October 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom Lineup in South Korea with Launch of EVO Slate
Japan Tobacco (JT) has expanded its heated tobacco portfolio with the release of EVO Slate, a new stick variant designed for its Ploom device line. Developed in response to strong market demand for intense menthol profiles, EVO Slate delivers the most powerful cooling sensation in the Evo range. The addition of EVO Slate brings the total Evo lineup to 11 distinct options, including four cool-flavor choices alongside EVO Arctic, EVO Green Option, and EVO Jade.
Like the rest of the line, EVO Slate incorporates JT’s proprietary Clean Seal technology, which seals the bottom of the stick to prevent tobacco leaf residue from spilling into the device heating chamber, as well as ActivBlend to deliver a rich, consistent flavor profile. EVO Slate was introduced specifically for consumers seeking a stronger cooling sensation as the company continues to expand diverse options tailored to consumer preferences.
EVO Slate is priced at ₩4,500 ($3.35) per pack and is currently sold at convenience stores across Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province. The launch coincides with broader portfolio updates for the Ploom brand, which recently included a limited-edition release of the Ploom AURA device in new color combinations.
August 2026: Philip Morris Korea Expands IQOS ILUMA Lineup with Launch of ‘TEREA Rimona Pearl’
Philip Morris Korea announced the release of “TEREA Rimona Pearl,” a new capsule-type tobacco stick for its flagship IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, expanding its specialized flavor portfolio for adult consumers. The new TEREA Rimona Pearl features an embedded flavor capsule that releases a blend of refreshing fruity aroma and a crisp cooling sensation when clicked. The stick also incorporates a fresh filter designed to enhance smooth delivery. With this release, Philip Morris Korea’s “Fresh Blend” capsule lineup expands to five distinct choices, joining existing options: Oasis Pearl, Sun Pearl, Shine Pearl, and Riviera Pearl.
Priced at ₩4,800 (US$3.5) per pack, TEREA Rimona Pearl is available across South Korea at official IQOS retail locations and major convenience stores. The product launch comes as consumer demand in South Korea’s heated tobacco market transitions from basic device adoption to more granular preferences involving flavor variants, aromas, and capsule features.
Philip Morris Korea continues to push a multi-category smoke-free strategy in the country, maintaining both its IQOS heated tobacco ecosystem and expanding distribution of its VEEV liquid e-cigarette platform across nationwide retail networks.
June 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom EVO Lineup with New “Yellow Option” Capsule Stick
Japan Tobacco (JT) has launched a new heated tobacco stick, “EVO Yellow Option,” exclusively for its Ploom device. The product introduces a capsule-based format featuring the yellow capsule from the Mevius LBS cigarette range, designed to deliver a fresh, cooling flavor experience when activated. The new variant responds to growing consumer demand for capsule-style products. When the capsule is crushed, it releases a stronger burst of freshness and coolness compared with earlier EVO sticks.
EVO Yellow Option incorporates CleanSeal technology, which seals the stick base to prevent tobacco residue from entering the device, and ActivBlend, JTI’s proprietary blend designed to enhance flavor delivery in combination with Ploom Aura’s Smart HeatFlow system. With this addition, the EVO range expands to nine variants, including Amber, Arctic, Green Option, Jade, Magenta, Purple Option, Pink Option, Beige Option, and Yellow Option. The Yellow Option becomes the fifth capsule-based product in the lineup. The product is priced at ₩4,500 won and will initially be available in convenience stores across Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province.
April 2026: KT&G Expands Lil Able Portfolio with New AIIM Sticks and Device Upgrade
KT&G announced the nationwide launch of two new AIIM sticks designed for its Lil Able heated tobacco platform. The new variants – AIIM Change Up and AIIM Cool Shot – will be available in convenience stores at a price of ₩4,800 (US$3.25). Both products build on existing Lil Solid-exclusive sticks, Fit Change Up and Fit Cool Shot, adapting those flavor profiles for compatibility with the Lil Able system. With their introduction, the AIIM series of dedicated sticks for Lil Able now comprises a total of 13 variants, further broadening the platform’s flavor range.
In February 2026, KT&G also began a pre-sale of the latest device in the lineup, the Lil Able 3.0, at its flagship store, Lil Minimalium. The updated model reduces full charging time by half compared with its predecessor and shortens preheating time by approximately 10 seconds. The company plans to expand distribution of the device to convenience stores across the Seoul area starting next month.
