A Bold Leap Toward the World: August 2025 KUBS MBA/MIM Commencement Ceremony       The August 2025 KUBS MBA/MIM Commencement Ceremony was held on Friday, August 22, at SUPEX Hall, LG-POSCO Building. The event was attended by 60 graduates, along with faculty members, family, and friends who gathered to celebrate the occasion. The graduates included 44 from the Global MBA (G-MBA), 8 from the Global MIM (G-MIM), 1 from the Finance MBA (F-MBA), and 7 from the Korea MBA (K-MBA), making a total of 60.  The ceremony began with the introduction of faculty members and distinguished guests, followed by the national anthem of Korea. During the academic report, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu noted, “Korea University Business School was the first in Korea to earn both AACSB and EQUIS international accreditations, and remains the only school in the country that is a member of the CEMS Global Alliance, building a network with leading business schools across 33 countries.” He added, “I hope that the 60 talented graduates today will excel globally as proud KUBS alumni.”      In his graduation address, Dean Eonsoo Kim encouraged the graduates, saying, “Standing here today, having grown through the past one to two years of academic study and practical experience, is already a victory in itself.” He further advised, “The values of curiosity, collaboration, and contribution—together with an understanding of the AI industry—will serve as a great strength as you move forward.”  Betty Chung, Academic Director of the G-MBA program, presented the 4Cs—Continued Learning, Curiosity, Community, and Compassion—as the core values of success. In her congratulatory remarks, she expressed her hope that the graduates would grow into leaders who uphold social responsibility and human dignity, grounded in the values of Liberty, Justice, and Truth.      Representing the graduates, John Tevis expressed his gratitude, saying, “The reason I am standing here today, despite facing academic struggles and even changing my major, is because of the support of my professors and peers.” He added, “Through team projects and exchanges, we learned to understand different cultures and to communicate on the global stage. Now it is our turn to represent Korea University and to strengthen our powerful network.” Following this, his fellow graduate Amy Jiang went on stage to present a bouquet of flowers to the Program Director as a gesture of appreciation.  During the awards ceremony, the Presidential Award—recognizing the overall top graduate from both the G-MBA and G-MIM programs—was presented to John Tevis. In addition, the Dean’s Award was conferred upon Beata Jundo, the top graduate of the G-MIM program, and Amy Jiang, the runner-up graduate of the G-MBA program.      Degrees were conferred in the following order: G-MBA, G-MIM, F-MBA, and K-MBA. As each name was called, the graduates stepped onto the stage to receive their diplomas, celebrating together amid warm applause and cheers from family, friends, and fellow graduates.  The festive atmosphere of the ceremony carried on with a performance. The Korea University cheering squad and the Élise Band presented pieces such as Für Elise and Aria of the Nation, linking arms with the graduates and singing together, electrifying the venue. The celebration concluded with the graduates turning the tassels on their caps to the left and tossing them high into the air, marking the triumphant completion of their academic journey.  Finally, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the school anthem and a formal declaration of closing. Graduates and faculty members then gathered in front of the main building of the Business School for a commemorative photo, marking the close of a memorable day. 

KUBS Faculty News for October to November 2024    1. Professor Sang Yong Kim (Marketing)  Professor Kim Sang Yong served as a peer review team member for AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) re-accreditation and conducted an on-site review at Chulalongkorn Business School in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 10 to 12. Professor Kim Sang Yong participated in this capacity as a former dean.    2. Professor Young Kyu Kim (Strategic Management)  The Korean Strategic Management Society (KSMS), chaired by Professor Young Kyu Kim, held its Fall Academic Conference on November 8 at Hyundai Motor Hall and the LG-POSCO Building. Under the theme "Exploring Sustainable Growth Amid Uncertainty," the conference featured special sessions on "Corporate Growth through the Diffusion of Intrapreneurship" and "Sustainable Growth in the Entertainment Industry." Additionally, 21 papers in the field of strategic management were presented across six sessions.  At the awards ceremony, alumnus Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, was honored as the recipient of the Korean Strategic Management Society Award.   

