2026 Finance MBA Admission Briefing: Nurturing Future Financial Leaders  The admission briefing for the 2026 academic year Finance MBA (hereinafter F-MBA) program was held on Friday, September 19, in Room 202 of the Hyundai Motor Hall at Korea University. The session was led by Professor Bumjean Sohn, the program’s academic director.  The F-MBA is an MBA program designed to cultivate specialists in finance and financial management, distinguishing itself from the K-MBA and E-MBA tracks. While the K-MBA is primarily geared toward middle managers and the E-MBA targets senior executives, the F-MBA focuses on developing professionals for the finance industry.  Professor Son emphasized, “An MBA program is not like medical school or law school, where a professional qualification is automatically granted upon graduation. The value of the program lies in the opportunities it provides for both personal and professional growth—and whether you choose to seize those opportunities depends on you.” He also advised, “Since two years can pass more quickly than expected, it is important to enter the program with clear goals in mind.”    The core strengths of the F-MBA program can be summarized in two key aspects: academics and networking. Professor Son explained, “Professionals who have worked in the field for nearly a decade may question the need for further academic study. However, as artificial intelligence continues to advance at a rapid pace, academic learning becomes an essential tool for adapting to changes in both life and the workplace.” In terms of networking, the program’s strength lies in its strong community of finance professionals. With a small cohort of 45 students—most of whom are employed in financial institutions or corporate finance departments—the program fosters a close-knit and collaborative network.    To graduate, students must complete a total of 45 credits, including at least 36 credits in core finance courses, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Classes are held on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Course offerings include subjects such as Principles of Finance, Corporate Finance, and Python Programming for Finance.  The F-MBA curriculum includes courses in artificial intelligence and big data analysis, enabling students to learn statistical analysis techniques and R/Python programming for financial market analysis from the ground up. Professor Son noted, “Because most students in the program come from liberal arts backgrounds, we start from the fundamentals—but they should be prepared for a rigorous academic workload.”    A key component of the curriculum is the Independent Research course, which allows students to apply the theories and methodologies learned throughout the program to real-world challenges and develop practical solutions. Students work in teams under the close supervision of faculty advisors, gaining hands-on experience in scientifically analyzing and solving actual business problems. Professor Son noted, “You may end up learning even more through the Independent Research course than from the regular classes themselves.” Past cohorts have explored topics such as Bond Investment Strategies for Busy Professionals and The Current Landscape of Generative AI-Based Financial Services.    Next, Student Council President Changseop Song gave a brief overview of student life, introducing the council’s five departments and various networking activities, including the orientation, opening ceremony, joint retreats, hiking, and golf events.  After the briefing session, attendees joined a campus tour led by KUBE, the business school’s student ambassadors. Participants explored the campus while hearing explanations about key sites. One of the highlights was Relatum – The Site, a sculpture by artist Lee Ufan located on the lawn in front of the KUBS Main Building. The ambassadors explained, “The stainless-steel plate beneath the stone is polished like a mirror, so on clear days it reflects the sky,” which drew the admiration of many attendees.    Sungmin Lim, one of the attendees, shared his thoughts: “I currently work at a financial institution and am considering pursuing a degree to further my personal and professional growth. I was curious about the differences between the K-MBA and F-MBA programs, and after hearing today’s presentation, it’s clear that the F-MBA is much more specialized in the field of finance. The session was very informative and helpful.”    Applications for the F-MBA program are currently open from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Final candidates will be selected through a document review and interviews, with the final results announced on Friday, December 12, 2025. For further inquiries, please contact the Admissions Office by phone (+82-2-3290-1308) or email (mba_admissions@korea.ac.kr). 

