KUBS Young Scholars’ Conference Concludes, Expanding Academic Exchange Through Cross-Disciplinary Research Sharing        The 2nd KUBS Young Scholars' Conference 2025 took place on Friday, November 28, at the LG-POSCO Hall. The event, held simultaneously in Ahn Young-Il Hall and Rooms 216 and 217, was organized as part of the BK21 Four-stage Management Education and Research Program and featured both mini conference sessions and roundtable sessions. In the mini conference sessions, graduate students who had recently presented at major international academic conferences shared their research findings. In the roundtable sessions, participants freely exchanged ideas with fellow attendees over refreshments at tables dedicated to various topics, including research themes, opportunities for interdisciplinary and joint research, job market trends, and graduate school admissions. The event was open to all members of the university, including Korea University graduate students.        The event began with a welcoming address by Professor Woochan Kim, Director of the Management Education and Research Group. He remarked, “Academic achievements are refined through the advice and cooperation of many people,” adding, “I hope today serves as a meaningful step in strengthening each of your research endeavors.” In the mini conference sessions, attendees chose presentations of interest based on the pre-published program and moved freely between rooms. Each presentation included a 10-minute talk followed by a 5-minute Q&A. As research from various disciplines was presented, participants were exposed to a broad range of academic perspectives. This year’s conference featured 19 graduate students presenting on 20 topics. With a wide array of majors and themes represented, participants could engage selectively in sessions aligned with their interests and explore diverse research areas. Many students commented that the ability to tailor their experience made the program feel as rich and intensive as that of an international academic conference.      Presentation Titles and Speakers      △ Heo, Yerim — “Betting Big, Backed by Hedging: How Subsidiary Networks Reshape CEO Risk Perceptions in CBA”  △ ZHANG, YEXUAN — “Third-Party ESG Ratings and the Green Innovation Dilemma: The Moderating Role of Executive Green Awareness” △ JAWARA FAKULIE ALFRED — “The Impact of Managerial Ties on the Relationship Between Institutional Voids and Firm Performance”  △ Kim, Yerim — “Market Maker Short Selling: A Necessary Evil?”  △ Park, Jungwoo — “Understanding the Concepts of Proactive Quality Management and Its Profitability: The Event Study Method”  △ HONG, TONGTONG — “Foreign Exchange Reserves and Corporate Leverage: A Credit Risk Spillover Channel”  △ Lee, Juhyun — “Does NAS Affect CAM Quality? – Evidence from Korea”  △ ZHOU, YUNXIAO — “Beyond Tier-1: How MNCs Shape Indirect Suppliers’ Sustainability via Institutional Pressures”  △ Jang, Jongik — “Is CSR Always a Buffer? Reinterpreting Its Role under Political Uncertainty: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in South Korea”; “Navigating Climate Regulatory Diversity: How MNEs Learn from Cumulative Experience”  △ Lee, Seungjun — “Multi-Period Stochastic Programming for Location-Inventory Decisions in Closed-Loop Supply Chains” △ Jeon, Injae — “When Elephants Fight: How Nonmarket Strategy Helps Third-Country MNEs Cope with Geopolitical Rivalry”  △ Sun, Jongin — “What Sets Resilient Firms Apart in Times of Global Disruption: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic”  △ Song, Minki — “From Attention to Advantage: The Market Spillovers of Live Streaming Commerce in Digital Retail Ecosystems”  △ JIN, XUANTING — “Beyond Mere Distance: How Intra- and Inter-Brand Proximity Shape Omnichannel Performance”  △ Son, Bongjin — “Impact of Financial APIs on the Trade Outcome of Foreign Investors”  △ Eum, Sangwon — “A Conjoint Analysis Model with Attribute Groups: Focused on Music Streaming Services”  △ CHEN, MENGTING — “Consumers’ Privacy Awareness and Trust: Impacts on Regional Courier Services”  △ Oh, Jaeyoung — “How the Association Between Pet and Self-Construal Shapes Marketing Effectiveness and Consumer Mindsets”  △ SARI DOROTTYA — “Coordination of Confusion?: An Examination of Boundary Objects and Semantic Drift on ‘Agility’”            A selection of the presentations is introduced below  In Ahn Young-Il Hall, Heo Yerim delivered the first presentation. A doctoral student in Global Business, Heo introduced her study, “Betting Big, Backed by Hedging: How Subsidiary Networks Reshape CEO Risk Perception in Cross-Border Acquisition,” which she previously presented at the Strategic Management Society Annual Conference 2025.    