KATSEYE’s Yoonchae Is Dr. Jart+’s First-Ever North America Ambassador (Exclusive)

What’s your first beauty memory?

A lot goes into being a member of an international girl group, especially one like KATSEYE, from the trendsetting choreography and sold-out shows, to the coordinated yet individual styling, and the ever-changing hair transformations. And if you're not yet familiar with the global performers, there's a good chance you've come across one of its viral songs, brand campaigns, or members on your social feeds. Among them is Yoonchae, the group's youngest member and an 18-year-old Seoul-born performer, who was just named K-beauty brand Dr. Jart+'s first-ever North America brand ambassador.

To celebrate the partnership, Yoonchae is fronting the campaign for Dr. Jart+'s newly reformulated Premium BB Cream SPF 30. The updated formula features 2% niacinamide and glycerin, marrying skincare and coverage in one product. Ahead of the announcement, I chatted with Yoonchae about the collaboration, her earliest beauty memories, her post-show self-care ritual, and more.

Dr. Jart+

I remember starting to experiment with makeup when I was around 12 years old. My older sister would give me advice, and I loved watching beauty videos on YouTube. I was always so curious about how different products could completely change a look, especially blush and eye makeup. I think that's when I first started seeing beauty as something really creative and fun. It's funny because now I get to experiment with so many different looks as part of my job.

Are there any beauty rituals you’ve learned from your family?

My older sister was a big influence on me when I first started getting into makeup. She taught me that you don't always need a lot of products to create a pretty look, and that it's important to figure out what works for your own face. I think growing up in Korea also influenced how I approach beauty because skincare was always such an important part of the conversation. I still love experimenting with different makeup looks, but I've learned that taking care of your skin is really the foundation of everything.

The BB Cream is a perfect mix of skincare and makeup. Would you say you’re more of a skincare or makeup lover?

I honestly don't think I could choose because I love both for different reasons! Makeup is such a fun way for me to express myself, especially when I'm performing and getting to try different looks. But I've also learned that taking care of my skin is just as important, especially because I have acne-prone skin and wear makeup so often. That's what I love about Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream. It gives me that natural, glowy finish while also hydrating my skin, supporting my skin barrier, and providing SPF 30. I love that I don't have to choose between skincare and makeup because it brings both together in one product.

What are your three desert island beauty products?

I would definitely bring my Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Cream, Ceramidin Moisturizing Cream, and my favorite lip combo Kosas liner in Beyond with Kiko Hydro Gloss. I think keeping my skin hydrated is so important, so I would never want to be without my moisturizer. The BB Cream is perfect because it gives me natural-looking coverage, hydration, and SPF 30 in one step, so I can feel put together without needing a lot of makeup. And I always love having something on my lips, even when I'm keeping the rest of my look really simple.

You’ve mentioned having acne-prone skin. Are there any products, habits, or skincare tips you swear by to help keep breakouts at bay?

I've learned to be really careful about the products I use. My skin is combination, so sometimes it gets oily, but other times it can feel dry, especially when I'm traveling or wearing makeup all day. One of my biggest rules is always removing my makeup properly, no matter how tired I am. I also try to focus on hydration and keeping my skin barrier healthy. I've learned that consistency is really important, and sometimes keeping your routine simple is the best thing you can do.

What does your self-care routine look like after a show, once you’ve taken all your makeup off?

After a show, I love having a little time to myself to unwind and take care of my skin. We're wearing makeup for so many hours, and sometimes we're traveling right after a performance, so I try to make skincare a moment where I can slow down. I always start by removing my makeup and cleansing really well. Then I love using my Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Milky Toner and Moisturizing Cream to help my skin feel hydrated and comfortable. If I have a little extra time, I'll use the CryoRubber Moisturizing Mask on a flight or a travel day as a special treat. It's such a nice way to relax after a busy day.

Dr. Jart+

What’s one beauty hack you’ve learned from another member of KATSEYE?

One of my favorite things about being in KATSEYE is that we all have such different backgrounds and beauty styles. We're always learning new things from each other, whether it's a makeup technique, a skincare product, or a little trick we've picked up from our makeup artists. I've definitely become more adventurous with my makeup since joining the group, and I love that we can all share our favorite beauty discoveries with each other.

Has K-beauty always been a part of your life, or is it something you’ve gotten more into recently?

K-beauty has always been part of my life because I grew up in Seoul. I started getting interested in skincare and makeup when I was young, and I think Korean beauty has always emphasized taking care of your skin and finding products that work for you. Since moving to L.A. and becoming part of KATSEYE, I've been experimenting with different makeup styles and combining the Korean techniques I grew up with and the looks I've discovered here. That's one of the things that makes working with Dr.Jart+ so special to me. It's a Korean skincare brand with such an innovative approach to beauty, and I love being able to share that part of my background with fans around the world.

How has your beauty routine changed since becoming a performer?

I'm wearing makeup almost every day for rehearsals, performances, shoots, and events, so I've become much more focused on skincare and keeping my skin hydrated. I've also gotten to experiment with so many different makeup styles. When I was living in Korea, I gravitated toward softer makeup looks with blush, eyeshadow, and contour, but since moving to LA, I've been trying more eyeliner, mascara and different colors. And now that I've gone blonde, I feel like I've discovered a whole new side of myself on stage! On my days off, I love keeping things simple.

I’m also a Sagittarius, are you into astrology and do you have any birthday plans?

I feel like I definitely relate to being adventurous and always wanting to try new things. I love having fun and being a little spontaneous, especially with the girls! And yes! I get to spend my birthday in Korea with my family, I haven't done that since I came to America, so I’m super excited for my birthday this year!

Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.