[Executive MBA International Residency Program in Spain and the USA] – Learning Business and Finance at Top-Tier Institutions   The KUBS Graduate School Executive MBA (E-MBA) program (Dean=Sang Yong Kim) conducted its International Residency Program (IRP) for the first semester of the 2024 academic year. The IRP is a core course in the E-MBA curriculum, where esteemed faculty from renowned international universities teach regular classes, and students study at prestigious universities in the United States and Europe while visiting local businesses.      First, the IPR, which took place from June 22 to June 30, was held at ESADE, a business school affiliated with Ramon Llull University in Barecelona, Spain. Professor Daeki Kim and the class of 21 participated in the program. ESADE is the first business school in Spain to receive the “triple crown” accreditation, which includes AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (Association of MBAs). It is also a member of CEMS (Global Alliance in Management Education), along with the business school.     During their time at ESADE, the students attended lectures on various topics, including: ▶Introduction to doing business in Spain & the EU ▶Market & Non-Market Environment & the EU ▶Disruptive technologies & new business models / AI for Business ▶Creating growth Ventures ▶Social innovation, Social Issues ▶Leadership and Social Responsability / Sustainable business models ▶Simulation: Managing successful collaboration ▶Closing & certificates.     Additionally, they participated in a winery tour at Torres, one of the largest wineries in Spain, which has been family-run for five generations since the 1870s. The students also had the opportunity to experience Spanish culture by visiting landmarks such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Família.     Following this, from June 29 to July 7, the IRP continued with a visit to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Professor Shijin Yoo and the class of 22 participated in this program. Yale University, an Ivy League school, is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, with a history dating back to its founding before the American Revolution. As of 2020, Yale has produced 60 Nobel laureates, five Fields Medalists, three Turing Award winners, and five U.S. presidents.      At Yale, the students attended lectures on topics such as: ▶Behavioral Economics: Beliefs, Goals, and Choices / Two System Theory of Choice ▶Systematic Approaches to Creativity / Technology and Human Experience  ▶Thinking 101 ▶Finance and the Global Economy ▶Managing the Customer Decision Journey in the Digital Era / Economics of AI and Business Strategy ▶World Economic Outlook ▶Social Network Interventions ▶Foundations of Corporate Governance ▶Influence & Persuasion.  The students were also divided into two groups to explore American culture, visiting locations such as New York City and Niagara Falls.     

The First & The Best: Leading Global Business Schools Choose Korea University's Business School IRP (International Residence Program)    Korea University Business School (Dean=Sangyong Kim) is tirelessly striving to elevate its status beyond Korea's No. 1 to a Global Top 30 and Asia's No. 1 business school under the mission of "Business for Society – Inspiring Next Leaders" and the vision of being a "World-Class Knowledge Hub in Business.” The Business Newspaper will highlight various achievements over the past two years, including the globalization aspect, startup ecosystems, advanced business management such as ESG, and the newly launched Crimson Global Leader Program (CGLP) under close alumni network and Management Studies Program (MSP) rebranded as MINI MBA.       Korea University Business School (Dean=Sangyong Kim) runs the International Residence Program (IRP), a short-term training program where top international universities can visit to experience lectures using the latest business techniques, explore global companies, and engage in cultural activities. The IRP was paused due to COVID-19 but has been reactivated since 2023. Five universities and institutions visited in the past year, with Belgium & Lithuania scheduled to visit in October. Notably, ESADE Business School from Barcelona, Spain, visited in 2023 and 2024 and plans to return in 2025, marking three consecutive years of participation in the IRP at Korea University Business School.    ESADE Business School, accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, is a member of the prestigious CEMS Global Alliance. "CEMS" only allows one business school per country, signifying the best business school in each nation. Korea University Business School became a full member in 2015 and remains an active participant.      