Her research examines how CEOs’ personal risk perceptions influence decisions regarding cross-border acquisitions (CBA), and how the structure of a firm’s subsidiary network moderates this relationship. She categorizes subsidiary networks into “breadth,” referring to geographic dispersion across countries, and “depth,” indicating concentration in specific countries, and develops hypotheses based on these distinctions. The empirical analysis shows that greater perceived CEO risk leads to reduced CBA investment. Moreover, network breadth mitigates this negative effect, whereas network depth amplifies it.    Jang Jongik, also a doctoral student in Global Business, introduced his research, “Is CSR Always a Buffer? Reinterpreting Its Role under Political Uncertainty: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in South Korea,” which he presented at the Strategic Management Society Annual Conference 2025. He explained how he developed his research idea on the relationship among Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), political crises, and firm value. Building on prior studies examining the “CSR–political crisis–firm value” relationship, he employed South Korea’s presidential declaration of martial law as a natural experiment to test the “insurance effect” of CSR. The findings showed that firms more active in CSR experienced even more negative market reactions following the political crisis. Jang noted that in emerging or state-led economies like South Korea, CSR often serves as a means of cultivating ties with the government rather than responding to civil society, suggesting that its positive effects may not hold under conditions of governmental instability.   Oh Jaeyoung, a doctoral student in Marketing, introduced his study, “How the Association between Pet and Self-Construal Shapes Marketing Effectiveness and Consumer Mindsets,” which he previously presented at the American Marketing Association (AMA) Conference 2025. The study examines the hypothesis that images of dogs and cats activate different types of self-construal, thereby shaping preferences for advertising messages and influencing consumer judgments. The experimental results showed that participants exposed to dog images preferred interdependent messages, whereas those shown cat images tended to favor independent messages. The study further revealed that even brief exposure to such images can alter consumers’ price perceptions and evaluations.          The presentations proceeded smoothly, with active exchanges of ideas during the Q&A sessions that contributed to further developing each study. Participants shared brief words of encouragement with the presenters, helping maintain a supportive atmosphere. Several presenters noted that the event helped them plan the next steps in their research.    After all presentations had concluded, participants reconvened in Ahn Young-Il Hall for the roundtable sessions. Seated at tables organized by research themes, attendees freely exchanged views on research challenges, preparation processes, and personal insights. At the “Sustainability Governance” table, Jang Jongik and Choi Wonjin discussed upcoming conference deadlines and preparation strategies. Choi noted, “The deadline is about a month away, so I was seeking some advice.”    This year’s event provided an important opportunity for researchers from various disciplines to gather and share their research experiences. The Management Education and Research Group plans to continue supporting programs that promote research exchange among graduate students. Through future Young Scholars’ Conference initiatives, the foundation for collaboration among young scholars is expected to grow even further. 

