K-Beauty Evolves Through Science and Technology, Says APR CEO Kim Byung-hoon

Kim Byung-hoon, CEO of APR, highlighted the innovative aspects of K-Beauty at a global beauty forum.

APR announced on June 28 that Kim participated as a speaker at the 'Business of Beauty Global Forum 2026' (BoB Global Forum 2026), held from June 24 to 26 in Napa Valley, California.

The BoB Global Forum gathered over 150 industry leaders, including executives from beauty companies, investors, and retailers, to discuss industry trends and future strategies. Kim is the first CEO from a K-Beauty company to speak at this forum.

On the first day of the forum, Kim engaged in a discussion with Priya Rao, beauty editor at the global fashion and beauty media outlet Business of Fashion (BoF), focusing on the theme 'Secrets to K-Beauty's Resurgence.'

Kim Byung-hoon stated, "While K-Beauty's past popularity stemmed from its unique formulations and fresh ingredients, today it is evolving into a realm of trust and verification through the integration of science and technology."

He identified APR's core competitive advantage as its customer data-driven beauty tech infrastructure. He emphasized, "It is crucial to maintain distinct brand identities while creating synergies, rather than merely diversifying brands for superficial expansion."

Kim presented 'the popularization of longevity' as a key theme for the future beauty industry. He explained, "Longevity is not just about living longer; it concerns maintaining optimal condition and confidence for a better quality of life. Lowering barriers and costs will allow more people to experience healthy aging, which is the democratization of longevity." APR plans to introduce new beauty medical devices in South Korea by the end of this year and aims for long-term global business expansion.

An APR representative stated, "We will continue to leverage our differentiated beauty tech capabilities to set new standards in the global beauty market."

In the first quarter of this year, APR reported consolidated revenues of 593.4 billion won and operating profit of 152.3 billion won, marking a record high for quarterly performance with increases of 123.0% and 173.7%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. International sales accounted for approximately 90% of total revenue, totaling 528.1 billion won.