ReportKOCCA – Korea Creative Content Agency
Interview with Lee, Su-Hyun: South Korea
1 Jan 202510 pages~26 min full read
South Korea’s fashion industry is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation (DX) that integrates generative AI for 3-D virtual prototyping, smart-factory automation, and data-centric marketing to reduce sample costs and lead times.
See it on page 2The adoption of on-demand production and digital traceability is being prioritized to meet carbon-neutral objectives and support circular-economy initiatives within the fashion value chain.
See it on page 2Smart apparel development is currently limited to functional niches in sports, healthcare, and disaster safety, with technical progress hindered by the durability of conductive fibers and the need for miniaturized, flexible battery solutions.
See it on page 4To achieve global competitiveness by 2026, the industry must overcome current lags in mass-production capacity and system integration compared to the United States and Germany.
See it on page 7Strategic business models for smart apparel include subscription-based health services, modular, detachable technology components, and high-value ceremonial wear.
See it on page 6Scaling the sector requires a coordinated national strategy involving standardized testing facilities, industry-academia talent pipelines, and active participation in international standardization bodies like IEC TC124.
See it on page 8The interview with Professor Lee Su‑Hyun of Seoul National University articulates digital transformation (DX) as a comprehensive restructuring of the Korean fashion value chain, extending beyond e‑commerce to encompass AI‑driven design, smart‑factory automation, and data‑centric marketing. By leveraging generative AI for 3‑D virtual prototyping, automated sewing, digital twins, and metaverse‑enabled retail experiences, the industry can cut sample costs, shorten lead times, and enhance personalized consumer interactions while supporting carbon‑neutral objectives such as on‑demand production and circular‑economy tracking.
Professor Lee emphasizes that smart apparel remains in early commercial stages, with functional niches in sports, healthcare, and disaster safety already demonstrating pilot deployments. Critical technical barriers include washability and durability of conductive fibers, sensor performance after repeated laundering, and the need for flexible, miniaturized battery solutions. Rapid advances in printed textile batteries and energy‑harvesting technologies are narrowing these gaps, yet mass‑production capacity and system integration lag behind leading markets in the United States and Germany.
Strategic recommendations focus on three business models: subscription‑based health and fitness services, interoperable platform modules detachable across garments, and specialized ceremonial wear where visible technology adds value. Successful scaling will require coordinated industry‑academia curricula, a robust talent pipeline, national standardization participation (e.g., IEC TC124), shared testing facilities, and proactive IP support to translate Korea’s strong patent portfolio into globally competitive products.
Looking ahead to 2026, AI and sustainability are projected to dominate the fashion sector. AI will become an essential capability across design, inventory, and personalization, while sustainability will drive digital traceability, carbon‑neutral manufacturing, and circular‑economy initiatives, together reshaping competitiveness criteria for the Korean fashion industry.