Korea University Business School Builds Exchange Network with 113 Partner Universities in 33 Countries    In addition to the university-wide program, Korea University Business School (KUBS) operates its own exchange program each semester in partnership with leading business schools around the world. As a college-led model, the Business School directly oversees all processes—from forming agreements to selection, credit transfer, and scholarship support—providing a fully streamlined system. KUBS students spend one semester at a partner institution, and the credits they earn are transferred back toward their degree at Korea University.    As of Fall 2025, Korea University has established partnerships with 113 universities across 33 countries, with nine new institutions joining the exchange network this year alone. The network includes world-renowned business schools and is evenly distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, allowing students to maintain depth in their business major while gaining exposure to diverse regional curricula. The program is highly rated by students, as it offers a well-balanced combination of academic diversity and cultural experience.    Korea University Business School is the first business school in Korea to earn both AACSB and EQUIS international accreditations and is an active full member of the CEMS Global Alliance. Through these accreditations and its engagement in global alliance, KUBS continues to strengthen its international reputation while further enhancing the credibility of KUBS students participating in exchange programs.    The Business School reduces the burden on students by providing airfare scholarship support, clear credit recognition procedures, and a transparent selection process. On campus, the school expands English-only course offerings and operates the KUBS Buddy Program to help inbound exchange students adjust to campus life and to promote natural interaction between domestic and international students. Pre-departure preparation is also systematic. Through orientations, send-off ceremonies, and experience-sharing sessions, the school provides practical information on local life, housing, and course registration strategies. It also offers clear guidance on curriculum analysis for each partner university and on credit recognition procedures, enabling students to maintain continuity in their major. These efforts ensure that students can continue their academic plans seamlessly even after studying abroad.      Applications are accepted every January and July, following announcements on the KUBS website. Because an English résumé and original scores from tests such as TOEFL are required, interested students are advised to prepare in advance. The standard exchange period is one semester, but it may be extended up to one year if necessary. Students selected for airfare scholarships may also receive additional living expense scholarships if further support is needed. With various support pathways available, it is essential for students to proactively review the required qualifications.    With its identity as a “business-centered global exchange program,” the KUBS exchange program is one of the most practical options for students who wish to build international competencies early in their academic journey. For more detailed information about application procedures and selection timelines, students may visit the Korea University Business School website (click) or contact the KUBS International Affairs Team for assistance.      2025 Spring Semester Exchange Program: University of Southern California  (Yoon Jang, Business ’20)    USC is a prestigious institution ranked among the top 10 business schools in the United States. Both faculty and students are exceptionally capable, contributing to an academically rigorous environment that continuously motivated me. The most memorable course was Financial Analysis and Valuation, where we conducted valuations using real corporate cases and received direct feedback from active VC and PE professionals. It was a truly hands-on experience. Although the workload was substantial, I gained a deep understanding of how theory connects seamlessly with practice. Exposure to diverse viewpoints through team projects and case analyses further enriched my learning.  At first, I was concerned about adapting to a completely new environment, but USC’s comprehensive security system ensured that I always felt safe. Interacting with friends from various countries broadened my cultural perspective, and I experienced significant personal growth in this new setting. Even within a short period, I noticed natural changes not only in my English proficiency but also in the way I approached problem-solving and handled unfamiliar situations. Above all, gaining the courage to set aside fear and embrace challenges was the most meaningful outcome.  If you are considering an exchange program, I strongly encourage you to apply without hesitation. Adjusting to a new environment may not always be easy, but the academic and personal growth you will gain is truly invaluable. 

