KT&G’s Heated Tobacco Brand “lil” Named to Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for Eighth Consecutive Year

Jan.26

KT&G said its heated tobacco brand “lil” was selected as an outstanding brand in the heated tobacco category of the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame,” marking its eighth straight year on the list. The awards are organized by the Industrial Policy Research Institute (IPS) and determined through a composite evaluation of customer satisfaction, brand value and market performance.

Quick Takeaways

“lil” was named an outstanding brand in the relevant category of the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame,” marking eight consecutive years on the list.
The awards are organized by the Industrial Policy Research Institute (IPS) and based on a composite assessment including customer satisfaction, brand value and market performance.
KT&G said it maintained the No. 1 market share in South Korea’s heated tobacco market as of the first half of last year.
The “lil” device lineup includes three models: lil SOLID, lil HYBRID and lil AIBLE.
The dedicated stick lineup comprises about 40 variants.

2Firsts, January 26, 2026

According to Korea Financial Economic News, KT&G said its heated tobacco brand “lil” was selected as an outstanding brand in the heated tobacco category of the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame,” marking its eighth consecutive year on the list.

The report said the “Korea Brand Hall of Fame” awards are organized by the Industrial Policy Research Institute (Industrial Policy Research Institute, IPS) and winners are determined through a comprehensive evaluation of annual customer satisfaction, brand value and market performance.

KT&G added that it maintained the leading market share in South Korea’s heated tobacco market as of the first half of last year.

On its product lineup, KT&G said that since launching “lil SOLID” in 2017, it has operated three devices including “lil HYBRID” and “lil AIBLE.” Among them, “lil HYBRID” combines an e-cigarette-style liquid component with heated tobacco and features an automatic preheating function called “Smart On.” “lil AIBLE” offers selectable modes, a shorter preheating time and a pause function.

As for dedicated sticks, KT&G said it offers around 40 variants tailored to different devices.

Cover image source: Korea Financial Economic News

References:

[1] KT&G ‘릴’, 대한민국 브랜드 명예의 전당 8년 연속 선정

Also Read:

[1] South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case

[2] KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas

[3] KT&G Revises Partnership Terms with PMI, Secures Overseas Commercialization Rights for Multiple Heated Tobacco Platforms

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