OHYOUNG was founded in 1981 to specialize in the manufacture of synthetic dyes for different fiber types. Over the past four decades, OHYOUNG track record of introducing exclusive technological innovations in the field of reactive dyes for textiles has been the envy of the world’s leading dye manufacturers. The growth has been achieved in tandem with that of the Korean textile industry and has made a valuable contribution to the country’s national competitiveness. Recently OHYOUNG Inc. along with its local partner, Texco Tech hosted a mega event “Advancing Sustainability and Productivity in the Textile Industry: OHYOUNG’s Rold and Innovations of Suncolour HP and APEX range”. Team Textile Focus had a conversation with Jinwook Chung, President, OHYOUNG Inc. Key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
Textile Focus: Can you please brief us about your company’s recent developments?
Jinwook Chung: Sunfix HP and Suncron APEX products are representative examples our recent developments. Sunfix HP products are reactive dyes that best meet the needs of recent cotton clothing. As the need for sustainability has been highlighted, the clothes we wear have been required to have properties that are strong enough to withstand repeated washing, and dyestuffs that do not change color for a long time have been required. In addition, as wash-off properties have been improved, sufficient fastness has been achieved with only a milder, low-temperature washing process, and water, energy, and dyeing time have been drastically saved due to the reduced washing process. Ultimately, it is a dyestuff suitable for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Suncron APEX products are disperse dye products that best meet the needs of recent polyester dyeing trends. First of all, it shows excellent durability in polyester or polyester/cotton blend dyeing. It can satisfy most the properties required for activewear, uniforms, and workwear.
Textile Focus: How do you see Bangladesh market?
Jinwook Chung: The Bangladesh market is a market with high-level dyeing technicians and excellent understanding of new technologies and innovations. When developing new products or incorporating new dyeing technologies, OHYoung first introduces and receives feedback from the Bangladesh dyeing market. Bangladesh has a large number of highly skilled workers, and these excellent human resources and accumulated know-how in the dyeing industry will continue to position Bangladesh as one of the important countries in the textile industry in the future.
Textile Focus: What are the main strengths of your product?
Jinwook Chung: Since established in 1981, OHYoung has been developing and producing reactive dyes and disperse dyes for textiles in its own single factory in Korea. Our sales revenue in 2024 was 150M USD and we export our products to over 50 countries around the world. Turkey, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt are key countries we’re exporting now. Our business motto, “Color is demand, reliability is our response.” shows how OHYoung is thinking of our business. Quality consistency is our core value which can not be compromised in any case. OHYoung is still manufacturing more than 90% products from raw materials in single Korean factory site to keep our core value.
Textile Focus: What about your R&D and culture for sustainability?
Jinwook Chung: OHYoung believes that the role of dyestuff companies in the future should evolve from manufacturers to service providers. The demands that dyeing factories receive from buyers or local communities are becoming increasingly complex and demanding. These immediate challenges are no longer something that dye factories can solve on their own, and dye factories will now need dye companies that fully understand various demands and can provide appropriate solutions, rather than dye companies that simply supply products. OHYoung has been preparing R&D and technical service programs for this future role change for a long time, and we were happy to communicate closely with customers through this seminar regarding what OHYoung is thinking and believing.
Photo (from left): Md. Rakibul Islam, Sr. Manager (Business Development), Textile Focus; Jinwook Chung, President, OHYOUNG Inc.; Mohammad Ashraful Islam, Editor, Textile Focus.
Textile Focus: To you what is the current crisis in the industry and what is your suggestion?
Jinwook Chung: I think the biggest crisis right now is the increased uncertainty caused by the sudden new tariff policy of the US and the decrease in demand due to the economic downturn caused by rising prices. The US is trying to create a new trade order, but this is largely a move to check China, so it is not something to be overly excited or worried about. I expect that negotiations will take place on a country-by-country basis during the 90-day grace period. Therefore, I think and I hope that after 90 days, the world can restore the previous trade order at least in the textile industry.
Textile Focus: Any message from you to the industry?
Jinwook Chung: Sustainability in the dyeing industry has now become the most critical issue, and dyeing factories in any country are not free from this. In the past, this sustainability was more conceptual, but now, what is different is that this sustainability is actively applied and practiced in industry and in our daily lives. Competition in the industry is now not a competition between companies, but a competition between networks. Ultimately, only by cooperating with partners who are well-prepared and understand sustainability can we maintain an advantage in competition. Bangladesh already occupies a very important position in the global textile industry, but I believe that if the utility infrastructure that can expand dyeing factories capacity can be invested, and the government’s interest in and support for the textile industry are added, Bangladesh will occupy an even more important position than it is now.