EEC Opens New Horizons for Corporate Clients and International Visiting Students in 2025 -EEC operated 17 education programs over the past year — significantly enhancing corporate credibility and program scalability.     The Executive Education Center (EEC) at Korea University Business School solidified its position in 2025 as Korea’s leading provider of non-degree, customized executive education. This year, EEC significantly expanded its educational portfolio by offering a total of 17 programs, including global programs, corporate-customized programs, and executive courses. By accurately identifying the practical competencies and leadership skills required in a rapidly evolving corporate environment and delivering proactive, capability-enhancing programs, EEC has established itself as a trusted learning partner for companies both in Korea and abroad.    Expansion of International Training Visits… Growing Global Demand for Programs at Korea University  In 2025, visits from overseas universities, global corporations, and international organizations increased significantly, further elevating the EEC’s global standing. Starting with the early-year visit from ESADE Business School in Spain, students and representatives from the OneMBA program—jointly operated by Xiamen University School of Management in China, FGV São Paulo School of Business Administration in Brazil, and Toulouse Business School in France—came to Korea University for academic sessions.  Additionally, BMI Brussels ASBL in Europe, the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO in Russia, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong visited Korea University as part of their international training programs. Participants engaged in special lectures and in-depth sessions with KU faculty and visited Korean companies to gain firsthand insight into Korea’s business environment and industrial landscape.  Corporate visits also continued. Agrocentro S.A. from South America visited Korea University for practical training and leadership development. These recurring visits from global institutions underscore the EEC’s emergence as a major educational hub for international training in the Asian region.      A Remarkable Expansion of EEC’s Educational Portfolio in 2025  EEC’s expertise was particularly evident in its corporate-customized education programs. In 2025, seven programs were conducted in partnership with five leading Korean companies and institutions—Samsung Electronics, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, SK, Seoul National University Hospital, and Korea Zinc. Each program—including the Samsung Electronics Finance MBA (introductory, intermediate, and advanced), Samsung Fire A.C.E. Program, SK Capital Market Specialist Program, Seoul National University Hospital Business Program, and Korea Zinc Leadership Academy—was designed to reflect the unique strategic needs and organizational challenges of each partner, earning strong satisfaction through results-oriented curricula.  Leveraging its close collaboration with industry, EEC continues to play a key role in developing core talent and enhancing organizational competitiveness. Notably, 2025 marked a significant expansion into new educational domains. With the launch of the Seoul National University Hospital Business Program, EEC began delivering customized management education tailored to the healthcare sector, marking an important milestone in broadening its educational impact across diverse industries.      Consistent Operation of Executive Programs  Regularly offered executive courses also continued successfully. The AMP (Advanced Management Program), MSP (Management Studies Program), and CHRO (Chief HR Officer Program) are each designed to meet different leadership levels and roles, and have become flagship programs that provide strategic insight and practical perspectives to corporate decision-makers and senior executives. In particular, the courses center on critical issues faced by today’s corporate leaders—such as organizational change management, global business strategy, and talent and culture innovation—ensuring strong real-world applicability.  Among these programs, the CHRO course is the only program in Korea dedicated specifically to HR professionals, and it celebrated the graduation of its first cohort this year. Designed to advance the expertise of leaders in HR and organizational management, the program explores core challenges facing HR executives, including advanced talent strategies, organizational culture innovation, and HR governance.      From Simple Retraining to a True Partner in Solving Organizational Challenges  Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu of the Business School noted, “Requests for customized EEC programs continue to grow each year, and companies now look to us not simply for retraining but as a partner that works with them to solve organizational challenges.” He added, “Moving forward, we will continue developing high-quality programs that address the diverse issues faced in corporate settings, thereby further strengthening the Business School’s social responsibility and impact.”     

KUBS, Pioneer of Korean Business Education, Moving Beyond 120 Years into the Future      In 2025, Korea University Business School (KUBS) celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding. At a time when the very concept of “business administration” was still unfamiliar in Korea, the school planted the earliest seeds of Korean business education and, over the past 120 years, has grown into a pioneering institution that has nurtured leaders across the nation’s corporate, academic, and policy sectors. The 120th anniversary not only commemorates this legacy but also marks an important turning point for redefining the school’s identity and future vision.  