Michael ByungJu Kim built his fortune through a career in investment banking and private equity before cofounding MBK Partners in 2005 and scaling it into one of Asia's largest buyout firms. [1][2]
His wealth is tied to the private-equity firm he founded
Forbes says Michael Kim cofounded MBK Partners, the Seoul-based private-equity firm that bears his initials, and identifies the firm's ownership and investing business as the source of his fortune. [1]
Before MBK, Kim worked in senior investment-banking and private-equity roles, including leadership at Carlyle Asia, building a professional finance career before launching his own firm. [3]
MBK Partners says the firm was founded in 2005 and has grown around buyouts and special situations in North Asia, giving Kim a direct founder-era economic stake in the platform he helped create. [2]
MBK scaled into a major regional investment platform
In its 2023 annual letter, MBK reported more than $30 billion of capital under management, 72 investments since inception and $18.7 billion returned to investors across its funds. [2]
Forbes also points to large transactions such as Homeplus and ING Insurance Korea, reinforcing that Kim's billionaire wealth reflects the scale of the investment franchise built through MBK rather than an inherited operating company. [1][2]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 23, 2026.
- Michael Kim · Forbes · Apr 13, 2026
- 2023 Annual Letter · MBK Partners · Mar 25, 2024
- Michael B. Kim · Michael B. Kim
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