[2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Gao Mengjin – A Business School Filled with Outstanding Researchers and Passionate Students… Striving to Grow Together Through Communication with Students    [2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Gao Mengjin    Korea University Business School (KUBS, Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed three new faculty members as of March 2025: Professor Kyung Sung Jung (IS), Professor Minjae Koo (Accounting), and Professor Mengjin Gao. To introduce them to our readers, KU Business JOURNAL conducted interviews to share their aspirations and perspectives.      Q1. Please introduce yourself.  A. Hello, I am Gao Mengjin. I am truly delighted and excited to be joining Korea University Business School (KUBS). I have studied and lived in China, the United States, and Korea, and I believe that my diverse background and experiences have significantly shaped the direction of my research. As I embark on this new journey at Korea University, I look forward to learning and growing together with many people here.    Q2. What are your primary areas of teaching and research?  A. Initially, I aspired to become an engineer, which led me to major in Industrial Design in China. However, during my master’s program in Engineering in the United States, I was introduced to Business Administration, which sparked my interest in how human behavior and social change impact corporations. This ultimately led me to pursue a PhD in Business Administration. Currently, my research focuses on the digital transformation of large enterprises in emerging economies and its social impact.    Q3. What excites you the most about joining KUBS?  A. I have heard that KUBS is home to outstanding researchers and passionate students. I look forward to exchanging ideas with faculty members and students, generating new research ideas, and growing academically through collaborative research. In particular, I am excited about the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, as I believe this process of learning through communication will be a great source of inspiration for me.    Q4. What are your plans for your first semester?  A. I plan to focus on preparing for my lectures, initiating new research projects, and actively participating in academic seminars and conferences within the university.    Q5. As a new faculty member at KUBS, what are your goals and aspirations?  A. I aim to expand in-depth academic discussions through research. Additionally, I want to be a professor who not only engages in research but also explores with students how business knowledge can be applied in real-life situations. I believe that growing together through communication with students is just as important as making academic contributions.    Q6. Lastly, do you have any messages for the KUBS community?  A. It is truly an honor to be part of Korea University Business School! I look forward to learning and growing together in the years to come. Thank you, and I appreciate your support! 

"A Platform for Connecting Future-Driven Leaders" … Advanced Management Program (AMP) 99th Welcoming Ceremony Held      The 99th Welcoming Ceremony of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) was held on Monday, March 10, at SUPEX Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including KUBS Dean Eonsoo Kim, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Academic Director of AMP Seokkyun Kim, and Sookyung Kim, Chief Secretary of AMP.      The ceremony proceeded in the following order: △introduction of distinguished guests, △welcoming speech, △congratulatory address, △singing of the University anthem, and △commemorative photography. In his welcoming speech, Dean Eonsoo Kim stated, "AMP serves as a platform where outstanding leaders from various industries can connect and build networks. Through an innovative curriculum aligned with the AI era, this program will provide essential knowledge and insights to help participants grow into forward-thinking leaders."     The congratulatory address was delivered by Sookyung Kim, Chief Secretary of AMP, on behalf of AMP Alumni Association President Jungseon Park. She emphasized, "In today's rapidly changing business environment, continuous learning and innovation are essential for achieving sustainable growth. I hope this program will inspire all participants and serve as a journey where we shape the future together through meaningful exchanges."    The welcoming ceremony concluded with a commemorative photography session, after which AMP freshmen embarked on their 99th journey by participating in a campus tour and welcome dinner. 