In 2021, the Committee on History and Culture was established to shift the school’s development beyond external expansion and toward deeper academic and cultural enrichment. The committee has since carried out various projects to strengthen KUBS’s historical, cultural, and artistic identity, and to enhance members’ sense of pride. Its first initiative was the planting of plum trees, pagoda trees, and Korean pines across the KUBS campus. The plum tree—bearing blossoms that symbolize Bosung College, the predecessor of Korea University—the pagoda tree that once stood on the site of the early school buildings, and the Korean pine, now the university’s official tree, were planted to infuse the campus with its historical roots. This has created a symbolic landscape that evokes the Korea University spirit for members while allowing visitors to experience the heritage of KUBS in a natural and meaningful way.  In 2022, artist Lee Ufan’s work Relatum–The Location was installed in front of the Business School building. Aimed at adding an emotional dimension to Korea University’s traditional image—defined by intellect and a bold, spirited character—the piece, which invites contemplation through its restrained aesthetic, visually expresses KUBS’s identity as a “campus of reflection.”  Published in the same year, 120-Year History of KUBS Through Oral Testimonies holds particular significance as it transforms major events and experiences—once preserved only through oral tradition—into an accurate written record based on vivid accounts from senior faculty, enabling future generations to revisit the school’s history. Building on this foundation, Korea University Business School: 120 Years and Beyond was released in May 2025, followed by Professor Cho Young-hun’s The Path of Business Administration: A Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Korea University Business School in September. Together, these publications form a comprehensive collection of the school’s key historical records, systematically organizing 120 years of intellectual legacy.  At the 120th anniversary ceremony held on May 23, 2025, KU President Dong-One Kim stated in his congratulatory address, “The 120 years of the Business School represent the very history of the growth and innovation of Korean business education.” Dean Eonsoo Kim then presented the school’s vision, “Spearheading Next Intelligence,” outlining the future direction of business studies through the convergence of human and artificial intelligence and the integration of scholarship and technology. Emphasizing the philosophy of 3C and 4Tech, he announced plans for establishing a “Trading Zone”—an open platform where students, corporations, and startups can share knowledge and engage in experimentation. The highlight of the ceremony was an intergenerational message exchange. Alumnus Jae-bong Seo (Class of 1965) presented a letter of hope to a freshman, while Hyun-ho Lee (Class of 2025) wrote a message addressed to a student entering in 2085—creating a symbolic moment that connected the spirit of the past 120 years with the future. The letters were sealed in a time capsule along with that day’s issue of the Business School Newspaper and stored in the History Center of the Hyundai Motor Business Hall, to be opened in 2085.  In August, students envisioned society and the business world 60 years into the future through the “KUBS Imagination Contest,” and their ideas later served as key discussion material for the September forum. In September, a public talk titled “Mapping the Future: Business Society in 60 Years” was held, along with the student-led festival “Hosang Daedong Festival: PANTHERA.” At the forum, students’ visions of the future intersected with expert insights, generating diverse perspectives on what the business environment may look like six decades from now. The public talk also explored the central question: “What role should business administration play in future society?” Meanwhile, the festival PANTHERA—a combination of the traditional name Hosangje and Panthera tigris, the scientific name of the tiger symbolizing Korea University—presented a new form of community celebration where tradition and innovation coexisted.  The year’s journey was not merely a reflection on the past, but a pledge toward the next 120 years. Upholding its core values amid an era of change and pioneering new paths in business scholarship that serve people and society—this is the promise KUBS makes for the next century, built upon the foundation of its 120-year legacy. The final chapter of the 120th-anniversary initiatives culminates in the “KUBS 120 MARCH” fundraising campaign, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of business leaders. 

Reflecting on the Value of Giving and Sharing… 2025 Fall Semester Certificate of Scholarship Awarding Ceremony Held       The 2025 Fall Scholarship Award Ceremony of Korea University Business School was held on Thursday, November 13, at Ahn Young-Il Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall. Dean Eonsoo Kim, Associate Dean Hyun Seung Na, and Professor Johngseok Bae attended the event, along with key donors and distinguished guests including Sungil Yang (Executive Director at KCC), Deukchoon Lim (President of AMP Class 96 Alumni Association), Min Kang (President of the Class of ’97 Alumni Group), Youngil Kim (Executive Director of the Korea University Alumni Association), and Jungsoo Han (CEO of Yeondu Company). The attendees celebrated the scholarship recipients and helped create a warm atmosphere grounded in the value of giving.        The Business School provides various forms of support—such as national, university, and external scholarships—to 52% of its enrolled students. The total annual scholarship amount reaches approximately 6 billion KRW. The school currently operates a wide range of programs, including 20 types of KUBS Need-Based Scholarships (tuition support) and the Dream Scholarship (living expense support). In the 2025 academic year, 300 students received support through 44 different scholarship programs, made possible by the contributions of more than 600 donors to date. The Business School emphasized that it will “continue to operate the scholarship system transparently and responsibly so that no student’s education is interrupted for financial reasons.”  