Suh Kyung-Bae Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Suh Kyung-Bae net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday — uncover the cosmetics mogul’s wealth, family life and personal journey.
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Suh Kyung-Bae Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Suh Kyung-Bae is a South Korean cosmetics magnate best known as the chairman and CEO of Amorepacific Corporation, the leading K-Beauty conglomerate behind brands like Sulwhasoo, Laneige and Innisfree — a driving force behind the global wave of Korean cosmetics.
Introduction
Suh Kyung-Bae, born January 14, 1963, has long stood at the intersection of heritage and innovation in the beauty industry. As the leader of Amorepacific, he has steered the company’s transformation from a domestic cosmetics firm into a global beauty powerhouse. According to recent evaluations, his net worth is approximately US$1.3 billion. He is married, with two children, reflecting a private family life alongside his public accomplishments.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suh Kyung-Bae |
| Age/Birthdate | January 14, 1963 |
| Birthday | January 14 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Profession | Chairman & CEO, Amorepacific Corporation |
| Estimated Net Worth | US$1.3 billion |
| Relationship Status | Married, with two children |
| Known For | Leading Amorepacific’s global expansion; advancing K-Beauty worldwide; philanthropic work through Suh Kyung-Bae Science Foundation |
From Family Roots to Global Vision
Suh Kyung-Bae’s journey is not just a business success story — it's a tale rooted in legacy, vision, and transformation. Born in Seoul into a family already immersed in skincare and cosmetics, he grew up with deep ties to the beauty heritage started by his father, Suh Sung-whan, and grandmother, Yun Dok‑jeong.
He completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Yonsei University and later earned an MBA from Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.
After joining the family business in a managerial role, Suh ascended to CEO in 1997 — a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a new era.
Defining moments in Suh Kyung-Bae’s journey include:
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Taking over the family business as CEO in 1997 and steering it through the Asian financial crisis with strategic focus.
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Refocusing the company exclusively on beauty and health products — divesting non-core businesses and consolidating cosmetic brands.
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Expanding internationally, launching and scaling marquee brands like Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Innisfree — laying the foundations for global “K-Beauty”.
Under his guidance, Amorepacific evolved from a local Korean cosmetic maker into a globally recognized beauty conglomerate, blending traditional ingredients inspired by his grandmother’s early formulations with modern branding and innovation.
The Core Pillars of Suh Kyung-Bae’s Wealth
The wealth of Suh Kyung-Bae is rooted in several key pillars, reflecting both the legacy of his family’s business and his strategic acumen.
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Leadership of Amorepacific Corporation — As chairman and CEO, Suh commands majority influence over the firm that owns some of Korea’s most iconic cosmetics brands.
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Global expansion and brand diversification — Under his stewardship, the company solidified a broad portfolio of beauty and skincare brands sold around the world, significantly expanding revenue and market reach.
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Strategic innovation & product development — Amorepacific’s pioneering of beauty innovations (such as cushion foundation technology) and consistent emphasis on R&D and premium positioning helped it stand out globally.
These pillars collectively sustained and grew Suh's wealth, enabling him to stay among South Korea’s wealthiest business figures.
Relationships & Personal Life
Despite his public profile, Suh Kyung-Bae maintains a relatively private personal life.
He is married and has two children, as commonly cited across multiple profiles. His upbringing — the second son among six siblings in a family deeply rooted in beauty and health traditions — likely influenced his appreciation for both heritage and innovation.
Key insights into Suh Kyung-Bae’s relationships and personal life:
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Comes from a large family; second son among six children.
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Married, father of two — though his spouse’s name is not widely publicized, consistent with his preference for privacy.
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Despite global business commitments, maintains ties to his Korean roots and heritage through both family legacy and cultural respect embedded in company ethos.
Beyond Business: Lifestyle, Interests & Philanthropy
Beyond the boardroom, Suh Kyung-Bae lives a life that reflects both passion and purpose.
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Art, culture, and philosophy: Known to have deep interest in art and history, he has described that had he not become a business executive, he might have pursued life as an art critic.
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Philanthropy & scientific support: In 2016, he established the Suh Kyung-bae Science Foundation to support basic scientific research. The foundation has awarded significant grants (1.5–2.5 billion won each) to scientists since 2017.
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Commitment to beauty heritage & sustainable values: Through Amorepacific’s emphasis on “beauty and health,” Suh frames cosmetics not only as consumer goods but as a way to enrich lives, bridging tradition and modern global wellness trends.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Suh’s financial standing reflects the strength of his business empire and its global footprint. The table below summarizes key components contributing to his net worth:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership & leadership stake in Amorepacific / business ventures | US$1.3 billion | Forbes real-time net worth estimate |
| Brand value, global expansion, and intangible assets (e.g. intellectual property, goodwill) | — (embedded in business value) | Corporate filings & company history |
| Philanthropic foundation & investments in science (long-term value & social capital) | Not publicly quantified | Foundation disclosures |
| Ancillary personal assets (private property, lifestyle, art collections, etc.) | Not publicly disclosed | Publicly available biographical data |
Analysis: While headline figures (such as the US$1.3 billion wealth estimate) provide a snapshot, a significant portion of Suh’s value lies in his ongoing leadership role, brand stewardship, and long-term investments in R&D and philanthropy — all of which promise continued influence and potential growth beyond raw net-worth numbers.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Suh Kyung-Bae is widely regarded as one of the architects of the global K-Beauty phenomenon. Under his leadership, Amorepacific helped popularize Korean cosmetics worldwide, blending Eastern beauty heritage with modern innovation.
He also earned acclaim as a high-performing CEO — being named among the world’s “Best-Performing CEOs” by Harvard Business Review and INSEAD in 2017, ranking #20 globally and #2 in Asia.
Through his philanthropic foundation, Suh invests in the future of science and culture in South Korea, which adds a dimension of social responsibility to his legacy beyond corporate success.
His public image is that of a thoughtful leader — someone who values tradition, innovation, and cultural continuity. This dual identity helps cement his reputation not only as a business magnate but as a cultural ambassador and patron of beauty, art, and knowledge.
Conclusion
Suh Kyung-Bae’s journey — from inheriting a family cosmetics firm to building a global beauty empire — showcases his vision, resilience, and steadfast commitment to innovation and heritage. With a reported net worth of US$1.3 billion, a successful and stable personal life, and a deep engagement with philanthropy and culture, he represents the intersection of wealth, influence, and purpose.
His birthdate, January 14, 1963, marks the beginning of a legacy that has reshaped how the world perceives beauty — blending tradition and modernity — while his birthday each year is a quiet reminder of the man behind the brands. Suh Kyung-Bae stands as a figure whose impact extends far beyond cosmetics: into science, culture, global business, and beyond.
