Korea University Business School's Executive MBA Ranks 61st Globally – The Only Korean Program in FT’s Top 100 EMBA Rankings    Korea University Business School (Dean Eonsoo Kim)’s Executive MBA (E-MBA) program has been ranked 61st in the Financial Times (FT) “2025 Top 100 Executive MBA Programmes,” making it the only Korean university program to be listed among the world’s top 100.    The ranking represents a one-place rise from last year’s 62nd position and stands as a remarkable achievement not only within Korea but also across the broader Asian region. Korea University has once again reaffirmed its leading status as the sole domestic institution included in the rankings. Since first entering the FT list in 2011, Korea University’s E-MBA has consistently maintained a strong mid-to-upper-tier position, previously reaching as high as 12th place.    This year’s top global spot was claimed by the “Olin–Fudan EMBA,” a joint program between Washington University in St. Louis and Fudan University in Shanghai. The “Ceibs Global EMBA” of the China Europe International Business School ranked second, followed by the “ESCP Europe EMBA” offered by ESCP Business School, which operates campuses across France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Poland.    The Financial Times (FT) rankings evaluate business schools worldwide based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including graduates’ career progress, academic and networking strengths, internationalization and diversity, sustainability and ESG performance, and overall satisfaction.    A total of 19 indicators are assessed, with key metrics including: ▲Salary today (15%) ▲Salary increase (16%) ▲Career progress (6%) ▲Alumni network rank (4%) ▲Faculty with doctorates (5%) ▲FT research rank (10%) ▲Female faculty (5%) ▲ESG and net-zero teaching rank (3%) ▲Carbon footprint rank (4%) ▲Overall satisfaction. (Only major indicators among the 19 are listed here.)    Korea University received particularly strong evaluations in Salary increase, Alumni network rank, and Overall satisfaction, contributing to its outstanding performance in this year’s rankings.  Korea University Business School’s E-MBA is the only independent Korean program that has consistently ranked among the world’s top 100. Established in 2003, the program is designed for senior managers and executives with more than ten years of professional experience. It aims to nurture creative global leaders who can drive sustainable growth and innovation in today’s rapidly changing business environment.    To maximize learning efficiency, the curriculum adopts a modular format in which students concentrate on one subject every two weeks, designed to accommodate their work schedules and professional demands. In addition to the faculty, students—who are accomplished professionals from diverse industries—engage in peer learning, sharing knowledge and experience to generate meaningful synergies. Over the two-year program, participants progress through the same academic journey together, naturally building lasting relationships that evolve into a powerful professional network.    The E-MBA curriculum integrates theory and practice through courses such as Special CEO Topics, the ELITE (Executive Learning & Interactive Team Exercise) Project, and the International Residency Program (IRP).  Among these, the ELITE Project stands out as a hands-on, practice-oriented course in which students apply their classroom learning to real-world corporate challenges under the close guidance of the faculty. Participants take an active role in the problem-solving process, sharing analyses and ideas within their teams to strengthen their practical capabilities. Many of the innovative ideas generated through these projects have been successfully commercialized, establishing the ELITE Project as a flagship experiential learning course that seamlessly connects theory with practice.    The mandatory International Residency Program (IRP) provides students with opportunities to attend lectures at leading global universities, visit prominent local companies and institutions, and take part in a range of cultural and artistic activities — all designed to enhance their global perspective and international business capabilities.  In the first semester of the 2025 academic year, the IRP was held at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in the United States and at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University, in the Netherlands.  During their stay at Georgetown University, students explored the Port of Baltimore, Capitol Hill, Manhattan, Hudson Yards, and the One World Trade Center Observatory, and took a cruise to the Statue of Liberty — gaining a broad understanding of American history and business culture.    At the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in the Netherlands, participants visited innovative organizations and sustainable urban development sites such as Floating Farms, TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), High Tech Campus, and Blue City, where they gained firsthand insights into leading European practices in ESG-driven management.  Through its high-caliber curriculum, Korea University’s E-MBA has strengthened both academic excellence and practice-oriented education, further solidifying its position as a globally respected graduate business program. This year’s ranking is recognized as the outcome of years of educational innovation and dedicated efforts by Korea University Business School to enhance global competitiveness. Its consistent inclusion in the world’s top 100 as an independent program reflects the depth and sustainability of its academic foundation. Looking ahead, Korea University’s E-MBA remains committed to developing leaders who combine global perspective with ethical insight, continuing to establish itself as a leading force in global business education. 

