By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Many Koreans have read names such as ``Lac Vert'' (green lake) ``Ma Monde'' (my world) ``Near Skin Visible Deep Wrinkle…'' ``Teint Eclat'' (bright color) and many others on their cosmetic labels at home.
They make sense to people who understand English or French but many people here have been complaining that the names of the brands are too difficult for ordinary Koreans to understand.
``They could use such language if they were imported, but sometimes even original Korean brands have such names,'' 27-year-old office worker Lee Ji-hye said.
``Few can understand the real concept of the products, but the companies seemed not to mind at all. Do the manufacturers think having foreign names make them look classier and expensive?'' she asked.
An industry insider said, ``It is true that cosmetics makers are rushing to use English or French names. Sometimes, they want consumers to mistake products as English or French brands because they are competing with them.''
The Korean Society, a study group on Korean language, Daily Cosmetic and Kolmar Korea said they will hold a competition to pick the best all-Korean cosmetic names under the sponsorship of the government.
``The first stage will be looking out for the best Korean names. Then we will search for the best calligraphy to show them off,'' a spokesman said. The committee is running the Web site www.urimalhjp.kr for applicants until April 30. All applicants must write down Korean names ― regardless of the product ― and explanations and meanings.
The first prize winner will receive two million won ($1,500), while two second prize winners and five third prize winners will receive one million won and 300,000 won, respectively.
The winner will be announced no later than the end of May.
``We hope people will get to understand the value of having Korean names in Korean products through this event, which we plan to develop it into an annual one,'' Daily Cosmetic President Han Sang-ik said.