesses and exports. As the world's third largest cosmetics exporter, South Korea's cosmetics exports outperformed home appliances, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones in 2020. Data also suggests that South Korea's skin-care market will reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026. Interestingly, one of the reasons why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands in order to better develop cosmetics.
"When K-beauty was introduced to the Western market through popular channels and social media, a phenomenon was awakened, creating demand and opportunity for business," says Nina Vargas, a global business strategist for beauty, fashion, and wellness brands. "This allowed Korean cosmetics companies to obtain help from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)." KITA is a nonprofit organization that helps small and medium enterprises enter markets abroad.
What's more, Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, says that Korean skin care uses the latest science to understand exactly what our skin needs. "It utilizes ingredients in new ways, while remaining committed to formulating with centuries-proven ingredients and, for some brands [like Erborian, Sulwhasoo, and Beauty of Joseon], the powers of herbal medicine." Ginseng and green tea are super popular, for example.
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Dr. Kim adds that our skin's needs change with the climate or environmental factors, like air quality, makeup trends, and hormones. Korean skin care has consistently switched things up in an effort to help us stay in balance. Pagán agrees that heritage surrounds Korean skin care. "Lots of brands use 'hanbang' ingredients, which are based around traditional Korean medicine," he says. "These are often herbal and naturally derived." Post-pandemic, when we're more interested than ever in keeping healthy, highlighting medicinal skin care makes Korean products appear trustworthy and effective, elevating them above others.
In short, skin care is an inherent part of Korean culture. Head to TikTok and you'll see that Koreans view beauty not as a luxury but as a necessity. Countless videos suggest that from a young age, people are taught to take care of their skin and to look at skin care as a preventative measure. Year-round sun protection is also a big trend among Korean skin-care lovers, with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen said to be one of the most important products in a routine.
Another reason Korean skin care is regarded so highly is because the majority of it is affordable. Head to Reddit and you'll spot skin-care lovers swapping reviews of Innisfree, Tonymoly, and Etude House. The promise of soothed, hydrated skin is their main pull, but so are the relatively low prices, with most cleansers, serums, and creams coming in under $25.
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Amid a cost of living crisis, it makes sense that we want to spend as little as possible on beauty products. When it comes to Korean skin care, though, tightening your purse strings doesn't mean compromising on quality. All the proven skin-care ingredients are there, from retinol to acids, just in gentler concentrations and sophisticated formulas. Some TikTokers even point out that Korean skincare often dupes brands and products that charge hundreds for very similar ingredients and results. "It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100. If it's K-Beauty, chances are it's great," thinks Vargas.
Over time, the 10-product routine has given way to routines with fewer steps. Excessive layering doesn't work for everyone, particularly if you have a strict budget or your skin is sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone. But Korean skin care is ever evolving and always adapting to consumer needs. Because of this, three- or four-step routines are now trending among Korean influencers. TikTokers are sharing their easy skin-care rituals, which always start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser followed by a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This is a quick and effective routine that dermatologists and skin-care experts often recommend for skin types across the board.
Pagán believes that Korean skin care stays fun and inventive. "It's simple but impactful and you get luxury experiences at affordable prices. You don't see Western brands readily introducing staple Korean concepts, like fermented ingredients or snail secretion." Add to that the serious investment and spotlight on nourishing the skin (rather than getting rid of the 'nasty' stuff) and it's clear to see why Korean skin care is regarded so highly. But is it better? Essentially, the very best skin care is the skin care that works for you. If it happens to be Korean, that's great. But if it's something else entirely, why switch it up?
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This story was originally published on Refinery29UK.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The Korean government's active investment in its beauty brands has also contributed to the country's success in the cosmetics industry, with South Korea becoming the world's third largest cosmetics exporter.

The international boom of Korean skin care can be attributed to its introduction to the Western market through popular channels and social media, creating demand and opportunity for business.

According to Jonathan Watts, General Manager of AS Watson, Korean skincare has become a treasure trove in the beauty industry globally, with sales doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Title:

