Olive Young, South Korea’s beauty and health retail giant with a network of thousands of stores domestically, has confirmed it will open its first American store in Los Angeles in the first half of 2026. The move is set to revolutionize the U.S. K-beauty shopping landscape and marks one of the most anticipated international retail debuts in recent years.
The Announcement: LA Gets First Dibs on a K-Beauty Icon
Olive Young’s expansion into the U.S. was formally signaled in 2025, following the establishment of its American subsidiary, CJ Olive Young USA, in Los Angeles the company said, “The first American store is planned to open in Los Angeles in 2026, bringing the signature Olive Young shopping experience — bright, trendy, and packed with beauty treasures — to U.S. customers for the very first time.”
At KCON LA 2025, the brand offered a preview with a pop-up Beauty School, showcasing top products from house lines Colorgram, Bioheal Boh, and Bringgreen, plus limited-time collab “beauty boxes” and skincare demos. These activations reflect Olive Young’s vision to bring a true K-beauty experience to an American audience. “We’re excited to bring our ‘All Live Young’ philosophy to life at KCON LA 2025,” said Jin Se-hoon, executive vice president of Olive Young’s Global Platform Business. “This is a meaningful step in bringing Olive Young’s trusted and inclusive K-beauty experience to the U.S. market.”
A Complete K-Beauty Retail Experience
Since its founding, Olive Young has become the #1 beauty chain in South Korea, earning a reputation as the premier one-stop shop for all skincare, cosmetics, health, and wellness trends. U.S. fans have been clamoring for a local brick-and-mortar destination to experience the signature Olive Young vibe.
Key features expected at the LA location include Bright, accessible retail design with discovery zones for skincare, color cosmetics, personal care, and wellness products. Popular and hard-to-find K-beauty brands, as well as exclusive Olive Young private labels. In-store sampling, consults, and the opportunity for U.S. shoppers to explore multi-step routines guided by beauty advisors.
As U.S. beauty fans have noted on social media that Olive Young means a one-stop shop to browse comprehensive Korean skincare regimens—double cleansing, toners, essences, serums, and more—plus makeup in diverse shades suited for all skin types.
What Sets Olive Young Apart?
Unlike many specialist beauty chains, Olive Young’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional cosmetics:
- Health supplements, K-wellness, lifestyle, and personal care items
- An ever-changing selection of “only in Korea” viral favorites and timely collaborations
- A digital app and global e-commerce with instant access to newly launched trends
Through its U.S. launch, the retailer is expected to bring the full range of K-beauty’s science-meets-nature approach—think sun care, sheet masks, serums, and all the cult products once only found on annual Korea trips or via global shipping.
What the U.S. Launch Means for K-Beauty
Industry analysts expect Olive Young’s American entry to intensify competition for beauty retail leaders like Sephora and Ulta, who are racing to lock in exclusive K-beauty partnerships before Olive Young’s arrival. Motivate more Korean brands to expand U.S. availability and develop American market-specific lines (shades, formulations, and packaging). Further normalize multicultural, ingredient-forward, and affordable beauty that resonates across all ages and demographics
The Waiting Game: U.S. Fan Anticipation
Social media and community forums reveal high excitement and some key questions from American beauty fans:
- Will pricing and product range match Korea’s popularity and affordability?
- Will the U.S. stores keep pace with Korea’s viral launches and limited editions?
- Will other major U.S. cities, such as New York or San Francisco, be next on Olive Young’s expansion roadmap?
Until the doors open, fans can continue buying through Olive Young’s global e-commerce platform, with pop-ups and U.S.-based events further fueling anticipation.
