Philo International Launches New IQOS ILUMA E-Cigarettes in Korea

Oct.25.2022
Philo International Launches New IQOS ILUMA E-Cigarettes in Korea
Fimo International's new generation e-cigarette device sparks competition in the Korean market. IQOS ILUMA aims to regain market share.

Phimo International's South Korean subsidiary has reignited competition in the domestic electronic cigarette market with the release of their next generation electronic cigarette device. With the launch of this new product, Phimo International's South Korean subsidiary hopes to reclaim the top spot in the Korean market, once again competing with KT&G for the highest market share.


On the morning of the 25th, Philip Morris International's Korean company held a press conference at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul to announce the official launch of their new product series, "IQOS ILUMA," in South Korea.


Yachek Olzac, CEO of Philip Morris' international South Korean company, stated, "By expanding its product portfolio through the release of multiple generations of IQOS, Philip Morris continues to innovate and pursue its vision of a smoke-free future. The launch of the IQOS Illuma series offers adult smokers a better choice and a game-changing opportunity to accelerate their transition from conventional smoking," he said.


With the release of new products, the focus is on whether Philip Morris Korea will regain its position as the leader in the domestic electronic cigarette market. Since the launch of IQOS in 2017, Philip Morris Korea has maintained its leading position in the domestic electronic cigarette market for about five years. However, in the first quarter of this year, KT&G's release of "Reel Solid 2.0" resulted in their taking the top market share position, with the gap widening in the second quarter. Just as Philip Morris Korea is set to launch new products to shake up the market, KT&G also plans to release new products on September 9 to solidify their position. Therefore, competition in the electronic cigarette market is expected to intensify by the end of the year.


Statement:


This article is compiled based on third-party information and is intended solely for industry professionals to exchange and learn from.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is solely for industry-related communication and research.


Due to limitations in the translator's skills, the translated article may not fully convey the intended meaning of the original text. Therefore, the original text should be considered the primary source.


2FIRSTS maintains a consistent stance with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related matters.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased IQOS heated tobacco systems and nicotine pouch products at Technovation 2026 in Buenos Aires on October 7–8, presenting research on consumer attitudes, regulatory developments and illicit cigarette trade across Latin America. PMI Chief Global Growth Officer Stefano Volpetti said smoke-free products accounted for more than 7% of the Mexico City market. Argentina repealed its heated tobacco ban in May 2026 and introduced registration requirements for tobacco and nicotine products, while local media reported nicotine pouch sales in Mendoza. A PMI-commissioned survey found that only 8% of respondents across four Latin American countries were familiar with nicotine pouches. A separate KPMG study estimated illicit cigarette consumption at 77 billion sticks across 11 markets in Latin America and Canada in 2025.
PMI
Oct.13
AIR Global Starts Debt Refinancing Four Months After Nasdaq Listing With About $400 Million Notes Expected
AIR Global Starts Debt Refinancing Four Months After Nasdaq Listing With About $400 Million Notes Expected
AIR Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of AIR Global, has launched an offering of U.S. dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes, with proceeds primarily intended to repay its existing term loan and revolving credit facility. AIR has not disclosed the final size, maturity or coupon; Refinitiv, citing Moody's, reported an expected issuance of approximately $400 million and a Ba3 rating. AIR had about $412.4 million outstanding under the two bank facilities at June 30 and net debt of $344.8 million. In the first half of 2026, AIR's Al Fakher-led flavored shisha molasses business generated about 99% of company revenue, while New Growth Categories including Crown Switch produced $2.2 million in revenue and remained loss-making on an adjusted EBITDA basis.
Sep.23
Altria Showcases Ploom, Marlboro Heated Tobacco Sticks and Non-Nicotine Energy Products at NACS Show 2026
Altria Showcases Ploom, Marlboro Heated Tobacco Sticks and Non-Nicotine Energy Products at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show, Altria displayed Ploom devices alongside imagery of Marlboro-branded heated tobacco sticks, while also featuring RIOT Energy and Proper Wild non-nicotine products. The booth showcased on! PLUS nicotine pouches, including 12 mg variants not listed among FDA-authorized products as of October 9, and NJOY e-cigarettes. Altria also presented convenience-store traffic figures highlighting its retail presence. 2Firsts examines the company's expanded product portfolio, non-nicotine business activities and the regulatory status of products displayed at the show.
EXPO
Oct.10
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. disclosed several oral nicotine-related patent applications in August 2026, including two that approach staged nicotine release from different directions. One uses a high-viscosity membrane that forms inside the pouch after contact with saliva to slow rapid early release, while the other uses gradient particles with a faster-disintegrating outer layer and a slower core to create a fast-to-sustained release profile. Together, the filings explore how nicotine pouches could balance initial delivery with release later in use.
Sep.03
PMI CEO Attends Opening of IQOS Global Flagship in Tokyo’s Ginza as 1,814 Limited ILUMA i PRIME Sets Launch
PMI CEO Attends Opening of IQOS Global Flagship in Tokyo’s Ginza as 1,814 Limited ILUMA i PRIME Sets Launch
IQOS opened its first global flagship, IQOS Flagship Ginza, in Tokyo on September 4, 2026, replacing the former IQOS Store Ginza after nearly a decade of operation. The new location expands conventional product retail into member lounges, digital experiences, art installations and brand programming. IQOS also launched a Ginza-exclusive IQOS ILUMA i PRIME set limited to 1,814 individually numbered units, priced at JPY11,980, or about US$77. PMI Sales Strategy Consultant Yuji M. later said on LinkedIn that more than 500 people had lined up from the night before the opening.
Sep.07
Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
RELX and UK e-liquid brand T-Juice have launched the Prime Pro × Red Astaire bundle in France, combining the RELX Prime Pro open-system pod device with T-Juice’s signature Red Astaire nicotine salt e-liquid. The collaboration retains the existing Prime Pro hardware platform while using an established flavor brand to create a complete open-system offering. The product appeared in French retail and distribution channels in August 2026 and represents a co-branded retail bundle rather than a new device launch.
Aug.27