Michael Kim

Michael Kim (#337)

I always thought the success I've had is due to some talent, yes, hard work, yes, but it's also due to luck. Recognition of that is critical to giving you a sense of reality and it's from that recognition that you get humility.

$ 10 B
Private equity
United States
M
62 Years

About Me

Michael Kim cofounded MBK Partners, the Seoul-based private equity firm that bears his initials and manages more than $33 billion in assets. His ING Insurance Korea, which went public in 2017, was the first company wholly owned by a private equity firm to list on the Korean exchange. In 2015 his firm's $6.1 billion takeover of Tesco's Korean operation, Homeplus, marked the country's biggest private-equity deal to date. Kim was born in South Korea and was educated in the U.S. from preparatory school onward; he obtained U.S. citizenship along the way. He is an avid art collector and sits on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Achievements

Career Highlights

A snapshot of the defining milestones, leadership decisions, and breakthroughs that shaped Michael Kim’s rise and global influence.

#2 Korea's 50 Richest (2026)
#346 Billionaires (2026)
#130 Forbes 400 (2025)

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Michael Kim’s net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Current Net Worth: $9.9B (May 4, 2026)