The K-entertainment world was rocked by sudden marriage rumors linking actress Bae Suzy to beauty mogul Kim Byung-hoon on August 28, 2025. The speculations first began when an anonymous post on a popular online forum claimed Suzy was engaged to Kim Byung Hoon, head of beauty brand APR, with the rumor rapidly spreading across social media. However, both Suzy’s agency and APR quickly denied the claims as groundless, with the marriage rumors being firmly debunked.
Table of Contents
Kim Byung-hoon: The Beauty Industry Powerhouse
While the marriage rumors proved false, they thrust Kim Byung-hoon into the spotlight, revealing one of South Korea’s most successful young entrepreneurs. Behind APR is 36-year-old Kim Byung Hoon, a tech entrepreneur-turned-beauty mogul whose company has made him South Korea’s newest billionaire with his 31% stake worth about $1.3 billion.
Kim Byung-hoon’s Business Empire Overview
| Company Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Byung-hoon (Victor Kim) |
| Age | 36 years old (born 1988) |
| Position | CEO and Founder of APR Corporation |
| Net Worth | $1.3 billion (2025) |
| Company Valuation | Over $4 billion market cap |
| Major Brands | APRILSKIN, Medicube, Nerdy, Forment, Glam’d |
APR Corporation: The Beauty Tech Giant
APR Corp., the parent of skincare brand Medicube, has seen its stock soar 200% this year, pushing its market value past US$4 billion. The company has become a K-beauty powerhouse, particularly known for its TikTok-viral beauty devices and skincare products.
APR’s Success Story:
- Dubbed the “chaebol of the beauty world,” Kim took APR public last year and within 17 months boosted the company to No.1 beauty brand in Korea by market capitalization
- MediCube Toner Pads surpassed 10 million units sold with record Q1 revenue in 2025 driven by overseas growth
- Global expansion across Europe and successful pop-up stores in Los Angeles
- Celebrity endorsements including the Kardashians
The False Marriage Rumor Timeline
How the Rumors Spread:
- August 28, 2025: Anonymous online post claims Suzy-Kim engagement
- Same Day: The rumors went viral in Korean online communities through jjirashi (privately distributed “tip sheet”)
- Management Response: Kim Jang-kyun, CEO of Management Soop, issued warning: “If you’re caught spreading rumors, you’ll be punished”
- Official Denial: Both agencies denied claims as groundless
Kim Byung-hoon’s Beauty Empire Brands
Kim oversees multiple beauty and lifestyle brands under APR including Medicube, APRILSKIN, Nerdy, Forment, Glam’d, and Photogray. His Instagram profile (@byunghoon_victor_kim) showcases his role as a K-Beauty and fashion CEO with 31K followers.
Key Brand Portfolio:
- Medicube: TikTok-viral beauty devices and toner pads
- APRILSKIN: Popular skincare line
- Nerdy: Beauty tech products
- Forment: Premium cosmetics
- Glam’d: Makeup and beauty accessories
Why Kim Byung-hoon Became a Target for Rumors
While the marriage rumor linking him to Suzy has been firmly denied, Kim Byung-hoon continues to draw intrigue both as a powerful beauty industry mogul and as a figure with unexpected celebrity connections. His billionaire status, young age, and involvement in the entertainment-adjacent beauty industry make him a frequent subject of speculation.
Profile Highlights:
- Youngest beauty billionaire in South Korea
- Tech background transitioned to beauty empire
- Global expansion strategy with celebrity endorsements
- Active social media presence showcasing luxury lifestyle
The Impact on Both Parties
Bae Suzy has often been at the centre of dating rumours and has had to shut them down throughout her career. For Kim Byung-hoon, although the marriage rumors have been firmly debunked, they have inadvertently thrust him further into the public eye, highlighting both his business success and growing influence as one of Korea’s most talked-about corporate leaders.
Looking Forward: APR’s Continued Growth
Despite the rumor controversy, APR continues its aggressive expansion. The company, which went public, has set ambitious goals to become the No. 1 global beauty tech company with continued international growth and celebrity partnerships.
The false rumors serve as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, particularly involving high-profile figures in entertainment and business.
For more K-entertainment news and celebrity updates, stay connected with TechnoSports for comprehensive coverage of the latest developments.
Official Sources:
For official updates about APR Corporation and Kim Byung-hoon’s business ventures, visit Business Korea and follow verified social media accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Kim Byung-hoon and Bae Suzy actually getting married, and how did these rumors start?
A: No, Kim Byung-hoon and Bae Suzy are not getting married. The rumors started on August 28, 2025, through an anonymous online post claiming they were engaged, but both Suzy’s agency Management SOOP and APR Corporation quickly denied these claims as completely groundless. The rumors spread rapidly on social media before being officially debunked.
Q: What is Kim Byung-hoon’s net worth and how did he become so successful in the beauty industry?
A: Kim Byung-hoon is South Korea’s newest billionaire with a net worth of approximately $1.3 billion, derived from his 31% stake in APR Corporation. The 36-year-old tech entrepreneur-turned-beauty mogul built his fortune through APR’s success, particularly with brands like Medicube and APRILSKIN. His company’s stock soared 200% in 2025, pushing APR’s market value past $4 billion, largely due to TikTok viral products and global expansion.
