Bark "Leaping Forward as a Comprehensive Footwear Company Bringing Balance"

Shoes Developed Directly by Rehabilitation Medicine Doctors
Differentiated with a Triple-Layer Structure in a Single Slipper

"We aim to become a comprehensive footwear company that becomes a part of life and brings balance."

Beom Hee-jun, CEO of Bark, is giving a presentation at the 'Next Elevation 2nd Demo Day' held on the 27th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

On the 27th, Byeon Hee-jun, CEO of BARC, stated this at the demo day hosted by startup accelerator Next Elevation at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He said, "BARC will take on the challenge of starting a global brand created by doctors." BARC is a startup that produces 'recovery shoes' developed directly by rehabilitation medicine doctors. The company name BARC is derived from the first letters of the words Balance, Arch, Rehabilitation, and Comfort.

CEO Byeon emphasized that BARC can approach the general public. He explained, "We developed products based on materials and structures that minimize foot impact," adding, "Although the appearance may be similar to other shoes, we manufactured slippers with a triple-layer structure."

The part that touches the sole is shaped like an arch to support the sole well, and the part that contacts the ground uses a hard material. In the middle, the core technology called Balance Foam is inserted. Balance Foam is a material based on Ortholite, which is used to make custom insoles. CEO Byeon said, "Most ready-made products focus on cheap materials and marketing rather than structurally supporting the foot, which can actually harm foot health."

CEO Byeon also highlighted BARC's excellent scalability as an advantage. He said, "BARC does not only produce slippers but also has six lineups including clogs, slides, and flip-flops."

The target market includes all places where functional shoes are needed. This includes hospitals such as university hospitals and secondary hospitals, as well as cafes and beauty salons. CEO Byeon said, "While we are actively conducting B2B sales as purchases are made in large hospital operating rooms, we do not want to limit ourselves to medical shoes worn only by medical staff."

Beom Hee-jun, CEO of Bark, is giving a presentation at the 'Next Elevation 2nd Demo Day' held on the 27th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

BARC has recently focused on promoting its products. It participated in 'Viva Technology 2024' held in Paris, France, set up a booth at a hip-hop festival, and conducted a pilot TV commercial. Next year, it is preparing to showcase its patented custom insole technology at CES, the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition.

This year, BARC expects not only an increase in sales but also an increase in net profit through cost reduction. CEO Byeon emphasized, "Sales have been doubling every year, and this year we achieved a 28% cost reduction and are expected to reach the break-even point (BEP)."