One-Year Intensive Program Nurturing Business and Data Integration Professionals: 2026 Spring BA Program Information Session  The admission briefing session for the Master’s Program in Business Analytics (hereinafter BA) under the Department of Business Administration at Korea University Graduate School for the 2026 academic year was held on Wednesday, September 17, in Room 433 of the LG-POSCO Building at Korea University.     The session was led by Professor Kyung Sam Park, who began by providing an overview of the BA program. The BA program is a practical and field-oriented master’s program designed to cultivate business professionals with interdisciplinary expertise, equipping students with both the theoretical foundations and analytical skills necessary for data analysis and information extraction.  This is a one-year program open to applicants from all undergraduate backgrounds. To graduate, students must complete a total of 32 credits, consisting of 24 course credits (15 required and 9 elective) and 8 credits from a capstone project. Students who lack foundational knowledge in relevant areas may be required to take prerequisite courses designated by their academic advisor. Instead of a traditional thesis, the program features a practical, project-based capstone. Since 2023, the program has also operated the “Renaissance Program,” which allows graduates to re-enroll in designated courses within five years of graduation through a formal application process.    The curriculum is organized into six modules, running from March to January of the following year. Beginning in Module 2, students initiate their capstone projects, forming teams to address real-world business challenges proposed by corporate partners under the supervision of faculty advisors. Mid-term presentations take place in October, followed by final presentations in January of the following year. In addition, bootcamps are held in February and August to help students strengthen essential skills—such as coding—before entering the main program.  Students take courses such as Principles of Business Analytics, Business Analytics Programming, Business Analytics for Healthcare, and Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. They also conduct data analysis projects using real corporate datasets. Professor Park highlighted, “What differentiates the BA program is that it teaches not only data analysis but also business operation systems. Students can gain a business perspective here that is difficult to acquire in other fields, such as statistics.”    He went on to introduce examples of past capstone project topics and partner organizations. To date, the BA program has established partnerships with leading companies such as LG Household & Health Care, LG CNS, Hyundai Motor Company, Lotte Members, GS Retail, Woori Card, and PwC. Students have collaborated with these partners on projects such as Keyword Extraction and Scenario Strategy Development through Review Analysis and Developing a Real-Time Business Management Data Analysis Framework Using Large Language Models (LLMs). Professor Park noted, “One of the key strengths of Korea University Business School is its ability to continuously conduct capstone projects in collaboration with large-scale partner organizations.”    The session concluded successfully with a Q&A segment featuring current 6th-cohort students and program staff, who addressed participants’ questions and provided detailed responses to their inquiries. 

Management, a Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Management Education      To commemorate its 120th anniversary, Korea University Business School has published The Path of Management: A Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Korea University Business School. The book presents a comprehensive history of business education in Korea, tracing its origins to the establishment of the Department of Commerce at Bosung College in 1905 and chronicling its growth into today’s world-class business school. It offers a new perspective that interprets the path of management as the path of civilization.    The author, Professor Cho Youngheon of Korea University’s Department of History Education, was inspired by the fact that two events coincided in 1905—the abolition of China’s imperial examination system and the establishment of the business school. He sought to explore the meaning of this historical turning point, showing that seemingly coincidental events can become catalysts for transformative change. The 120th Anniversary Project Committee of the Business School undertook the review process, ensuring the objectivity and factual accuracy of the narrative.    The book is structured around three themes: Civilization, Continuity, and Concept. From a civilizational perspective, it emphasizes that the period when the business school was founded 120 years ago was also a time of profound civilizational transformation. The abolition of China’s imperial examination system, Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War, and the signing of the Eulsa Treaty by the Korean Empire are cited as examples. From the perspective of continuity, it highlights how management became a driving force in Korea’s economic development—producing educated talent, spreading entrepreneurship, fostering industrial growth, and even contributing to the advancement of Korean sports. From a conceptual perspective, it explores the evolution and usage of management-related terminology through classical texts and modern interpretations, reflecting on the essence and significance of the discipline.    This book goes beyond a mere chronological record to trace the path that Korea University Business School has taken within the civilizational context of Korea’s social, industrial, and economic transformation throughout its modern history. It follows major turning points—including the colonial era and subsequent wars, industrialization and democratization, globalization, and digital transformation—illustrating how the Business School responded to the demands of each era, generated new knowledge, and cultivated talent. Each period integrates discussions of academic progress and educational reform, thereby clarifying the School’s role in Korea’s modernization and industrialization.    A vast array of historical materials and archives were utilized in the making of the book. The materials include early school magazines and lecture notes, records of professors and students, graduation albums from the 1930s, and donated items from industry figures, as well as detailed timelines that trace the evolution of Korea University Business School.    However, the book does not stop at chronicling past achievements. In its final section, it presents KUBS’s vision for the next 60—and ultimately 120—years. Centered on future key agendas such as ESG, digital transformation, and startups, it offers a blueprint for how the school seeks to advance into the future.    The Path of Management: A Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Korea University Business School is both an academic record and a shared memory for alumni and current students. Standing at the juncture between reflection on the past and preparation for the next 120 years, the publication reaffirms the identity of Korea University Business School as a pioneer in Korean business education. At the same time, it underscores that management is an essential endeavor dedicated to preserving and enhancing human life. 