2026 Korea University K-MBA Admission Briefing: Nurturing Next-Generation Leaders through Tradition and Distinctive Excellence  On Friday, September 19, Korea University Business School held the 2026 Korea MBA (hereinafter K-MBA) Admission Briefing at the SUPEX Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. In his welcome address, Dean Eonsoo Kim remarked, “If you decide to join Korea University’s MBA program, we promise to be a steadfast partner on your journey. I hope today’s briefing session provides you with new vision and inspiration.”    Professor Kwanghyun Kim then presented the vision of the K-MBA: “Business for Society, Inspiring Next Leaders.” He emphasized that the goal of the K-MBA program is not merely the pursuit of profit, but to explore business practices that contribute to society while nurturing the next generation of leaders in the process. He also highlighted the program’s key differentiating features, which include: ▲ The First and The Best MBA ▲ Cultivation of Competence and Insight▲ A Diverse Range of Programs ▲ An Exceptional Professional Network ▲ World-Class Faculty and Learning Environment  Representing the student body, K-MBA Student Council President Mansung Park shared his reasons for choosing the K-MBA, confidently stating, “When it comes to an MBA, Korea University is the clear choice.” He introduced not only the academic rigor of the program but also the valuable learning opportunities gained through peer interaction. He also outlined the structure of the student council, which operates through four divisions, and described the vibrant networking environment fostered by career groups, club rooms, and various small-group activities.    In the latter part of the session, a one-hour Q&A took place, during which participants actively raised questions on a wide range of topics—including networking, maximum course credits, class sizes, and independent research opportunities—covering all aspects of admissions, coursework, and campus life.    The well-attended session offered participants in-depth insights into the K-MBA’s vision, distinctive program features, dynamic networking environment, and the diverse opportunities it provides for developing as future leaders. It marked a meaningful start for those embarking on a new challenge.  Meanwhile, the K-MBA holds the distinction of being the first MBA program ever established in Korea. As the earliest MBA program introduced by Korea University, it embodies both tradition and leadership in the field. In addition to essential courses required for managers, the K-MBA offers a wide selection of elective courses that encompass various subfields of business administration, allowing students to freely choose classes that align with their interests and career goals. Furthermore, the K-MBA prides itself on its strong alumni network and sense of unity. This tradition begins with the orientation—where new and senior students come together to learn about Korea University’s history and cheering culture—and reaches its peak during the annual Korea-Yonsei Games. The alumni network currently numbers around 10,000, with graduates active across diverse industries serving as a reliable support system for their juniors.    Applications for the K-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 (+82-2-3290-1360) or email (mba_admissions@korea.ac.kr). 

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. 

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.   

[Interview with Newly Appointed Faculty for Fall 2025] Professor Juyoung Lee — A New Beginning at My Alma Mater, Embracing the Next Challenge  In September 2025, Korea University Business School appointed five new faculty members, each bringing expertise in diverse areas of research: Professor Dae hoon Noh (LSOM), Professor Juyoung Lee (Business Administration), Professor Seunghoo Chung (Business Administration), Professor Jae Young Cho (Strategy), and Professor Angela Aerry Choi (Information Systems).  To mark the occasion, KUBS News sat down with the newly appointed professors to introduce their research interests and educational philosophies to our readers.    Q1. Please introduce yourself.  Hello, my name is Juyoung Lee, and I recently joined Korea University Business School as an Assistant Professor in the Business Administration area. I studied sociology at both Korea University and Brown University in the United States, and later transitioned into the field of business while working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Ivey Business School. Before joining Korea University, I spent four years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.    Q2. What led you to join Korea University Business School, and how do you feel about it?  This new beginning at Korea University Business School is both a new challenge and a valuable opportunity for me to grow as a more insightful researcher and a better educator. Above all, I look forward to the meaningful experiences I’ll share with my students.    Q3. What is the research area or topic you are currently focusing on?  My current research focuses on the relationship between corporate short-termism and environmental performance. Existing studies have argued that short-term orientation hinders long-term investment and negatively impacts environmental outcomes. However, short-termism is not inherently detrimental. Firms with a short-term orientation may be better positioned to respond swiftly to urgent issues.  For instance, when peer firms are sanctioned for violating environmental regulations, short-term-oriented companies are more likely to take prompt corrective action. This study examines such responses to explore the conditions under which short-termism may positively influence environmental performance.    Q4. What is your teaching philosophy when leading classes and mentoring students?  I am currently teaching organizational theory. Through the course, I hope students move beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge and gain meaningful insights.  Organizational theory not only addresses internal organizational dynamics but also offers valuable perspectives for understanding broader social structures. I hope students will learn to view organizations and society through multiple lenses and continue developing their own independent thinking. I look forward to supporting them along the way.    Q5. Besides academic knowledge, what do you think students must learn during their college years?  Looking back on my twenties at Korea University, I can confidently say that I gained invaluable lessons that extended far beyond the classroom—lessons learned through diverse activities on and off campus, and through interactions with fellow students across all year levels.  I hope today’s students will also take this uniquely free and possibility-filled stage of life to broaden their perspectives on society through a wide range of experiences.    Q6. As a new faculty member at the Business School, what are your goals or visions for the future?  I hope to join students and senior colleagues on a shared journey of learning and discovery—working together to generate new insights and create meaningful value.    Q7. Lastly, could you offer some words of advice and encouragement to Korea University students heading out into the world?  I encourage you to face the world with confidence, live with passion, and color your life boldly with your own unique identity.