The Korea Direct Selling Association held its 34th Annual General Meeting at the Cheongdam Riviera Hotel on February 11, 2026. The meeting reviewed the 2025 business and financial statements, the 2026 business plan, and the budget.
The meeting also included an opportunity to present and share the program and plans for the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) 2026 World Congress on Direct Selling, to be held in October 2026.
The meeting was attended by Chairman Park Han-gil, keynote speaker Shaila Manyam, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the WFDSA, and Incheon Tourism Organization President Yoo Ji-sang, along with representatives from member companies and partners.
Shaila Manyam, who visited Korea from the U.S. to attend the annual general meeting, said that Korea is a major market for the global direct selling industry and a place where a people-centered business culture is alive and well. She also said that even in an era where AI technology is rapidly spreading, the direct selling industry puts people at the center of success and focuses on human resource development, high ethical standards, economic growth, and sustainability based on technological prowess.
It was also emphasized that Korea is a country with significant global influence, accounting for $164
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WFDSA Reports: Direct Selling Remained Steady Amid Global Economic Shifts
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The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) Releases Annual Definitive Data on Global Industry, Showing Signs of Stabilization
The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), the global trade association representing the direct selling industry for 47 years, released its latest STATS report, showing global stability and potential growth.
Download the full Report – PDF
Report Highlights
Direct selling remained around $164 billion in global retail sales, an increase of $675 million over pre-pandemic sales, with 45% of markets in the study showing increases. The number of independent representatives grew slightly over last year to 104.3 million, 72.1% of whom are women.
The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest by market share, fueled by emerging players like Malaysia, but the Americas grew the most in 2024. In addition, the number of “billion-dollar markets” in 2024 stayed consistent at 21. The STATS report tracked demographic shifts among independent entrepreneurs and product categories. Wellness products continue to dominate the industry along with cosmetics and personal care – including K-beauty brands.
“With its relatively low start-up costs, strong community support and high-quality products, direct selling is a resilient and appealing pathway for entrepreneurs around the world, especially women, and more men are becoming involved as well,”
noted Shaila