Successful Completion of the 2025 E-MBA New Student Off-Campus Orientation    The Executive MBA (E-MBA) New Student Off-Campus Orientation at Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) was held on February 7th at the Four Seasons Hotel.      The E-MBA program is a Master of Business Administration program designed for senior managers and executives. Korea University launched Korea’s first E-MBA program in 2003, aiming to cultivate creative global CEOs who lead sustainable growth and innovation.      The event was attended by all 51 new students of the 23rd E-MBA class, as well as distinguished guests including Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Associate Dean Byung Cho Kim, E-MBA Academic Director Daeki Kim, and Professor Shijin Yoo, who graced the occasion. In his congratulatory speech, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu remarked, " There may be challenges along the way while pursuing the E-MBA, but it will be a time filled with the joy of learning and the pleasure of forming meaningful friendships. We, as faculty and staff, will strive to ensure that your choice exceeds satisfaction and becomes a truly rewarding experience." Kwang-Sun Kim, the 17th President of the Graduate School of Business Alumni Association, added, "The E-MBA program is a journey to redesign your vision and future in the middle of your professional career. We will support you on your path."      The first session of the event proceeded in the following order: greetings from the E-MBA academic director and program manager, an introduction to the E-MBA program and campus life, self-introductions by the 23rd cohort, and an introduction to the 22nd student association. The second session continued with a welcome speech by the Dean of the Graduate School of Business, remarks from the Alumni Association President, remarks from the 22nd Student Association President, a fellowship festival, and Korea University Culture Night.  During the ‘Eoulrim Hanmadang’ (Fellowship Festival), performances by the Alumni Association Choir (KUBS EMBA CHORUS) and the dance club ‘Rhythm Tiger’ enlivened the atmosphere. The Korea University Cultural Night allowed students to immerse themselves in the university’s traditions, including singing the school cheer songs. The event concluded with remarks from the E-MBA 22nd cohort's Public Relations Director.      New E-MBA student Kyung-Sun Kwon shared, "I have learned a lot within my organization, but I wanted to explore new knowledge, which led me to apply for the E-MBA. I am delighted to meet such outstanding professors and classmates, and I look forward to growing together over the next two years." Another new student, Seung-Min Lee, remarked, "As I navigated various management challenges in today’s rapidly changing industry, I wanted to study in a structured way, which led me to enroll in the E-MBA. I look forward to expanding my network by meeting professionals from diverse fields." Meanwhile, the 2025 E-MBA New Student On-Campus Orientation is scheduled to take place on February 22nd. 

Digital Transformation and K-Business Experience: BMI Global Immersion Program    The EEC (Executive Education Center) at Korea University Business School invites prestigious universities worldwide to participate in its programs and offers various short-term courses. From October 21 to 25, the center hosted the BMI Global Immersion Program (hereafter referred to as "the Program") for students from Brussels ASBL EMBA, Belgium. This Program was conducted under the theme of "Digital Transformation and Innovations," with Professor Janghyuk Lee serving as the lead professor.      The Program was structured around two main components: classes on Digital Transformation and Innovations, and site visits to domestic companies. The classes on Digital Transformation and Innovations included the following sessions:    ▶ Doosan B2B Transformation (Taewon Park, Vice Chairman of Hancomm) ▶ Digital Customer Engagement (Professor Janghyuk Lee) ▶ Start-up Ecosystem in South Korea (CEO of Mark & Company) ▶ Digital Transformation: Theory and Practice (Professor Byung Cho Kim) ▶ Algorithm Literacy (Professor Gun Woong Lee) ▶ Global Scale-up (Gyu Bum Ko, CEO of Medit)      The participants visited leading domestic companies, including Hyundai Motor Group’s ZER01NE and Hyundai Glovis, where they toured the facilities and attended special lectures. Additionally, they explored Korea’s K-food and K-pop industries through visits to CJ CheilJedang's Blossom Park and SM Entertainment. 

