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LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
S
Global Rank
#2658

Image: Park, Kisung | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Suh Kyung-bae

CEO, Cosmetics
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.371B
Estimated based on Cosmetics stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.87% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Cosmetics
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Suh Kyung-bae is a South Korean billionaire businessman and the chairman of Amorepacific Corporation, a leading cosmetics and skincare company. Born in 1963, Suh earned an MBA from Cornell University and inherited the company from his father in 1997. Under his leadership, Amorepacific experienced significant global expansion, becoming one of the world's most innovative companies and capitalizing on the Hallyu wave. As of April 2025, his net worth is $1.47 billion, reflecting his success in the cosmetics industry.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Suh Kyung-bae was born in South Korea on January 14, 1963. He is the youngest of six children. 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 joined Pacific Chemicals (later Amorepacific) in 1987. In 1997, he inherited the company from his father, Suh Sung-whan, and became CEO. He then guided the company's global expansion. Under Suh's leadership, Amorepacific became one of the world's 100 most innovative companies.

Key Business Strategies

Suh focused on a global rebalancing strategy, strengthening premium brands, and capitalizing on the Hallyu wave (the surge in popularity of Korean culture). He has been praised for his entrepreneurial mindset and insights into understanding potential markets and developing new, innovative products.

Philanthropy

In 2016, Suh established the Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation. Since 2017, the foundation has awarded grants to scientists.

Career Milestones

1987

Joined Pacific Chemicals

Began his career at Pacific Chemicals, which later became Amorepacific.

1997

CEO of Amorepacific

Inherited the company from his father and became CEO, guiding its global expansion.

2006

Légion d'honneur

Received the Légion d'honneur from the French government.

2015

Businessman of the Year

Selected as 'Businessman of the Year' by Forbes Asia Magazine.

2017

Top CEO Ranking

Ranked world's 20th, Asia's 2nd best-performing CEO by Harvard Business Review and INSEAD Business School.

2016

Founded Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation

Established a foundation to support scientific research.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Science

Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports innovative research in basic science and promotes bioscience.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Perhaps it sounds cliché, but conviction is important. There was once a time in Korea when many people said that Korean cosmetics would never make it in the global marketplace. But we held fast to our beliefs and redoubled our efforts, somehow understanding the value of perseverance."

"You're more resilient when you do what you love, regardless of what others may think. It was not easy, but I embraced setbacks as necessary, and I believe you can do the same."

Leadership Principles

Conviction

Believing in the vision and persevering through challenges is key to success.

Resilience

Embracing setbacks and learning from them is crucial for long-term achievement.

Innovation

Exploring emerging opportunities and developing new, innovative products.

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