In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Eonsoo Kim expressed his gratitude, saying, “The warm generosity of our donors serves as a steadfast force that ensures our students’ learning is never interrupted.” He also highlighted recent achievements of the Business School, including: △ entering the global top 40 across major categories in the QS 2025 Business Discipline rankings, △ producing the highest number of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) passers for ten consecutive years, and △ nurturing 154 startup companies and generating 274.5 billion KRW in corporate value through the Startup Research Institute. He emphasized that these accomplishments were “made possible by the dedication of our students and the trust of our donors.”        Sixty representative scholarship recipients, out of the total 300 awardees, attended the ceremony to receive their certificates in person. A variety of scholarships were presented, including the Eunmin Dream Scholarship, Eonsoo Kim Dream Scholarship, Jungsoo Han Dream Scholarship, Geumcheon Scholarship, Namchon Scholarship, and the AMP 96 Alumni Association Scholarship. After the certificate presentation, donors and recipients took commemorative photos together, sharing moments of gratitude and encouragement.        Geun-Woo Lee, a recipient of the Jungsoo Han Dream Scholarship, shared, “Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to ease my financial burden and focus more on my studies and personal growth. I will strive to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime period of my youth.” Yeon-Woo Jeong, who received the MJ Cultural Welfare Foundation Scholarship, said, “The warm support from our donors allowed me to truly experience the virtuous cycle of giving. I will grow into a person who can live up to that trust.”    Following the certificate presentations and student remarks, Professor Hackjin Kim from the Korea University School of Psychology delivered a special lecture titled “The Neuroscience of Altruism and Empathy.” Drawing on neuroscience research, he explained how altruistic behavior and empathy develop in the human brain, emphasizing that “altruistic behavior is not simply an act of goodwill, but arises from a fundamental human desire to connect with others.” He also described how giving and sharing promote a healthy cycle that extends beyond individuals to society as a whole, which was met with enthusiastic responses from the audience.    The event concluded with a group photo session involving all scholarship recipients, followed by a banquet. Donors and alumni shared academic and career advice with the students, who in turn expressed their gratitude and aspirations for the future. The ceremony served as a meaningful occasion that highlighted how Korea University Business School’s values of “sharing and community spirit” are being actively put into practice within the educational environment. 

An Era of Fog, an Education That Builds the Compass : MBA Achievements 0f 2025     “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Widely attributed to Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, this famous quote captures the essence of contemporary education—particularly the fundamental direction that leadership education must pursue. In an era where uncertainty has become the norm, the competencies required of leaders extend far beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge. True leadership lies in creative thinking and the ability to act—qualities that enable one to read the tides of change and build a new order within them.  Over the past year, Korea University has put this philosophy into practice by realizing an education model in which “learning becomes action.” Although each program—Korea MBA, Executive MBA, Finance MBA, KUBS-DBA, Global MBA, and CEMS Global MIM—targets a different audience and serves a distinct purpose, they all move toward a shared mission: to cultivate leaders who design their own futures in a rapidly changing world and drive positive transformation in society.  Here, learning is not simply the acquisition of knowledge; it is the act of creating the future. Students learn in the classroom, test what they have learned in real-world settings, and expand that learning once again in society. This cycle of learning represents the depth of education that Korea University strives for and is the driving force that has positioned the university as a standard-bearer of business education not only in Korea but across Asia.  Under this philosophy, Korea University has demonstrated over the past year—through a wide range of programs—that learning is the force that drives change.      Korea MBA: Building Practical Global Insight  The Korea MBA program offers an education that cultivates practical global insight grounded in management theory. From June 25 to 29, a total of 156 students participated in a global field study in Singapore under the guidance of Academic  Director Professor Kwanghyun Kim. Through visits to government agencies, startups, and global corporations, the students conducted an in-depth examination of Singapore’s developmental model as a city-state where digital transformation and ESG strategies intersect. This experience functioned as a dynamic learning platform—one that allowed students to test and deepen their classroom knowledge within the real global economic system.    