KT&G Launches New ESSE IT'S KIIK YELLOW Cigarette for Duty-Free Market

KT&G, a leading South Korean tobacco company, has introduced a new cigarette variant for duty-free markets, ESSE IT S KIIK YELLOW, to enhance its product lineup and compete more effectively in the international travel retail sector. The new cigarette, which measures 100 millimeters, boasts an ultra-slim design and technology to minimize tobacco odor residue in the mouth after smoking.

With a yellow color scheme and the word "It's" as a prominent design element, the product is priced at $30 per carton, containing 1.0 milligram of tar and 0.10 milligram of nicotine per cigarette. Currently available at six major airports in South Korea and selected downtown duty-free outlets, the ESSE IT S KIIK YELLOW joins four other products in the ESSE IT S series, including ESSE IT S DEEP BROWN, ESSE IT S SOME PINK, ESSE IT S SOME BLUE, and the newly added KIIK YELLOW.

Since 2026, KT&G has been diversifying its duty-free offerings to cater to the diverse preferences of international travelers, with previous product launches including ESSE IT S SOME PINK and ESSE IT S SOME BLUE. The company has also introduced regional editions, such as ESSE CHANGE 1mg Jeju Edition and MIX ICE DOUBLE Jeju Vacation Edition, at the Jeju International Airport and selected downtown stores.

In September, KT&G participated in TFWA World 2026 in Cannes, France, to strengthen its international distribution network and explore potential partnerships with overseas distributors. With ESSE remaining a key asset in KT&G's global expansion strategy, the company aims to further diversify its duty-free product portfolio and enhance sales across airports and downtown retail locations to stay competitive in the ever-evolving market.