Content: Prestigious position for Korean skincare products in the UAE
Korean skincare products sweep the UAE market
Unique and effective ingredients in the product range drive demand in the UAE and around the world
Retailers in the UAE are seeing a dramatic increase in the sale of Korean beauty products recently.
Along with the wave of popularity of South Korean drama, movies and music, the country ’ s skincare products have also gained prominence.
Shiraz Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster GCC Retail, said: “We have observed a significant increase in demand for Korean beauty products, both globally and within the UAE.
At myAster, we saw significant growth of 60 per cent in the first quarter of the year, with skin care and sun protection products being the most sought after, contributing 61 per cent and 38 per cent respectively to our sales. ”
Other retailers have confirmed the growing demand for them.
Jonathan Watts, General Manager of AS Watson, said: “Korean skincare has become a treasure trove in the beauty industry globally and the Middle East is no exception. We have seen a significant rise in Watson this year, with sales doubling so far in 2024, compared to last year. ”
According to e-commerce company Noon, they have taken several steps to meet the growing demand.
Retika Jain, Head of Beauty at Noon, said: “Korean beauty products are seeing huge customer demand from Noon, especially in the skincare and makeup categories, and to meet this growing demand, Noon has partnered with local and Korean vendors to offer original Korean beauty products at very competitive prices, and deliver them quickly. ”
Reasons for fame
There are several reasons for the rise in popularity of Korean beauty products according to experts.
Jonathan Watts said: “Consumers highly value the focus on skin care within Korean cosmetics, as well as the unique and effective ingredients found in the product range.
Ingredients such as Hartlev leaves and snail extract, although unconventional, are effective and gentle on the skin. ”
He said there were other factors that made the skincare package so popular among the younger generation.
He added: “The majority of Korean beauty product brands are not harsh on the skin, and are in line with the growing consumer preference for ethically sourced products.
The influence of TikTok and the boom in Korean pop culture are also major contributors to the phenomenon we see with Korean beauty products. ”
Shiraz Khan
Shiraz said the unique preparation of the products also played an important role in increasing their popularity.
“Innovative formulas, high efficiency and a cultural wave driven by Korean beauty trends through social media and influencers are all factors that have helped their spread. Korean beauty products are known for their advanced skin care techniques and natural ingredients, which attract a wide population looking for effective and gentle skin care solutions, ” he said.
Glassy skin, dewy appearance
Jonathan said that “glass skin ” among Koreans is one of the most desirable things.
“This requires a careful skincare regimen that focuses on hydration, exfoliation and nutrition, areas where Korean beauty brands excel.
Products such as serums, masks, eye masks and extracts with moisturizing ingredients are essential for a vitreous skin appearance. ”
Regardless of the appearance of glassy skin, there are many other common Korean trends.
Retika Jane said: “In double cleansing, an oil cleanser is used, followed by a water cleanser to get clean skin. ”
“The trend of using makeup for both beauty and care has also increased.
Customers want to use clean, multi-purpose products that not only work as a lipstick or dye but also moisturize the skin, contain a sun protection factor (SPF) and provide comprehensive nutrition.
“The ‘ dew ’ look is one of the top trends this year, with a particular focus on glossy lips that look fuller. ”
Demand is expected to continue significantly in the near future.
Shiraz said: “We expect this trend to continue as consumers become increasingly aware of the benefits of Korean beauty products, their popularity is not just a fleeting fad but a testament to their quality and effectiveness in meeting different skin care needs. ”
Jonathan agreed: “Korean beauty is here to stay and is likely to become an integral part of everyone ’ s beauty routine in the future.
Watson currently owns more than 30 Korean beauty brands, and we are expected to launch 10 more this year. ”
Khaleej Times - Arabic Edition
www.khaleejtimes.com

The demand for Korean beauty products is also driven by their affordable price points, encouraging cost-conscious shoppers to buy.

Title:

Content: default-output-block.skip-main

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How TikTok Brought Back K-Beauty

While the K-beauty craze of the 2010s has waned in recent years, brands and retailers are seeing renewed interest in the category thanks to TikTok.
BoF PROFESSIONAL

Key insights

  • After K-beauty’s international spike in popularity more than a decade ago, it entered a period of decline at the start of the 2020s.
  • TikTok is leading a K-beauty resurgence. Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon and Cosrx are among brands going viral on the platform.
  • K-beauty-inspired trends are also taking off. “Korean glass skin” saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30.

When Laneige launched at Sephora US in 2017, its K-beauty identity was front and centre.

The Amorepacific-owned brand was featured in the retailer’s K-beauty endcap, a K-beauty menu bar section and multiple K-beauty campaigns. But half a decade later, hype around the category had faded, according to Julien Bouzitat, US brand general manager for Laneige and sister brand Innisfree.

“The first time, it was very successful,” he said. “The second time, not as great … [Sephora’s] takeaway was that the first wave of K-beauty had gone away.”

The K-beauty craze emerged in the US around 2012 with the rise of BB cream, and spurred countless subsequent beauty trends such as sheet masks, 10-step skin care routines and blemish patches. In the mid- to late 2010s, K-beauty fervour was so high that imported labels like Laneige and Tony Moly quickly faced competition from major US brands launching copycat products as well as from new K-beauty-inspired startups like Glow Recipe, Then I Met You and Peach & Lily.