“Finding Success Through Continuous Pivots”: Entrepreneurship Lecture by NextUnicorn CEO Jaeyong Jang    On November 19, the Entrepreneurship Academy Lecture Series for the second semester of the 2024 academic year, hosted by Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) and the Startup Institute (Director: Jungbien Moon), was held at The Stage on the 2nd floor of the Business Main Building. NextUnicorn, a platform service provider connecting startups and investors under the motto, "Solving startup problems to innovate the world," participated in the event. Jaeyong Jang, CEO of NextUnicorn, delivered a lecture on the theme "Insights for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs." The topic reflected his aspiration to provide practical support to aspiring entrepreneurs.      CEO Jaeyong Jang shared his journey of entrepreneurship, highlighting multiple pivots along the way. After leaving Gallup Korea, he launched a music player business with a friend. However, the rapid rise of streaming services posed significant challenges. In response, he pivoted to create My Music Taste, a platform that enabled concerts based on music fans’ data. Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey independently, he introduced LOOK SO FINE, an application that recommended fashion styles tailored to the weather. Later, he turned his focus to e-commerce, operating the cross-border fashion shopping app HALFZ (also known as Harpers) and expanding into the U.S. market. Despite this growth, HALFZ faced difficulties due to insufficient app tracking systems in the U.S. and the high cost of marketing, ultimately prompting another pivot in its strategy.    CEO Jaeyong Jang shared the key criteria he uses when selecting new business ideas: focusing on areas he knows well, businesses requiring future value and technological strength, B2B models, fields that earn social respect, and ventures with high profitability. He encouraged the audience to establish their own set of standards. Reflecting on his past experiences, he recounted meeting Enrico Beltramini, who expressed interest in the Asian market while Jang was seeking investors for Harpers. That meeting made him realize the necessity of fostering a stronger startup ecosystem in Korea, which ultimately inspired the business model for NextUnicorn.      CEO Jaeyong Jang concluded his lecture by sharing key insights for entrepreneurs: “Most initial ideas of entrepreneurs fail,” “Positioning is crucial,” “You must have a strong rationale for your business and a compelling motivation for starting it,” “Aim for monopoly,” and “Don’t give up until it works.” These words served as a powerful and inspiring message for aspiring entrepreneurs.    During the Q&A session following the lecture, a student asked about the secret behind consistent success for entrepreneurs in a startup world where luck plays a significant role. CEO Jaeyong Jang responded, “Entrepreneurs who seem lucky have often fought relentlessly until their luck turned in their favor. Their volume of decision-making is overwhelming.” He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to increase the sheer number of decisions they make, emphasizing the importance of testing hypotheses, generating results, and moving forward based on those outcomes.      In closing, CEO Jaeyong Jang encouraged the students by saying, “I don’t believe my thoughts are the absolute answer,” and “Only the experiences you go through, the value judgments you make, and the decisions you reach on your own will guide your life to the next level.” 

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Hae Kang Lee – KUBS Is A Place Where People Dream of a Better Future Through Hard Work [2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Hae Kang Lee  Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers.  Q: Can you introduce your journey so far?  A: I completed my PhD at NYU Stern School of Business and worked as a finance professor at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina before joining Korea University. I feel honored to be part of the globally renowned Korea University Business School.    Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating?  A: After graduation, I wanted to apply the knowledge I gained in school to real-world situations, so I started my career on Wall Street rather than immediately entering academia. After several years of diverse experiences, I realized that I wanted to understand the financial markets more deeply, which led me to pursue a PhD later in life and embark on an academic career.    Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing?  A: One of its greatest strengths is its continuous evolution. KUBS works not only to maintain its status as a top-tier institution in Korea but also to become a leading global business school. The strong networking among students, alumni, and faculty under the Korea University name is another significant advantage.    Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member?  A: Reflecting on my own education, I believe learning becomes more engaging when it connects with real-world experiences beyond textbooks. I aim to leverage my diverse work experiences across various countries and fields to bridge academic concepts with the realities of the financial markets in my classes.    Q: Can you introduce the courses you are currently teaching?  A: I am currently teaching Investments. As mentioned earlier, my goal is to help students gain a deeper understanding of current global financial market dynamics, beyond just academic finance. To do this, I incorporate discussions of business news into my classes and engage students through random questioning. While some students may find this method challenging, I believe that constantly thinking and expressing one’s opinions is essential in the global business world, and class provides an excellent opportunity to practice this.    Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School?  A: Although I feel the pressure to meet the high standards set by my esteemed senior colleagues, I also aspire to produce research that gains recognition in the field of finance. My primary research focuses are insurance and investment theory (asset pricing), but I have diverse interests. Recently, I've noticed a growing trend in conservative finance academia towards integrating machine learning and AI, and I plan to expand my research in that direction.    Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor?  A: I hope to be remembered as a professor who continuously strives to be helpful to students in my lectures. Reflecting on my own undergraduate experience, many lectures and professors left a lasting impression on me. Some classes, regardless of whether they were taught by renowned professors, can significantly impact a student’s life and even alter their career trajectory. If I can be that kind of memorable professor for even a few students, I will feel fulfilled in my role as a professor.