APR founder and CEO Kim Byung-hoon is set to make a landmark appearance this week at the prestigious Business of Fashion’s Beauty Global Forum in the US. This marks a significant moment as he becomes the first Korean beauty leader invited to speak at the event, offering insights into the remarkable global rise of K-beauty.
The Business of Fashion, recognizing APR as “Korea’s hottest beauty company,” proudly announced Kim Byung-hoon’s inclusion in their exclusive Business of Beauty Global Forum lineup. He will engage in a high-profile fireside chat during the forum, which is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in scenic Napa Valley, California.
APR has confirmed that Kim Byung-hoon will delve into the driving forces behind K-beauty’s unprecedented global expansion. His discussion will also highlight APR’s innovative strategies in beauty technology and its ambitious international growth plans, showcasing the company’s unique approach to the global market.
This invitation is particularly rare and noteworthy, not only for the burgeoning K-beauty industry but also for Kim Byung-hoon himself, who typically maintains a low public profile. His presence places him alongside an elite roster of the beauty industry’s most influential figures, including Guillaume Motte, President and CEO of Sephora; Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President at Estee Lauder Companies; and Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, CEO of Unilever Prestige.
“This event carries immense significance for APR and serves as a powerful testament to the influence of the entire K-beauty industry,” noted a leading industry insider. “Kim Byung-hoon’s appearance on such a global stage is a statement of leadership in itself.”
This pivotal speaking engagement follows a period of accelerated growth that has firmly established APR as one of the most closely observed and dynamic companies within the global beauty sector.
Established in 2014, APR, the powerhouse behind popular brands like flagship Medicube, Aprilskin, and Forment, has impressively sustained 11 consecutive years of quarterly growth, demonstrating consistent market success and innovation.
The company’s financial performance has been stellar, with revenue more than doubling last year to 1.53 trillion won ($997 million) while operating profit nearly tripled. This growth trajectory continued into the first quarter of this year, with revenue climbing an additional 123 percent year-on-year. Notably, approximately 90 percent of APR’s sales now originate from vibrant overseas markets, underscoring its strong global footprint.
APR made a highly anticipated debut on the benchmark Kospi in February 2024, achieving an impressive market capitalization of 2.4 trillion won on its initial day of trading. As of Tuesday, APR’s market capitalization soared to roughly 14 trillion won, significantly surpassing longer-established Korean beauty rivals such as AmorePacific, valued just under 6 trillion won, and LG H&H at 3.4 trillion won.
This remarkable growth trajectory has propelled Kim Byung-hoon into the distinguished ranks of Korea’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. Forbes recognized his success by listing him 21st among Korea’s richest individuals earlier this year, further solidifying APR’s global impact with Time Magazine naming it among the world’s 100 most influential companies in 2026.
