Michael ByungJu Kim is a prominent Korean American businessman, widely recognized as the founder and chairman of MBK Partners, a reputable private equity firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. With a distinguished career in the financial sector, Kim has earned the nickname “Godfather of Asian private equity” for his influential role in shaping the industry.
Co-founding MBK Partners, Kim has overseen the firm’s growth to manage assets totaling more than $26 billion. Notably, his leadership led to the successful public listing of ING Insurance Korea in 2017, marking a significant milestone as the first company wholly owned by a private equity firm to list on the Korean exchange.
One of Kim’s noteworthy achievements includes MBK Partners’ $6.1 billion acquisition of Tesco’s Korean operation, Homeplus, in September 2015. This landmark deal stands as the largest private equity transaction in the country’s history, further cementing Kim’s reputation as a formidable force in the financial realm.
Born in South Korea, Kim pursued his education in the United States from preparatory school onwards, eventually obtaining U.S. citizenship. Beyond his business endeavors, Kim is recognized for his passion for art and serves on the board of the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Through his multifaceted career and philanthropic endeavors, Michael ByungJu Kim continues to make significant contributions to both the business world and the cultural landscape, leaving a lasting impact on society.