Executive MBA: An Educational Laboratory for Practical Leadership  The Executive MBA has continued to deliver field-centered education under a clear mission to cultivate practical managerial leaders, with the ELITE project (Executive Learning & Interactive Team Exercise) at its core. The ELITE presentation event held this past August at Supex Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall marked the culmination of these efforts. Rather than a simple project showcase, the process in which participants identified real corporate challenges and developed actionable solutions functioned as a full-scale “management laboratory.” Participants presented structured strategies—integrating data analysis, interviews, and financial simulations—while addressing realistic topics in rapidly evolving markets such as healthcare, platform businesses, and O2O services. Judges commented, “The ideas are not only innovative but also highly applicable to real-world practice.”  The accompanying International Residency Program (IRP) further strengthened the global distinctiveness of the E-MBA curriculum. The 22nd cohort participated in lectures and institutional visits on ESG and innovation leadership at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University, in the Netherlands from July 5 to 12, gaining first-hand insight into Europe’s sustainable management models. The 23rd cohort, from June 21 to 28, explored the role of executives amid global geopolitical dynamics at Georgetown University in the United States, experiencing global leadership that navigates the intersection of policy and business. These programs are not simple study tours; rather, they reflect the core identity of the E-MBA—a process in which leaders think in the field and reflect deeply on the balance between social responsibility and innovation.      Finance MBA: Financial Education That Reads the ‘Flow’ Beyond the Numbers  The Finance MBA program spent the first year of its two-year curriculum engaged in a wide range of meaningful activities. From June 26 to 29, students traveled to Shanghai, China, to gain a comprehensive view of the present and future of the financial industry. Through visits to local investment firms, fintech companies, and global financial institutions, participants explored how technological advances are reshaping financial markets. Experiencing the dynamism of a global financial hub firsthand was regarded as an opportunity to develop “insight that reads the flow beyond the numbers.”  A key pillar of the curriculum, the Independent Study course, enables students to apply theories and methodologies learned in the core curriculum to real-world issues and derive practical solutions. Students work on team projects, receive close guidance from faculty advisors, and gain experience in scientifically analyzing and solving industry problems. Professor Bumjean Sohn noted, “Students may, in fact, learn even more through Independent Study than in regular classes.” Previous cohorts have tackled a wide range of topics, including “bond investment strategies for busy working professionals” and “the current landscape of generative AI–based financial services.”      Global MBA & CEMS Global MIM: The Intersection of Global Leadership  The Global MBA and CEMS Global MIM students participated together in Homecoming Day on Wednesday, August 20. Professor Betty Chung reflected on key programs carried out over the past year, including the Business Practicum, Career Acceleration Program, Global CEO Talk, and various company visits. One of the highlights was the Global CEO Talk, a weekly session featuring distinguished leaders from diverse industries for deep, interactive discussions. This year, the Italian Embassy also visited, providing students with a meaningful opportunity for cultural and professional exchange. During the Homecoming session that followed, alumni took the stage to share the connections they had built and the personal and professional growth they experienced throughout the program. They also offered practical insights, including internship cases facilitated through the Career Office.      KUBS-DBA: A ‘Practice-Oriented Research Platform’ Connecting Academia and Industry  The KUBS-DBA program, newly established this year, is an advanced research-centered program designed to bridge academia and industry by translating management theory into the language of practice. The inaugural cohort spent the first year of the three-year curriculum focusing on career development, practice-based scientific research, and activities aimed at knowledge creation and dissemination.  In particular, the seminar series—centered on emerging management themes such as ESG, AI, and data-driven decision-making—was recognized as a program that clearly demonstrated KUBS’s perspective on “how academia drives industry.” The KUBS-DBA is positioning itself not merely as a doctoral program but as a “managerial intelligence platform” that transforms accumulated knowledge into social value, presenting a new model for cultivating next-generation practical scholars who connect the corporate, academic, and policy spheres.  Korea University is realizing an innovative model of education that integrates theory and practice, domestic and global perspectives, and academia and industry. Every MBA program has evolved into more than simply a place to “learn management”; they have become “journeys in learning the mindset and responsibility of a leader.”  In 2025, Korea University’s MBA continues to ask: “What should a leader learn, and how will they change the world?” And, by proving the answer through action, it continues to create a new future each day.