The rewards of learning Lead to Confidence in the Field of Corporate Finance – SK Capital Market Expert Program Completion Ceremony Successfully Held  On September 11, the completion ceremony for the “SK Capital Market Expert Program,” a corporate-commissioned course hosted by the Executive Education Center (EEC) of Korea University Business School, was successfully held at Ahn Young-Il Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall at Korea University. The event was organized to celebrate the successful completion of the five-month training program by 24 participants, and was graced by 29 distinguished guests, including Kim Wan-Young, Head of Financial Operations at SK Inc., and Kim Jin-Taek, Head of Growth Support at SK mySUNI, along with key university personnel.  In his congratulatory speech, Professor Eonsoo Kim, Dean of Korea University Business School, said, “I believe that through this course, you have experienced the ability to solve real-world problems and the valuable essence of collaboration,” and added, “I hope you continue to grow while building a strong network.” Kim Wan-Young, Head of Financial Operations at SK Inc., followed by saying, “Congratulations to the graduates who have successfully completed this challenging new endeavor,” and expressed his hopes that “this period of balancing work and study contributes not only to personal career growth but also to the betterment of your respective companies.”  Next, the Capstone Project Awards Ceremony took place. The Capstone Project is a problem-solving-oriented learning method that goes beyond simple lecture-based learning, where all trainees form teams to carry out projects similar to actual business assignments. Dean Eon Soo Kim personally presented the awards and encouraged the participants. Participants shared their reflections, saying, “It felt like solving real work tasks,” and, “It was a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives through the diverse professional experiences within the team.”  The SK Capital Market Expert Program was not limited to theoretical education but was conducted through a practical curriculum aimed at developing analytical skills and strategic thinking required in the finance and capital markets sector. Along with an intensive learning process, the close interactions among participants served as an opportunity to form new human networks, allowing the graduates to achieve both learning and networking outcomes.  The graduates, having completed this five-month journey, are now preparing to make a fresh start as pioneers in corporate finance, equipped with the capabilities to strengthen financial soundness and lead strategic business restructuring for sustainable growth in their respective fields. This completion ceremony was not simply a closing event, but a meaningful occasion that confirmed the potential of the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Korea’s capital market.  Meanwhile, EEC provides customized education programs that meet the diverse training needs of companies. To develop the competencies and expertise of corporate employees, the curriculum is designed through close cooperation among dedicated faculty directors, program managers, and the corporations themselves, offering the highest-level curriculum in the country. In fact, companies across Korea seek out Korea University Business School’s EEC to experience the best-in-class business education, and it has established itself as a cradle for nurturing tailored corporate talent.  Programs are meticulously designed to reflect the strategic goals and educational needs of each company and cover essential topics in today’s business environment, including △Finance & Accounting △Capital Market Analysis △Digital Transformation △Sustainability Management △Leadership Development. Participants acquire practical skills applicable to their work through lectures, discussions, case studies, team projects, and expert seminars.  The EEC’s corporate-commissioned programs have demonstrated their professionalism and reliability through training partnerships with domestic companies, and will continue contributing to the cultivation of globally competitive talent through customized education tailored to each company.   

