Billionaire Profile
Suh Kyung-bae
Global Rank
#2820

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Suh Kyung-bae

CEO, Cosmetics
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.37B
Estimated based on Cosmetics stock value as of April 21, 2026
-0.86% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Cosmetics
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Suh Kyung-bae is the Chairman of Amorepacific, South Korea's largest cosmetics and skincare maker by revenue. Born in 1963, he inherited the company from his father in 1997 and has since spearheaded its global expansion, capitalizing on the Hallyu wave to grow brands like Sulwhasoo and Laneige internationally. With a bachelor's degree from Yonsei University and an MBA from Cornell University, Suh has transformed Amorepacific into a global beauty powerhouse. His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Forbes Asia's Businessman of the Year in 2015. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $1.4 Billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Suh Kyung-bae was born in South Korea on January 14, 1963. He is the son of Suh Sung-whan, the founder of Amorepacific Corporation. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Yonsei University and an MBA from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.

Rise to Success

Suh inherited Amorepacific in 1997. Under his leadership, Amorepacific experienced significant global expansion, becoming one of the world's most innovative companies. He spearheaded aggressive restructuring by divesting non-core assets to refocus on the beauty and health sectors. Amorepacific's revenue reached approximately $3 billion by 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Suh focused on expanding the brand internationally. He has more than 20 major brands and sells its products in 14 markets. He has been investing heavily in research and development to create high-quality products. He also emphasizes a customer-centric philosophy and sustainability initiatives.

Philanthropy

Suh established the Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation in 2016.

Career Milestones

1987

Joined Amorepacific

Began his career at Amorepacific

1997

CEO of Amorepacific

Took over the family business from his father

2006

Légion d'honneur

Received the Légion d'honneur from the French government

2015

Businessman of the Year

Named Forbes Asia's Businessman of the Year

2016

Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation

Established the Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Science and Research

Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation

Undisclosed

Awards grants to scientists for research

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Customer-centricity

Putting the customer at the center of every business decision

R&D Investment

Investing heavily in research and development to create the best products