SEOUL – As the K-Beauty industry emerges as a primary engine for South Korea’s future economic growth, a sharp jurisdictional conflict has erupted between the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Both agencies are vying for the "shuttle" of policy leadership, leading to a legislative stalemate in the National Assembly.
Dueling Bills: Two Paths for One Industry
The friction became public following the introduction of two competing bills in December 2025.
The MFDS Path: Representative Seo Young-seok (Democratic Party) proposed an amendment to the Cosmetics Act. This would establish a "Cosmetics Competitiveness Committee" under the Prime Minister and mandate the MFDS Minister to create a five-year plan for safety, quality, and export support.
The MOHW Path: Representative Lee Su-jin (Democratic Party) introduced the Cosmetics Industry Promotion and Support Act. This standalone law would grant the MOHW Minister the authority to establish a five-year comprehensive master plan specifically focused on "industrial cultivation."
While both bills aim to bolster the industry, they differ fundamentally on who holds the gavel.
Regulatory Neutrality vs. Specialized Promotion
The two ministries have exchanged pointed criticisms via the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee. The MOHW argues that the MFDS, being a regulatory body focused on safety, should not lead industrial promotion. "Establishing a master plan within a regulation-heavy framework like the Cosmetics Act could undermine regulatory neutrality and fairness," the MOHW stated, advocating for a separate law dedicated to industry growth.
Conversely, the MFDS argues that splitting policy and regulation creates inefficiency. They contend that administrative power should be consolidated within the agency that understands the technical nuances of cosmetics to ensure global competitiveness.
A Budget and Power Surge
Despite the legislative overlap, both agencies are moving forward as if their respective bills have already passed. The MOHW tripled its budget for "Cosmetics Industry Competitiveness" this year and included the enactment of the Promotion Act in its 2026 core tasks. Internal sources suggest that Minister Jung Eun-kyeong has expressed discomfort over other ministries, such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, encroaching on cosmetics policy.
Meanwhile, the MFDS recently unveiled its own roadmap for the "Cosmetics Competitiveness Committee" during the 'Jump-up K-Cosmetic' workshop held earlier this month. They have begun hosting policy briefings in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office and the Ministry of SMEs to solidify their presence.
The Need for a Control Tower
The urgency for a unified strategy is underscored by the industry's massive success. Last year, K-Beauty exports surpassed $11.4 billion (approx. 16.9 trillion KRW). However, the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee notes that there are currently 12 different government departments involved in cosmetics, leading to frequent overlaps in R&D, marketing, and export support.
"While each department performs its duties within its scope, there is a dire need for a stable decision-making hierarchy," the Committee analyzed. As the first subcommittee begins its review of the two bills this month, the industry is watching closely to see if the government can provide a unified vision or if the K-Beauty "control tower" will remain a house divided.
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