120 Years of the Business School, Discussing the Next 60 Years  To commemorate its 120th anniversary, Korea University Business School (KUBS) hosted a talk concert titled “Mapping the Future: Business Society in 60 Years” on Friday, September 26. The event took place on the Floating Floor of the third floor in the Hyundai Motor Hall, featuring a congratulatory address by Young-Seop Lee, Chair of the KUBS Alumni Association, and overall moderation by Hojung Shin, Committee Chair. In addition, talent development directors from thirty of Korea’s leading corporations attended as VIP guests, underscoring the event’s mission to explore the future of business and management education together.  Chair Lee remarked, “I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who joined us today in celebrating this meaningful 120th anniversary.” He added, “In a time of intense competition, it is challenging to look far ahead, but reflecting on what will change and what will remain constant is a worthwhile endeavor. Building on our achievements to date, we must continue nurturing individuals who possess the resilience to thrive amid an ever-changing environment.”  Rather than simply reflecting on the past, the event served as an opportunity to ask how the next sixty years should be envisioned. By linking the past, present, and future, KUBS opened a new chapter of challenge and innovation.    The Path of Business Administration in the Course of Civilizational History  The first session focused on historical reflection. Professor Youngheon Cho of the Department of History Education at Korea University introduced his book The Path of Business Administration: 120 Years of Korea University Business School Seen through Civilizational History, emphasizing that “there have always been turning points in history, and each has brought about great change.” He interpreted the abolition of China’s civil service examination in 1905 as a key turning point in East Asian history, explaining how this shift came to be viewed as the starting point of modern business administration. He added, “From the objective perspective of an outsider rather than an insider, I sought to examine business administration within the broader context of civilizational history—not merely as a chronological record, but as a subject of scholarly inquiry.”    Students’ Imagination Unfolds: Envisioning Business 60 Years into the Future  On the next stage, students’ imaginations came to life under the theme “Mapping the Future.” Five finalist teams, selected through a preliminary video screening, envisioned what society and business might look like 60 years from now—each approaching the theme from a different perspective, including education, AI, space, death, and the ocean.   The grand prize went to Team ‘Badaieum’ (SeaConnect), composed of students majoring in Business Administration and English Language & Literature. Starting from the premise of “a Korean Peninsula submerged by the end of the 21st century,” the team proposed Oceanus Korea, the world’s first marine city. This eco-friendly floating metropolis—interconnecting residential, industrial, research, and lifestyle districts—was recognized as a visionary solution enabling humanity to pursue both survival and prosperity in the era of climate crisis. The judging panel commended the team for “addressing a global challenge like climate change with a creative and concrete urban model,” while the team also received enthusiastic support from the audience in the final vote.   Other presentations included Eduvantage, proposing educational innovation through AI; Vf, exploring the role of AI in reshaping corporate management paradigms; GetSetGo, introducing a new service model to prepare for death; and PLAN D, outlining future business strategies based on space technology. The students’ bold and creative ideas vividly demonstrated how the Business School remains closely connected to the challenges and possibilities of the future society.    Shaping the Future Together: Expert Panel Talk  The second part of the event featured a panel talk with leading experts. Participants included Taeseung Kwak, CEO of Hyunbo Corp; Minjung Kim, Professor at Korea University Business School; Heecheon Kim, Head of the Lotte Human Resources Development Institute; Seonhwa Shin, CEO of UCK; Junho Woo, CEO of Woo & Partners; Donggeon Lee, CEO of MyRealTrip; Joon Chae, Chair of the Korean Association of Graduate Schools of Business and Dean of Seoul National University Business School; and Jaehwa Choi, CEO of Bunjang (Bungaejangter).  CEO Kwak shared, “For forty years, our company has grown on a foundation of traditional manufacturing, including auto parts. Now, we are expanding into the secondary battery sector with the goal of becoming a 100-year company.” He added, “Listening to the students’ presentations, I was intrigued by how AI could potentially replace human tasks such as talent development and organizational management.”  CEO Lee remarked, “No matter how the business landscape changes, it is essential to ride the wave first,” adding, “Today’s discussions reaffirmed the importance of having a mindset that embraces new opportunities without hesitation.  