What makes Korean makeup so distinctive and recognizable around the world? Why does K-Beauty place skincare before cosmetics? Participants of the K-Beauty Event, which has launched at KRU, had an opportunity to discover the answers to these questions firsthand.
The event is being held in cooperation with the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan and its Kostanay Region branch.
The university's special guest is Shin Min Su, a professional makeup artist and international expert in the Korean beauty industry.
His visit to Kazakhstan was organized by the King Sejong Institute Foundation as part of the Sejong Culture Academy program, which introduces people around the world to contemporary South Korean culture.
Over two days, July 16 and 17, the expert is conducting free master classes at KRU for everyone interested in learning more about the philosophy of K-Beauty, current Korean makeup trends, and skincare culture.
From the very beginning, it became clear that this was much more than a makeup lesson—it was an immersive introduction to the world of Korean aesthetics.
Using a model, Shin Min Su demonstrated the famous “Seoul makeup” technique step by step—a light, natural look designed to appear almost effortless.
The main goal of this approach is not to conceal one's appearance beneath heavy makeup, but to enhance natural beauty and the healthy glow of the skin.
Following the demonstration, participants immediately put what they had learned into practice.
Under the expert's guidance, they selected shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush, learned how to identify warm and cool color palettes, and practiced various makeup application techniques.
Shin Min Su worked individually with the participants, helping each of them select a suitable palette and explaining how to achieve the most natural-looking result.
According to the expert, healthy skin lies at the heart of the Korean philosophy of beauty.
“It is better to improve the condition of your own skin than to try to conceal its imperfections with makeup,” Shin Min Su noted.
This is why daily skincare is given particular importance in Korea, while makeup serves as the finishing touch, enhancing a youthful and natural appearance.
The event was further enriched by simultaneous interpretation provided by Yeldana Murat, a student of the Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages educational program at the KRU Pedagogical Institute and a student of the King Sejong Institute.
She professionally interpreted the expert's recommendations and the participants' questions, ensuring smooth and engaging communication throughout the event.
This is not the first time Yeldana has represented the university internationally. She was previously recognized as an outstanding student following a public speaking competition organized by the King Sejong Institute Foundation. As a winner, she participated in a week-long educational program in South Korea.
Nagima Manasbayeva, Director of the King Sejong Institute at Baitursynuly University, emphasized that the Institute's activities have long extended beyond language education:
“Our mission is not only to teach the Korean language but also to introduce our students to the culture, traditions, and contemporary lifestyle of the Republic of Korea. That is why we regularly organize cultural events, meetings, and master classes. Each year, we plan to expand this program so that our students and residents of the region have even more opportunities to discover and experience Korean culture.”
