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KT&G SangSang Madang announced that it is accepting applications for the “2026 KT&G SangSang Madang Korea Cosmetics Challenge” from March 23 to April 20. Now in its sixth year, the Korea Cosmetics Challenge is an annual beauty startup idea competition that has supported entrepreneurship in eco-friendly cosmetics since 2021. This year’s theme is “relaxation,” and the contest welcomes innovative startup ideas in the eco-friendly cosmetics sector, including skincare, haircare, body care, and makeup products. Applications are divided into two categories: Beginner and Challenger. The former is open to individuals or teams of up to five members with eco-friendly beauty startup ideas, while the latter is open to early-stage entrepreneurs within seven years of founding, as well as small businesses as defined by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Details on how to apply are available on the KT&G SangSang Madang website (https://www.sangsangmadang.com). The selection process consists of document screening, presentation evaluation, and a mentoring camp, with assessments conducted by industry experts in each field. A total of 18 finalist teams will receive expert mentoring, and three teams from each category (Beginner and Challenger) will be selected as winners. These teams will receive product development and production support worth KRW 20 million per team through collaboration with Cosmocos. “The KT&G SangSang Madang Korea Cosmetics Challenge offers practical product development support and market entry opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs with creative ideas and innovative visions,” said an official from KT&G SangSang Madang. “Through this competition, we aim to actively support the next generation of beauty industry leaders, helping them build competitiveness in the eco-friendly cosmetics market.” KT&G SangSang Madang serves as a multifaceted cultural and artistic space, supporting the creative activities of emerging artists while offering diverse cultural experiences to the public. The platform has expanded to five locations, including Hongdae, Nonsan, Chuncheon, Daechi, and Busan, contributing to the development of regional culture and the broadening of cultural and artistic engagement.