Junho Woo, CEO of Woo & Partners, remarked, “I have witnessed how the flow of capital—beginning with cryptocurrency—has continuously evolved and expanded into new forms. No matter how sophisticated systems become, the final decision always rests with people. That is why, going forward, individuals with insight and leadership will become even more crucial.”  Jaehwa Choi, CEO of Bunjang (Bungaejangter), shared, “During my time at Google, I experienced a culture without hierarchical bosses, where everyone was free to pursue what they wanted and collaborate to solve problems. In the future, job boundaries will continue to blur, and organizations are likely to be restructured around shared challenges and problem-solving.”  Seonhwa Shin, CEO of UCK, noted, “Only one out of ten companies survives beyond 60 years, and most fail to last even 20. Just as Samsung ventured into semiconductors despite initial skepticism, fostering an environment where opinions can flow freely from the bottom up and maintaining a horizontal organizational culture will be key to corporate longevity.”  Heechun Kim, Director of the Lotte Human Resources Development Institute, emphasized, “There is still a shortage of people who think with the mindset of a founder—those who truly consider what customers need. When individuals from diverse majors and backgrounds learn together, they can grow into genuine global talent, and creating such an environment is fundamental to nurturing future leaders.”  Joon Chae, Chair of the Korean Association of Graduate Schools of Business, advised, “What students must learn is that no one can accomplish everything alone. Through group experiences, gaining an appreciation for the value of cooperation and coordination will become an essential asset in any future organization.”  Professor Minjung Kim emphasized, “In the age of AI, information and predictive capabilities are likely to become increasingly leveled. Therefore, the ability to reinterpret problems from one’s own perspective and to solve them creatively will be what truly sets individuals apart. The importance of innovation, just as in the past, will remain unchanged.”  The event continued under the moderation of Dean Eunsu Kim, featuring active discussion and the exchange of diverse perspectives on the future of society. Bringing together students’ creative ideas and experts’ insights, the talk concert concluded as a meaningful forum exploring how the Business School can prepare for the next 60 years.    A Toast to the Future: Indoor Garden Party Reception  The lively discussions continued into the Indoor Garden Party held on the B1 level. The session was hosted by Associate Dean Hyunseung Nah, with congratulatory remarks delivered by Alumni Association Chair Young-Seop Lee and Heechun Kim, Director of the Lotte Human Resources Development Institute.  Chair Lee emphasized, “We must respond flexibly to changing circumstances while remaining deeply attuned to the values that should never change.” Director Kim opened the evening with a toast, declaring, “Our future is what we make.”  Far more than a simple dinner, the Garden Party served as an extended networking forum that brought together students, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders. Building on the talk concert that reflected on 120 years of history and envisioned the next 60, the gathering offered a space for free and meaningful exchange, where participants experienced both the academic tradition and the vibrant community of the Business School.   

Korea University Business School’s Startup Research Institute joins Seoul RISE Campus Town Project— Launching a Program to Foster AI and Deep Tech Startup Talent    Korea University has been selected as a participant in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “Campus Town Project,” under the RISE (Regionally Innovative & Specialized Education) initiative. With this selection, the university has been recognized for its capacity as a regional innovation hub focused on youth entrepreneurship. The Business School’s Startup Research Institute will take a leading role by launching specialized programs in AI and deep tech.    Based on a startup-oriented campus town model, the Seoul Campus Town Project aims to promote youth entrepreneurship, create jobs, and support the commercialization of university-owned technologies. Selected universities will receive funding for an initial two-year period (January 2026 – February 2028), with a possible extension of up to four years depending on a midterm evaluation.    In this project, the Business School’s Startup Research Institute has identified AI-based talent development and technology startup support as key focus areas, and has submitted a proposal outlining three core programs. Among them, the AI Deep Tech Startup Practical Training Program is designed to provide a structured learning experience for early-stage entrepreneurs and students, covering everything from the fundamentals of AI to practical applications. It is expected to make a meaningful contribution to fostering a vibrant youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.    Joon Ho Hwang, Director of the Startup Research Institute, stated, “Our participation in the Campus Town Project demonstrates the university’s startup capabilities and innovation potential in AI,” adding, “We will continue to nurture deep tech-driven entrepreneurial talent and position ourselves as a startup hub that grows hand in hand with the local community.”