April 2026: KT&G Expands Lil Hybrid Portfolio with New “Mix Cigar Collection”
KT&G has announced the nationwide launch of its “Mix Cigar Collection,” a new dedicated stick for its Lil Hybrid heated tobacco device, now available in convenience stores. The product introduces a “Balance Filter” – a first for the Mix series – designed with internal space to enhance customization of the user experience. It also incorporates 18% cigar leaf content to deliver a more authentic, cigar-like flavor profile.
With this addition, KT&G’s Mix lineup for the Lil Hybrid expands to 16 variants, alongside existing offerings such as Mix, Ice Double, and Ice Bang.
First introduced in 2018, the Lil Hybrid combines KT&G’s proprietary technology, using both liquid cartridges and tobacco sticks simultaneously. The latest iteration, Lil Hybrid 3.0, launched in 2023, features three selectable modes – Standard, Classic for a stronger experience, and Casual, which reduces preheating time to 10 seconds. The device also allows unlimited pauses during use, with a total session time of up to two minutes per stick.
April 2026: BAT Refreshes “Neo Boost” for glo HYPER with Focus on Cooling and Convenience
British American Tobacco (BAT) has unveiled a refreshed version of its “Neo Boost” tobacco sticks, designed for the glo HYPER heated tobacco platform. The upgrade centers on enhancing the overall user experience through improved freshness and cooling sensation. The updated product uses a lighter, more refined tobacco blend combined with a flavor capsule system that maintains a consistent cooling effect from the first puff to the last. In addition to flavor enhancements, the product retains BAT’s StickSeal technology, which helps prevent tobacco residue from accumulating inside the device. This reduces the need for manual cleaning and improves overall convenience and hygiene.
The Neo range for glo HYPER now includes around 10 variants, with the upgraded Boost positioned as part of a broader effort to respond to evolving consumer preferences for cleaner and more refreshing heated tobacco experiences.
March 2026: KT&G Consolidates Lil Able Stick Portfolio Under AIIM Brand
KT&G has announced plans to consolidate the product lineup for its Lil Able heated tobacco device under the AIIM brand. The reorganization brings together 11 existing products – comprising four Real stick variants, six Granular stick variants, and one Vapor Stick variant – into a single brand structure.
Following the consolidation, the Lil Able stick portfolio will include a total of 15 AIIM-branded products. Of these, 11 variants are priced at ₩4,800 (US$3.2) and positioned to offer a range of flavor options, while four variants are priced at ₩4,500 (US$3) and focus on a more traditional tobacco profile. The updated products will be introduced sequentially as existing inventory is depleted. The consolidation is intended to simplify the product lineup and improve ease of selection for consumers.
March 2026: Japan Tobacco Rebrands Ploom Tobacco Sticks in South Korea with Launch of EVO
Japan Tobacco (JT) announced that it will replace the existing “Mevius for Ploom” stick range with a new exclusive brand, EVO, for its Ploom heated tobacco device. The new brand reflects Ploom’s positioning as a modern and continuously evolving platform while maintaining the core characteristics of the previous stick lineup, including a focus on delivering the authentic taste of tobacco. EVO is positioned as a premium stick range designed specifically for Ploom devices, with improvements aimed at enhancing overall product quality, flavor delivery, and user experience.
The sticks incorporate several proprietary technologies, including “Clean Seal,” which seals the bottom of the stick to prevent tobacco residue from entering the device and to provide a cleaner heated-tobacco experience. JT’s blending technology, known as “Active Blend,” is also used and works together with Ploom’s “Heat Flow” heating system to deliver a deeper and richer tobacco flavor. The EVO lineup includes eight variants – Amber, Arctic, Green Option, Jade, Magenta, Purple Option, Pink Option, and Baize Option – closely reflecting the flavor profiles previously offered in the “Mevius for Ploom” range while introducing refinements to the product experience.
February 2026: Philip Morris International launches TEREA Shine Pearl
Philip Morris International (PMI) launched TEREA Shine Pearl, a tobacco stick for exclusive use with the IQOS ILUMA series. TEREA Riviera Pearl is a new addition to the capsule lineup within the TEREA portfolio. It features a cool taste at first, which transforms into a refreshing and tangy flavor when the capsule is crushed. The launch follows the introduction of TEREA Riviera Pearl in September 2025 and expands the TEREA capsule product to a total of seven varieties in South Korea.
September 2025: Philip Morris International launches TEREA Riviera Pearl
Philip Morris International (PMI) launched TEREA Riviera Pearl, a tobacco stick for exclusive use with the IQOS ILUMA series. TEREA Riviera Pearl is a new addition to the capsule lineup within the TEREA portfolio. It features a cool taste at first, which transforms into a refreshing and vibrant flavor when the capsule is crushed. Along with the existing TEREA Oasis Pearl, this product targets adult smokers who prefer a harmonious blend of coolness and unique flavors delivered through a capsule. With this launch, the TEREA capsule product lineup has expanded to a total of six varieties in South Korea.
