When the late AmorePacific founder Suh Sung-whan flew to Paris on July 6, 1960, he had the aim of obtaining technology from his business partner, Coty Inc. The French company gave suh information about the ingredients of cosmetics, but not the core technology on the mixture of each ingredient. The late Suh had made up his mind to enter the French market with homegrown technology on his way back to Korea. That’s why the founder devoted his whole life to nurturing technology and manpower.

Current AmorePacific Chairman Suh Kyung-bae, who took over the company from his father, was influenced by him greatly while growing up. Chairman Suh said his father’s obsession with technology was the legacy he left behind. And now the senior Suh’s dream has come true. Under the stewardship of the junior Suh, AmorePacfic has gone from strength to strength to become a global cosmetics company. The junior Suh does not rest on his laurels. Now he has set his sights on something bigger. 

AmorePacific Chairman Suh announced the establishment of a science foundation at the Seoul Press Center on Sept. 1.

“I’m translating into action what I’ve dreamed about,” Chairman Suh said with a quivering voice. Suh said his dream is to cultivate basic science designed to devote to humanity, not for his company. 

He added that he wished to devote himself to society, which helps what AmorePacific is now. 

“I want to give dreams and hope to young scientists who cannot continue to study due to a lack of money,” said Chairman Suh, 54. He expressed hope that Korean scientists will be nurtured 10 to 20 years down the road by investing in basic science. 

Chairman Suh plans to donate shares worth about 300 billion won to the science foundation with the goal of raising its assets to 1 trillion won.

K-Beauty Growing in Popularity Globe

It was in September 1945, shortly after Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, that Pacific (the predecessor of AmorePacific) was established. At that time, the late founder Suh launched a small shop in Namdaemun Market. AmorePacific, now 71 years old, has not only established itself as Korea’s representative cosmetics company, but is now a global company, enhancing the standing of Korean-made cosmetics in the global market, including China and other Asian countries.

The Air Cushion cosmetic product that made its debut in 2008 has become a hit item, with a sales volume of one every three seconds, it attracts the hearts and minds of women around the world. 

“Sulwhasoo” has grown into the most popular brand among Chinese and other counties in Asia. Inspired by Asian philosophy that values harmony between nature and humans and a balance between body and mind, Sulwhasoo revives legendary Asian medicinal herbs with advanced modern science.

Sulwhasoo offers the ultimate skin solution that treats the skin from deep inside and delivers holistic beauty where the body and mind are in optimum balance.

When AmorePacific launched its operation 71 years ago, the Korean cosmetics industry was almost barren. A lack of raw materials to produce cosmetics limited the company severely. Although clumsily-made cosmetics were put on the market, late founder Suh did not choose the conventional, easy way. 

True to his mother’s business tenets and conviction, Suh Sung-whan has focused on producing quality products, despite the initial business hardships he experienced.