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. 

Korea University E-MBA Admission Briefing: Showcasing Academic Depth and the Power of Networking    On September 12, the Executive MBA (E-MBA) Admission Briefing Session was successfully held at Young-Il Ahn Hall, LG-POSCO Building, Korea University. The event brought together prospective applicants interested in the E-MBA program, along with Professors Daeki Kim and Joonghyuk Kim, academic directors, and members of the 23rd cohort, to share insights and visions about the program.    The event opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Eonsoo Kim, Dean of the Korea University Business School. In his address, Dean Kim stated, “Looking ahead to the next 60, and even 100 years, we are preparing for the future society by building on new knowledge, technology, and global leadership.” He added, “I hope today’s session will offer you new visions and a moment of inspiration.”    Professor Joonghyuk Kim then presented an overview of the E-MBA program and its operations. He introduced the program’s educational objectives, instructional methods, and distinctive, tailor-made curriculum, emphasizing that “The E-MBA serves not only as an academic platform fostering a top-tier professional network, but also as a springboard for participants to grow into global leaders.” During the following Q&A session, participants engaged freely with questions about the coursework and curriculum, gaining a deeper understanding of the program.      Additionally, Yoon Ji-young, Secretary-General of the 23rd cohort, introduced the organization and student life of the E-MBA community. She shared key aspects of the program’s extracurricular activities, including themed gatherings and networking events organized around the executive committee and five departments, as well as various student clubs. The seven members of the 23rd cohort’s executive committee were also introduced, helping prospective students feel a stronger sense of connection with the current cohort.      The session concluded with an engaging Q&A and networking session. Through the event, participants reaffirmed the academic depth and practical value of the network offered by Korea University’s E-MBA program and spent a meaningful time envisioning their growth as future global leaders.      Meanwhile, now marking its 20th anniversary, Korea University’s E-MBA program boasts an independent alumni association through which hundreds of graduates actively engage with one another, providing mutual support and forming a strong professional network. Notably, Korea University’s E-MBA has consistently maintained a solid position in the global rankings, having first appeared in the Financial Times list of the world’s top 100 Executive MBA programs in 2011 and reaching as high as 12th place.  Applications for the E-MBA program will be accepted from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025, until 3:00 p.m. Final candidates will be selected through document screening and interviews, and the results will be announced on Friday, December 12, 2025. For further inquiries, please contact the E-MBA Office by phone (+82-2-3290-2705, 1366) or email (mba_admissions@korea.ac.kr). 

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. 

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