Alongside the new product launch, the TEREA pack design will also be upgraded: while maintaining the existing visual cues, a more sophisticated design will be gradually introduced across all TEREA products.
September 2025: British American Tobacco applied StickSeal technology to all 10 neo stick variants
British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that it has fully applied “StickSeal technology” to all 10 neo stick variants for exclusive use with glo Hyper heated tobaccod device. StickSeal technology seals the tip of the stick to prevent tobacco leaf residue accumulating in the device and eliminate the need for cleaning the device with a special brush. Neo sticks can be purchased at major convenience stores and tobacco retailers nationwide and retail at ₩4,800 (US$3.4).
August 2025: Philip Morris launches SENTIA Classic Dark Green tobacco sticks
Philip Morris Korea launched SENTIA Classic Dark Green tobacco sticks, for exclusive use with its IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco device. The new product features a stronger menthol flavor compared to the existing “Classic Green”, delivering a deeper, more refreshing taste.
With this launch, the SENTIA line-up extends to five products: SENTIA Classic Gold (original, smooth flavor), SENTIA Classic Silver (balanced, clean flavor), SENTIA Classic Purple (refreshing, unique flavor), SENTIA Classic Green (subtly refreshing flavor), and SENTIA Classic Dark Green (deep, refreshing flavor). The SENTIA products are available at nine directly-operated IQOS stores as well as major convenience stores nationwide.
Launched in April 2025, SENTIA is the lower-priced consumable range for IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco device. SENTIA is produced at Philip Morris Korea’s Yangsan factory.
August 2025: KT&G launches more affordable heated tobacco sticks, RAIIM
With the hope to solidify its narrow lead in the heated tobacco category, KT&G launches more affordable RAIIM tobacco sticks for exclusive use with lil devices. The new RAIIM line-up comes in 4 flavors: RAIIM Regular (the rich original taste of tobacco), RAIIM Ice (strong cooling), RAIIM Ice Mid (mild cooling) and RAIIM Velvet (a unique flavor). With the addition of 4 RAIIM variants, the number of Lil Able-exclusive sticks increases to 19 – including 6 Real, 7 Granular and 2 Vapor Stick variants. Recommended retail price for the RAIIM line-up is ₩4,500 ($3.22) per pack, which is ₩300 ($0.21) cheaper than the mainline.
Heated tobacco category is set to gross ₩4 trillion ($2.9 billion) in South Korea in 2025. With a robust 10% p.a. growth rate, the category could surpass the ₩5 trillion mark over the next three years.
August 2025: British American Tobacco launches two new neo capsule products
British American Tobacco (BAT) launched two new neo capsule products, neo Island Click and neo Blush Click, for exclusive use with its glo heated tobacco device. Neo Island Click comes with a soft, refreshing scent, adding a tropical-inspired, tart flavor when the capsule is crushed. Neo Blush Click has a gently cool scent, adding a sweet flavor when the capsule is crushed. Both products feature “StickSeal” technology, which seals the tip of the stick, preventing tobacco residue from remaining inside the glo Hyper pro device after use. BAT claims that application of StickSeal technology significantly improves user satisfaction in terms of convenience (i.e. no cleaning required) and odor reduction.
June 2025: Philip Morris launches TEREA Twilight Pearl tobacco sticks in South Korea
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA Twilight Pearl, a new capsule-type tobacco sticks for exclusive use with IQOS ILUMA and IQOS ILUMA i devices. TEREA Twilight Pearl is characterized by the unique, rich flavor of tobacco, which changes into a refreshing (menthol/mint) flavor when the capsule built into the stick is crushed. TEREA Twilight Pearl is be available for purchase at IQOS official stores and convenience stores nationwide and the recommended retail price is ₩4,800 (US$3.55) – on par with the TEREA line-up and KT&G’s heated tobacco sticks. with this launch, TEREA capsule product line-up (TEREA Pearl) will be extended to a total of 5 products: TEREA Twilight Pearl, TEREA Starling Pearl, TEREA Arbor Pearl, TEREA Sun Pearl and TEREA Oasis Pearl.