Other notable visitors include Xiamen University in Fujian Province, China, and Fudan University in Shanghai. Xiamen University visited alongside FGV Sao Paulo School of Business Administration, one of the leading business schools in Brazil.    The most recent visitor, SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management, is located on the western outskirts of Moscow. The Russian government has invested in developing the Skolkovo area into a hub for venture companies to compete with Silicon Valley. Such visits from leading business schools enhance Korea University Business School’s reputation as a sought-after institution even among top global business schools.      The choice of Korea University Business School's IRP by these prestigious institutions is due to its excellent curriculum and top-notch faculty. Courses like Digital Transformation & Business Analytics, which utilize the latest business techniques in response to the rapidly changing industrial environment post-4th Industrial Revolution and the emergence of AI, stimulate intellectual curiosity. Students learn about integrating "new technologies" from the 4th Industrial Revolution into business management, such as Big Data applications in marketing and Big Data Analytics. Networking opportunities with graduate students majoring in Business Analytics (BA) at Korea University Business School are also a highlight of the IRP.    The IRP provides practical business education opportunities by visiting Korean companies that have grown into global corporations. Companies visited in 2023 and 2024 include Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang), Samsung Electronics (Samsung Innovation), and LG Group (LG CNS). Participants also explored Korean culture and museums, visiting the National Museum of Korea. Depending on the visiting university's focus, healthcare and medical management themes led to visits to hospitals such as Bundang Seoul National University Hospital and Yonsei Severance Hospital.      In 2023 and 2024, ESADE Business School visited the National Museum of Korea, where they experienced docent-led tours and viewed various cultural artifacts. They also visited LG CNS, Osstem Implant, and Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang, gaining insights into global business operations. An ESADE Business School MBA student remarked, "The scale of Korea's national museum was impressive, and the advanced companies were remarkable." Professor Irene praised the IRP program, stating, "We had a fantastic five days in Korea."    Such selections by top global universities for short-term training at Korea University Business School underscore its excellent faculty, outstanding lectures, and the superb operation of the Executive Education Center. With the reputation of "The First & The Best," Korea University Business School’s IRP continues to be chosen by leading global universities.   

[Interview] Interview on new Leadership Team   “Will help KUBS members to focus on their roles  on their positions”     Seungwoo Kwon, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs      “Will I be able to do it well?” I was concerned first after taking this position with lots of work on KUBS. After a month on the office, I was able to get a better undstanding on the work that I should give more importance on. I would like to realize what I have been thinking of better organization through my teaching on ‘BUSINESS NEGOTIATION’ and ‘ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOR’.  The role of associate dean for academic affairs is to help KUBS members at their own positions. My job is to support classes and registeration for undergraduates, boost morale for the faculty and support study along with classess for KUBS professors. I was in Academic Director for ESG AMP course and began my current position from November 1st. To put it simply, ESG management is a sustainable business. Our KUBS should seek for sustainable development as an educational organization. Development based on sacrifice from professors and faculty would unable to sustain long. Both professors and faculty should be happy to support students and carry on long sustainable development of KUBS. I would like to make heartwarming and growing community based on consideration for others which is tradition of Korea University. Please feel free to contact me if students, faculty or professors have anything to talk about or ideas to be more happy.         “Will try our best to make changes essential for KUBS”      Woochan Kim, Associate Dean for Research   I have one year of experience in Graduate School administration and accounting when I was appointed to associate professor 6 years ago. But I don’t think the past experience would always be my advantage because we can make mistakes without a feeling of tension. I try to work as if I am doing a completely new job. I am tasked with study and Graduate School administration this time. I will try my best to make changes KUBS needs, not to be buried with mundane works. To begin with, I will listen to the voices of professors and graduate students. Especially I am planning to have meetings several times with graduate students during the upcoming winter vacation. For study administration, I will fully accept many ways to support research expenses which are discussed in the research committee from early this year, so that expenses would not be a constraint for research. Also, the research committee will update the list of SK/IBRE international academic journals in the following year. In my personal opinion, we have to make some realistic modifications to the SK list.  We will give every administrative support available upon request from the research committee. The most important task KUBS faces regarding graduate school is to get excellent results on BK21 interim review next spring and secure an annual 800 million won national subsidy until the year 2027. We have prepared well for the last two and a half years and the only thing left is to fully put our achievement on the report. We ask for active cooperation from professors and graduate students who participate.       “Hoping to build KUBS that can contribute  to nation and society”     Kwanghyun Kim, Associate Dean for Planning   I will try my best to fully follow the direction of KUBS development planned by the previous faculty, and help Dean to make it more constructive while operating the biggest and best business school in Korea.   I am tasked with allocating and managing KUBS resources according to goals and strategies as associate dean. To be more specific, tasks include △ Budget and accounting △ International Affairs (Accreditation including AACSB and EQUIS, international exchange, exchange student, overseas internship and etc) △Carrer Hub Management △Startup station support, and △LINC business.    We will focus on its role to provide financial support KUBS main business and manage efficient use of resources. Also, we will try our best to keep AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) worldwide accreditation on the excellence of KUBS faculty, curriculum, and educational environment. At the same time, we will seek international exchange development in quality beyond quantity. Lastly, we will help students through career lab by exploring diverse career paths along with experience and work capabilities. Also, we will provide diverse and active support for students to realize entrepreneurship through Startup Station.    We are now having a hard time communicating and exchanging between KUBS members due to the recent economic condition along with COVID-19. Despite these hardships, all students, faculty, and alumni must work together to give energy to the community. One of the biggest strong points of KUBS is that we appreciate various personalities and respect different opinions but can be together for common goals. We hope KUBS become a forge and birthplace to educate future talent who can contribute to the nation and society through new challenge based on these strengths.         “Will try our best to strengthen the role of KUBS  in the world”     Janghyuk Lee, Associate Dean    A lot of responsibilities on my shoulders. I didn’t expect to take this position and was concerned but it seems I am enjoying this work after the first month. Also, this made me thrilled to take a great opportunity to give my opinion directly as associate dean.    The term is until August 31st, 2024. Until now there has been a new dean appointed in the middle of the semester because the term ends on October 30th, so we adjusted the term to avoid inconvenience from administrative absence. There are lots of things to be discussed but first, we would follow the changes and needs of the industry since it’s an essential task of business school as applied science. Also, we will be expanding foreign student quotas to strengthen industry-university cooperation and the role of KUBS in the world.  Our KUBS is full of passionate students, professors, faculty, and alumni. If we gather this passion into directions of study, industry-university cooperation, and social contribution then we could create new values through innovation with clear intelligence and individual doing social responsibilities with a warmhearted mind. We hope you believe in your capabilities, look around for others who are in help, and accept new challenges with passion. Please feel free to find me in Business School Main Hall Associate Dean’s Room 108 or through email (janglee@korea.ac.kr). I will be your associate dean open to active communication.

