“I find myself blinking less often while looking at my smartphone. Blue light (the blue-tinted light emitted from electronic devices), fine dust in the air, and ultraviolet rays are contributing factors to the increasing cases of presbyopia or age-related eye diseases starting from the 20s to 30s.”
Jeon Ui-jin, the CEO of Malang Tank, noted, “The need for eye care is growing, but realistically, there hasn't been anything helpful other than artificial tears.” He explained the background of starting the company.
Established in May 2023, Malang Tank launched the brand "Solutioner" this January, focusing on eye care items, referencing studies that emphasize the significant role of humidity in eye health.
The name of the company, Malang Tank, implies a sturdy and resolute vehicle that moves forward with flexibility and serves as a creative and adaptable storage for ideas. "Solutioner" embodies the aspiration to provide solutions for the needs in our daily lives.
"Doctor Eye" is the flagship product of Solutioner, specifically designed as an eye humidifier. Generally, humidifiers have limitations in that they are difficult to use in specific areas. Additionally, storing water in a tank form has the drawback of not being fully utilized, which can lead to bacteria breeding in stagnant water.
"Doctor Eye" has the advantage of being lightweight and easy to use one-handed, featuring a design that allows for immediate spraying even when water is added drop by drop.
The company explained that it has made efforts to minimize hygiene issues by manufacturing using antimicrobial and sterilized materials. Jeon said, “The design allows for use drop by drop and is currently under patent application.”
"Doctor Eye" was also named in the "2024 Seoul Award," where the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) selects products from Seoul-based small and medium enterprises (SME) suitable for overseas market entry.
It is sold through the company’s mall, open markets, and closed malls, as well as offline at places like Sangsang Bookstore and Happy Department Store. Its regular price is 48,900 won, but it can be purchased for around 20,000 won with discount benefits.
In addition, Solutioner manufactures and sells "Eye Warmer," which can be used to apply heat to the eyes, and "Today is Clear Lutein," a health functional food beneficial for eye health. In the future, it is considering the manufacture of medical devices related to eye care.
The company plans to build awareness for eye humidifiers and focus on promoting the products developed this year. Alongside this, it aims to explore international markets and expand into various countries, including Japan and the United States, where there is significant interest in eye care. Malang Tank has already completed its entry into Amazon.
Jeon emphasized, “We will strive to differentiate our products and establish entry barriers for the brand through continuous research and development.”
Meanwhile, Malang Tank is a resident company of Dongguk University’s CAMPUSTOWN and is receiving support from the Seoul City and Dongguk University CAMPUSTOWN. The Dongguk University CAMPUSTOWN project team plans and promotes various startup and incubation programs, including providing startup support spaces, practical education, enhancing startup items, and offering ongoing consulting from experts in various business fields.