June 2025: KT&G launches Granular Haze sticks for lil heated tobacco devices
KT&G launched Granular Haze sticks, for exclusive use with lil ABLE devices, at convenience stores nationwide. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is ₩4,800 (US$3.55). With this launch, the dedicated sticks for lil ABLE have expanded to a total of 15 variants: 6 REAL (cut tobacco), 7 GRANULAR (granulated) and 2 VAPOR (e-liquid) sticks. GRANULAR line-up now includes Twice, Blooming, Couple, Ice Rush, Ice Snow, Ice and Haze variants.
KT&G launched lil ABLE 2.0 in June 2024, featuring fully revamped functionality/design and two smoking modes (Classic & Balance). Lil Able 2.0 comes with a reduction in preheating time by 20% and enhanced user convenience features, such as pause and fast charging. Three types of consumables (sticks) can be used with lil ABLE 2.0. In a close race with Philip Morris Korea for the leadership in the South Korean new nicotine products market, KT&G is continuously expanding its product portfolio of dedicated sticks for the lil platform.
May 2025: KT&G launches MiiX Ice Moa sticks for lil HYBRID devices
KT&G announced the launch of “MiiX Ice Moa”, a new heated tobacco stick variant, in convenience stores nationwide. The “MiiX Ice Moa” is designed exclusively for use with lil Hybrid devices and comes in a bold yellow-green and pink pack. lil Hybrid now features a MiiX line-up of 14 tobacco sticks, including the best-selling “Ice Double” and “Ice Bang” variants.
April 2025: KT&G lowers the price of 8 fiit heated tobacco sticks
As the competition heats up in the South Korean heated tobacco market, KT&G lowers the Retail Selling Price (RSP) of 8 fiit tobacco stick variants, exclusively for use with lil SOLID device, from ₩4,500 ($3.14) to ₩4,300 ($3.00). Reduced prices will be effective from May 1, 2025. Philip Morris Korea (PMK)’s SENTIA and TEREA tobacco sticks, exclusively for use with IQOS heated tobacco device, retail at ₩4,500 ($3.14) and ₩4,800 ($3.35), respectively. With this move, KT&G aims to offer a line of fiit consumables below the PMK’s lower-priced SENTIA line – in the close race for heated tobacco category leadership, where KT&G holds a narrow 1-2pp lead.
April 2025: British American Tobacco revamps Neo sticks with the StickSeal technology
British American Tobacco’s South Korean affiliate, BAT Rothmans, announced the revamp of 5 Neo sticks (Dark Tobacco, Shine Boost, Purple Boost, Fresco, and Boost) for exclusive use with Glo Hyper heated tobacco. The revamp improved the user convenience by sealing the end of the stick (“StickSeal”) so that no tobacco leaves remain inside the Glo heated tobacco device after use. Consequently, it is no longer needed to clean the device with a brush. The revamped pack design is inspired by Glo’s 2025 “Live Life in Color” campaign. Sensory design elements, such as brushstrokes, are featured on the pack to offer a sense of vitality of everyday life. BAT plans to extend the application of sealing to all its heated tobacco sticks produced at the Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do manufacturing plant in 2025.
April 2025: Philip Morris Korea launches Sentia tobacco sticks
Philip Morris Korea (PMK) launched Sentia tobacco sticks for exclusive use with IQOS ILUMA device. PMK stated that Sentia offers the familiar taste of combustible cigarettes to ease up the transition to heated tobacco and is a product for adult smokers who are new to the heated tobacco category. It features a simple and intuitive flavor composition that is different than the existing TEREA line-up of 18 products.
Sentia retails at ₩4,500 ($3.1) and is introduced in 4 flavor variants: Sentia Classic Gold (original smooth taste), Sentia Classic Silver (balanced clean taste), Sentia Classic Purple (refreshing & unique taste) and Sentia Classic Green (subtly cooling taste). Sentia will be available at 9 IQOS boutiques and in major convenience stores nationwide, including the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. Both Sentia and Terea sticks are produced at PMK factories located in Yangsan in Gyeongsangnam-do provience.
March 2025: KT&G launches MiiX Bonasome sticks for lil HYBRID devices
KT&G launched MiiX Bonasome sticks, designed exclusively for use with lil Hybrid devices, at convenience stores across South Korea. lil Hybrid heats MiiX tobacco sticks and e-liquid cartridges simultaneously to release an enhanced aerosol.
With this new launch, lil Hybrid line-up expanded to a total of 13 products, including the MiiX Mix (fruit-mint fusion), MiiX Ice Double (extra cooling), MiiX Ice Bang and MiiX Bluesome variants. MiiX Bonasome retails at ₩4,500 (US$3.1) won per pack and follows the launch of dual-flavor MiiX Breen variant in January 2025.