‘KU MBA’ – top 20 in world MBA Program rankings, best in Korea   Applications for △Executive MBA △Korea MBA △Finance MBA begin   KUBS(Dean=Johngseok Bae) begins its MBA(△Executive MBA △Korea MBA △Finance MBA) application process for 2023 Spring. Applications will be received online(http://biz.korea.ac.kr/admission) from September 19th (Mon) 10am to October 21st (Fri) 3pm.     Prior to receiving applications, KUBS will hold an online information session for MBA admissions. Information sessions will be held for each program: Korea MBA session on September 15th(Thur) 7pm, Finance MBA session on September 16th(Fri) 7pm, Executive MBA session on September 17th(Sat) 5pm. KUBS associate dean Yong Keun Yoo and academic directors from each program will introduce KUBS, general academic affairs such as the goals and curriculums for each program, and the characteristics and admission requirements for each program. Currently enrolled MBA students will also attend for a Q&A session.       KUBS MBA is not only Korea’s best MBA program, but is now offering one of the best MBA programs in the world. Executive MBA ranked 20th and 1st place in Korea by Financial times. In 2020, Executive MBA has been reaccredited by AACSB(USA, first accredited in 2005) four times in a row, and by EQUIS(EU, first accredited in 2007) three times in a row. KUBS MBA has shown outstanding achievement in domestic and international domains, such as being ranked 1st among Korean universities in Global Business School Evaluations by the U.S. News & World Report and has being the first in Korea to sign a partnership with the CFA Institute. As a school focused on education and research, it has 83 full time professors which is one of the most faculty in Korea. KUBS MBA also has a rich political · financial · academic human network.   The Executive MBA ranking 20th and 1st place in Korea by the Financial Times’ world top 100 MBA programs confirms that KUBS MBA is the best in Korea. The Executive MBA has once ranked 12th in 2012 and is maintaining 1st among Korean universities for eleven consecutive years. A staff who participated in the evaluation said, “The fact that many Asian universities with good rankings run their academic program by cooperating with US·EU universities while Korea University ranked 20th place by solely running independent programs is quite meaningful.” KUBS ranked higher than △National University of Singapore Business School, 22th △Columbia Business School, 34th △University of Pennsylvania: Wharton, 38th and remains competitive among globally prominent Executive MBA programs.   Executive MBA is a weekend-only MBA course that provides a unique and intensive high-quality education for CEOs or middle managers who aspire to become CEOs in the near future. The program started in 2003, the first in the nation. It adopts a modular course system where one course is completed in two weeks. This allows students to focus, get the most out of the program within a short amount of time. Executive MBA aims to create synergy among students with various experiences and professors by active debate, case studies, consulting projects etc. It also runs the IRP(International Residency Program) which provides learning opportunities in prestigious US and EU schools and local companies to enhance students’ abilities in the international stage. This year, Executive MBA students visited ESADE, Europe’s best business school located in Barcelona, and UCLA to participate in lectures and visit local firms. The program also provides unique lectures on humanities and arts for CEOs to have a vast understanding of culture.   Korea MBA is Korea University’s representative and Korea’s first MBA program that was founded in 1963. It offers a two-year part time course which is popular among office workers who wish to earn a degree by taking courses after working hours. Despite its rigorous coursework, the competition rate was 3:1 last year. The program is considered as the finest in Korea, and has a remarkable human network thanks to the programs’ longevity. It provides specialized major courses suited for companies and which focuses on global trends to serve its students. K-MBA’s special business education begins from course registration. As most enrolled students are office workers, Korea University’s Korea MBA adopted the ‘bidding policy,’ where students can auction for courses. The ‘bidding policy’ grants points according to year, and points are distributed among courses that students wish to register in. During this process, students can apply business strategy, business statistics, decision making, RM(Risk Management) etc. Exchange programs and Field Trips abroad are also provided to enhance students’ international capacities.   Finance MBA is a part time MBA program specializing in finance. The program aims to cultivate CEOs who will lead Korea’s finance industry. It teaches specialized financial expertise and general business theory for financial institution management. Students choose among △Digital finance △Asset management △Corporate finance and take intensive courses to build expertise in the chosen field. Finance MBA is also Korea’s first to participate in the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program (UAP). It selects a few students who plan to take the CFA exam to award ‘CFA scholarship’ every year. The program seeks to support students to foster management specialists with financial expertise.   KUBS aims to rank 30th place until 2030 (‘The 30-30 Project’) and is strengthening its core competencies: faculty, students, programs, infrastructure, finances etc. KUBS plans to invite international professors to create a new research culture and enhance research capabilities. It set △Co-Creater(creative, interdisciplinary students with solid foundations) △Contributor for the Society(Talents who create shared value) △Challenger for the Future(courageous students who communicate with the world) as the MBA programs’ goals and reorganized the curriculum to fit them. KUBS is always working hard to provide educational programs with the latest business trends such as △ESG △Digital Transformation △Start-ups, and has opened more than 14 new courses, 20% of the original 70+ lectures.   Inquiries: KUBS (02-3290-5365, mba_admissions@korea.ac.kr)