Through continuous consumer research and trends analysis, KGC aims to meet evolving health needs by developing customized products supported by decades of accumulated expertise and technological capability, and collaborating with reputable university hospitals and research institutions to back its product efficacy.
At Growth Asia Summit 2025 co-organized by NutraIngredients and FoodNavigator, held in Singapore from July 15 to 17, Kai Lee, Team Leader of Global Market Development Team at KGC, shared how Korean red ginseng is being repositioned as a modern, multifunctional health supplement, as well as the company’s innovation highlights.
Among these is RXGin, a line specialising in men’s health launched by Jung Kwan Jang that comprises two main products — RXGin Clean, which contains red ginseng oil and supports prostate health, and RXGin PEAK UP, which is formulated with a plant-based complex of Eucommia and achyranthes to boost male vitality and andropause-related health.
Both red ginseng oil and the herbal complex have been recognized as functional ingredients by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
In a joint study conducted with Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, it was demonstrated that red ginseng oil not only improves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as frequent urination and nocturia, but also addresses sexual dysfunction — a common side effect associated with conventional BPH drugs.
The findings were published in The World Journal of Men’s Health in 2023. The study also received the International Research Award from the Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology, which selects outstanding papers published in international journals pertaining to men’s health and sexual medicine.
Lee said that due to “strong word-of-mouth” around the effectiveness of red ginseng oil, RXGin Clean has sold out six times and continues to experience strong consumer demand.
“Middle-aged men are showing heightened interest in managing health concerns related to andropause and BPH. The RXGin brand was developed to address these specific needs, leveraging KGC’s advanced R&D capabilities and rigorous quality control.
“RXGin is now being expanded to overseas markets. For example, it is currently available in Singapore through the Wing Joo Loong distribution network,” he told NI.
Demands of today’s male consumers
According to Lee, male consumers are increasingly concerned with strengthening their immune system and reducing fatigue.
“Many are looking for products that help relieve exhaustion and support sustained energy, particularly during work or study. With the global rise in viral infections, there is also a growing demand for products that help maintain immunity as part of a daily regimen.”
In addition, KGC is responding to rising interest in sports nutrition by expanding its offerings in global markets.
For instance, the company recently launched three new products in its EVERYTIME Sports range, targeted at men who enjoy fitness and outdoor activities, in the US.
These formulations are said to combine red ginseng with other functional ingredients to elevate athletic performance, help improve vascular circulation before workouts and energy metabolism, and boost endurance and stamina during exercise.
In terms of product format, male consumers, in particular, show a strong preference for health supplements that are easy to consume and carry.
“KGC offers a wide variety of product formats, among which stick packs, capsules, and ampoules have proven especially popular due to their portability and convenience.
“We are continuously expanding our global presence with myriad product formats that meet diverse consumer preferences, including liquid concentrates, oral films, capsules, dual-formulations, and gummy supplements. We remain committed to ongoing research in delivery innovation to further enhance consumer experience and product efficacy.”
One of its most recent innovations is EVERYTIME FILM, a red ginseng product in the form of an oral dissolving film (ODF).
“This ultra-lightweight format dissolves quickly in the mouth without the need for water, making it ideal for consumption anytime and anywhere, including at work, during travel, or on business trips. Its ease of use and portability have contributed to its growing popularity among consumers.”
Blood sugar care
With increasing global interest in blood sugar management, especially among people with prediabetes, Jung Kwan Jang introduced a specialized line of products under the GLPro brand for consumers seeking targeted support.
GLPro Core features a red ginseng extract (KGC05pg) that has been recognized for its blood sugar-regulating properties, while GLPro Double-Cut was developed with Koreans’ health concerns in mind, combining two key benefits of blood sugar control and body fat reduction.
The blood sugar-lowering effects of red ginseng have been scientifically validated through both preclinical and clinical trials conducted by KGC.
In a 12-week human study involving adults with impaired fasting and postprandial glucose levels, statistically significant improvements were observed across nine key glycemic indicators. These include fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance, and insulin secretion capacity.
Furthermore, the study confirmed that red ginseng positively influenced levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone known to play a critical role in blood glucose regulation and appetite control that has spiked in popularity in recent times.
Based on the findings, the product’s functional claims were officially approved by the MFDS, providing a nod to its efficacy and safety.
“Thanks to this scientific validation and strong consumer trust, GLPro quickly gained popularity in Korea, achieving the fastest early sales growth in KGC’s 126-year history. We’re now gradually introducing the product in global markets, including the US and China,” Lee added.