But as K-beauty went mainstream, brands’ use of the term as a selling point died down — until now. Korean brands have TikTok to thank. The hashtag #kbeauty has 9.5 billion views on TikTok. The term “Korean glass skin,” a K-beauty trend that was popular in 2017, saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30, according to data science company Spate and market research firm Circana. Sales of products that help users achieve the Korean “glass skin” look have risen, too. The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon after taking off on TikTok. The brand said it has now sold 15 million bottles as of September.

While K-Beauty’s original heyday was driven in part by gimmick marketing and attention-grabbing packaging, its resurgence is due to a new “skintellectual” age group being drawn to product efficacy. Moreover, affordable price points are encouraging cost-conscious and dupe-obsessed shoppers to buy.

“There’s been a second generation which became more [focused on the] brand-building aspect of K-beauty and this Korean skincare expertise,” said Bouzitat.

The Wave Recedes

Since the 1990s, Hallyu — the “Korean wave” — has been growing outside South Korea’s borders, as the South Korean government encouraged international exports globally. The 2010s saw an influx of Korean culture and products, especially entertainment and beauty. US-based Sephora and Ulta Beauty stocked up on Korean beauty brands, while beauty conglomerates acquired them. In 2018, L’Oréal purchased K-beauty brand 3CE parent company Nanda, while the Estée Lauder Companies bought Dr. Jart+ in 2019.

“It took skin care to a whole other level. I don’t think it will ever be the same, thanks to the influence of K-beauty,” said Lindsay Ullman, co-founder of beauty consulting firm The View from 32 and a former merchandising executive at Sephora.

But its popularity kicked off an influx of K-beauty inspired brands stateside. Soko Glam and Peach & Lily both started as e-tailers selling imported K-beauty products before their founders, Charlotte Cho and Alicia Yoon, respectively, expanded with their own skin care brands. Quickly, legacy brands like Lancôme and Clinique began introducing their own versions of BB creams, sheet masks or cleansing oils.

Momentum slowed in the 2020s. Estée Lauder Companies reported in August that Dr. Jart+’s net sales declined during the 2023 fiscal year. In the US, Sephora stopped stocking at least 10 K-beauty brands that it sold in the late 2010s, including Too Cool for School, Neogen, Amorepacific and Son & Park, and no longer highlights its K-beauty section on its homepage. Amorepacific’s profits plunged by 28.5 percent in 2022. Even upstarts like Glow Recipe and Hero Cosmetics, that once traded on being K-beauty-inspired brands, stopped using the term in their marketing and communications.

An Influencer-Led Renaissance

It’s not the multi-step routine tutorials — which were the hallmark of 2010s K-beauty — driving the category’s comeback. Instead, it’s individual viral product crazes sparked by influencers and celebrities.

K-beauty sunscreens with formulas that don’t have a white cast, for example, have been a hit with influencers. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense sunscreen, which went viral on TikTok, was explicitly cited as one of the top-selling products driving Amorepacific Group’s North America growth this year. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen has received 587 million views on TikTok, driven by influencers like Ava Lee, who is working on a collaboration with the brand planned for release in 2024. While the product is not yet approved by the FDA for sale in the US, customers have tried to find workarounds, ordering from cross-border websites or unverified Amazon sellers.

Meanwhile, Laneige is seeing double-digit sales growth in the US, said Bouzitat. The brand has been a hit on TikTok for the past two years thanks in part to its ASMR product videos and high-profile brand ambassador, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney. The efforts the brand has made on TikTok are part of a broader North America marketing push on the part of Amorepacific Group, which also launched a rebrand campaign for luxury brand Sulwhasoo this year. The company also returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2023, reporting that overseas revenue grew 27 percent, boosted by 105 percent growth in North America.

Unlike prestige predecessors, affordable K-beauty brands have become a draw for TikTok’s dupe-obsessed young shoppers. Beauty influencer Stephanie Valentine, known on TikTok as Glamzilla, prompted a sell out of Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Moisturizer when she offered it as a dupe for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. Within 48 hours, the item sold out at Sephora US and Canada as well as on the brand’s website.

“Innovation, no matter what category you’re talking about, clients are going to always be excited about that,” said Ullman. “Korean skin care is such an innovative player, so as long as they keep coming out with new formats, new textures, new ways to talk about skin care, there’s opportunity.”

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Korean skin care brands have partnered with local and international vendors to offer original products at competitive prices, delivering them quickly to meet the growing demand.

The "skintellectual" age group is particularly drawn to the product efficacy of Korean skin care, with the market expected to reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026.

Overall, the combination of unique ingredients, effective products, and strategic marketing has contributed to the continuing popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry worldwide.