By Kim Ji-eun

“We are striving to develop products that cater to consumers’ desired efficacy and benefits, rather than relying on excessive marketing and unnecessary persuasion related to beauty,” stressed Genalab Inc. CEO Kim Dong-jun.

In an interview with Diplomacy Journal, CEO Kim said, “Customers should be offered products that prioritize good ingredients and receive goods offering effects they want.”

He also said, “The definition of success is different for everyone, but I believe that an individual's desired future is not determined by ability alone, but by the willingness to choose a positive future every time.”

The following is the full-text of an interview with Genalab Inc. CEO Kim Dong-jun.

Question: Can you tell us a bit about your backstory of where your journey as an entrepreneur all started?

Answer: During my time in New York, my interest in branding and design grew through my roommate, who engaged in brand design and related industry. I became particularly intrigued by marketing and branding through the web.

This led me to engage in design work, including logo creation, website development, and digital content production.

Upon returning to Korea, I joined a growing company focused on brand marketing. I nurtured and expanded various brands, eventually leading to the successful acquisition of the company by a larger entity. 

Through this experience, I witnessed the high demand for beauty products in Korea and the rapid growth of the industry. Inspired by competitive Korean brands with global appeal, I aspired to create a remarkable brand targeting the global beauty market.

During my pursuit, I met my current partner, Dr. Conan, who shares the same passion for skincare as a dermatologist. Together, leveraging our respective expertise, we are growing our business and striving to create an exceptional brand, Genabelle.

Q: What was one of the greatest challenges you faced in the process of launching your company?

A: In the early stages, when I had little understanding of the beauty industry, I faced numerous trial and error experiences. However, as I familiarized myself with global brands and industry trends, I came to the conclusion that consumer-oriented products were essential. This realization led me to invest in understanding consumers and the market, while contemplating the intrinsic value of beauty.

Q: How did you overcome your challenges and get to where you are today?

A: The human instinct for beauty exists regardless of race, gender, or age, and I believe that the products we create should represent the needs and values that consumers seek. 

As a result, we strive to develop products that cater to consumers’ desired efficacy and benefits, rather than relying on excessive marketing and unnecessary persuasion related to beauty. Customers should be offered products that prioritize good ingredients and receive goods offering effects they want.

Q: Lastly, do you have any favorite aphorism or wise saying? 

A: I think about the words of Japanese businessman and outstanding planner Masuda Muneaki every day. He said, “Pessimism is a mood and optimism is a will. Whether you choose to live an optimistic life or a pessimistic life is a matter of your own personal decision and willpower.

While the definition of success is different for everyone, I believe that an individual's desired future is not determined by ability alone, but by the willingness to choose a positive future every time.

I practice this with the way I approach life, always trying to look on the bright side and stay optimistic.