Michael B. Kim

Michael B. Kim’s Biography

Michael B. Kim is a philanthropist and an influential figure in South Korean finance. Michael is the founder and partner of MBK Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in Northeast Asia with assets exceeding US$30 billion.

Based in Seoul, MBK Partners is recognized for its control-oriented buyouts and value creation through operational improvements. The company invests in telecom/media/technology, financial services, healthcare, logistics and retail industries.

Throughout his career, Michael B. Kim has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on expanding access to education and cultivating future leaders. Central to these efforts is the MBK Scholarship Foundation, which he founded to support students with exceptional leadership potential who may otherwise lack the resources to pursue higher education. The foundation reflects Michael’s belief that education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term social impact, and it is designed not only to provide financial assistance, but also to empower scholars to become responsible... Michael B. Kim is a philanthropist and an influential figure in South Korean finance. Michael is the founder and partner of MBK Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in Northeast Asia with assets exceeding US$30 billion.

Based in Seoul, MBK Partners is recognized for its control-oriented buyouts and value creation through operational improvements. The company invests in telecom/media/technology, financial services, healthcare, logistics and retail industries.

Throughout his career, Michael B. Kim has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on expanding access to education and cultivating future leaders. Central to these efforts is the MBK Scholarship Foundation, which he founded to support students with exceptional leadership potential who may otherwise lack the resources to pursue higher education. The foundation reflects Michael’s belief that education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term social impact, and it is designed not only to provide financial assistance, but also to empower scholars to become responsible leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.

Michael B. Kim's generosity has benefited organizations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Haverford College. In addition, he donated $25.4 million to the Seoul metropolitan government to fund the creation of a new public library in the Korean capital. The Seoul Kim ByungJu Public Library, scheduled to open in 2027, is intended to serve as a lasting public resource that promotes learning, accessibility, and civic engagement for future generations.

Named by Forbes Asia as one of their 2021, 2022 and 2024 Heroes of Philanthropy and Bloomberg Markets’ Most Influential People of 2015, Michael is also the author of a semi-autobiographical novel called Offerings.

Michael B. Kim earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Fulbright Scholar and currently serves on the board. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Michael B. Kim’s Newsfeed

Michael B. Kim Donates $25 Million to Haverford College to Promote Ethical Leadership

Michael B. Kim’s Background

MBK Partners

Founder and Partner

2005 - Present

Seoul, KR

MBK Partners is the largest independent private equity firm in North Asia, with more than $30 billion in capital under management. The firm is active in the Korea, Japan and greater China markets.

Carlyle Group Inc.

President | Asia

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a leading global investment firm and alternative asset manager, investing private capital through global private equity, global credit, and investment solutions in diverse sectors like tech, healthcare, energy, and consumer.

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Board Positions

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Trustee

Oct 2017 - Present

New York, US

New York's iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums globally, featuring more than two million works, from antiquity to the present. The Museum can be found on Central Park's Museum Mile.

Carnegie Hall

Trustee

2017 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Carnegie Hall is a well-known, historic concert venue in New York City, famous for its legendary acoustics and prestigious atmosphere, hosting the top global classical and popular artists, and featuring three different performance venues.

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Philanthropy

MBK Scholarship Foundation

Co-Founder

2009 - Present

Seoul, KR

Established by Michael and his wife, Kyung Ah Park, the MBK Scholarship Foundation was created with the aim of supporting financially needy students with the potential for future leadership, providing tuition fees for four years of college in South Korea.

Media

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Announces $10 Million Gift from Michael ByungJu Kim

Article

Sep 2022

New York, NY, USA

Michael supported The Metropolitan Museum of Art with a $10 million donation to renovate its modern and contemporary art wing. A gallery is to be named the Michael B. Kim-Kyung Ah Park Gallery.

MBK chair says philanthropy and writing are equally important in his life

Article

Aug 2021

Seoul, KR

Following the announcement that Michael B. Kim is donating $26 million to build a public library in Seoul, he spoke to Chae-yeon Kim of The Korea Economic Daily about his love of books and his views on investment and philanthropy.

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Publications

Michael B. Kim | Offerings

Author

Mar 2020

Michael B. Kim's novel, 'Offerings', is a national bestseller and has been described as both a financial thriller and a coming-of-age immigrant tale. Michael has said that the publication facilitates communication and fosters better understanding between the East and the West.

Awards & Recognition

Bloomberg Markets | 50 Most Influential People

Winner

2015

Michael was named as one of the fifty 'Most Influential People' by Bloomberg Markets in 2015.

Forbes | Asia's 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy

Named

Michael was named as one of Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy in 2021 following his pledge to donate 30 billion won (the equivalent of $25.5 million) for the construction of a new public library in the South Korean capital, Seoul.