AI Is Redefining Marketing — KONG Ventures CEO Juhyung Lee says GEO Will Be the Next Standard   On Tuesday, October 28, Juhyung Lee, CEO of Kong Ventures, delivered a lecture titled “The Paradigm Shift in Marketing in the Age of AI” as part of the Entrepreneurship Academy Lecture on Demand, hosted by the Startup Research Institute at Korea University Business School. The session, introduced by Professor JinKyu Park, Director of the Startup Research Institute, focused on practical insights drawn from Lee’s hands-on experience in startup founding and global market expansion, receiving an enthusiastic response from attending students.    Lee shared that he began his entrepreneurial journey with the mission of “delivering the full value of compelling brands to customers.” Recognizing that limited development skills often pose a major barrier for entrepreneurs, he launched Hatchhiker, a no-code, AI-powered platform that enables users to create websites and mobile apps with ease. However, he soon realized a hard truth: “Even with a website, a brand cannot survive without marketing capabilities.” To tackle this challenge, he developed an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) writing solution, expanding into the marketing field. Throughout this process, Lee identified a broader shift—one in which advanced AI delivers brand value by offering users the most optimized answers. While exploring the U.S. market, he came across the concept of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and became convinced that the future of brand experience would be shaped by AI. This conviction ultimately evolved into his company’s current business model.    At present, Kong Ventures operates Scope, a GEO diagnostic platform, and NAR Enterprise, a GEO consulting service. The company has also signed an MOU with Innocean to strengthen AI-based search capabilities and has secured major domestic clients—including a leading global cosmetics manufacturer and a global electronics company—as it continues to build practical GEO project cases.      Lee defined GEO as “the process of optimizing AI to serve as a brand’s faithful representative, enabling it to deliver the brand’s intended message to customers accurately and effectively.” He explained, “While traditional SEO focused on improving website rankings for human searchers, GEO represents a fundamental shift—its optimization is directed not primarily at people, but at AI systems themselves.” He continued, “When people stop typing queries into Google and start asking ChatGPT directly, that will mark the beginning of a new era in marketing. In a world where consumers can discover and purchase products entirely through conversations with AI—or engage in real-time interactions with AI through smart glasses as they walk down the street—GEO will demonstrate its true power.” As an example, Lee highlighted Walmart’s collaboration with OpenAI to develop agentic commerce capabilities that allow users to plan meals, discover products, and make purchases seamlessly through natural conversations with AI.    Lee characterized the advancement of AI not as a “problem of replacement,” but as a “problem of design,” emphasizing the importance of individuals who can decide what tasks to assign to AI and how to apply its results effectively. He added, “We are now entering the era of one-person development teams,” noting that Kong Ventures has also achieved rapid growth through an efficient organizational structure.      During the Q&A session, an attendee asked whether GEO would lose its relevance as AI continues to advance. Lee replied, “The importance of GEO has already been demonstrated in a market where AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” emphasizing that “the core of AI advancement ultimately lies in data.” He explained, “AI learns from and cites web content to improve its performance. For companies, this means that information intended for customers must be structured into data that AI can recognize and use effectively. As AI continues to evolve, the role of GEO will only become more essential.”    He added, “Conversion rates driven by AI recommendation platforms are steadily rising, and competition in this area will only intensify. Technical and conceptual competence, along with continuous improvement, will become key differentiators.” When asked about how the company attracted its initial clients, Lee said, “At a time when the term GEO wasn’t even defined, our goal was to optimize our clients’ content so that it would be recommended by multiple AIs.” He added, “Rather than relying on aggressive sales, we focused on forming and testing hypotheses about GEO. As we proved the effectiveness of our solutions and strategies, clients began approaching us first.”    Responding to a question about the reliability of AI recommendations, Lee remarked, “Google didn’t become the world’s leading search engine because it delivered 100% factual results.” He continued, “AI recommendation features will also evolve to provide greater value and refinement—and GEO will be part of that process.” He concluded, “Instead of philosophical debates, what truly matters is how well a brand is positioned within AI’s recommendation structures. Companies are already recognizing this value and investing in GEO solutions.”    This lecture provided students interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, content creation, and AI with a structured understanding of how marketing is transforming in the AI era and how to respond strategically. Lee’s insights into structural approaches centered on GEO, learning through failure, and pivoting experiences offered students valuable, practical lessons. He closed by saying, “AI, content, and marketing are not independent domains; they demonstrate true power only when tightly interconnected,” presenting a new direction for marketing in the age of AI.      Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship Academy Lecture on Demand, hosted by the Startup Research Institute, had previously held successful sessions in September on topics such as “Prompt Design Methods for AI in the World of Design” and “Building a Web App with AI in One Hour.” Those lectures drew high attendance and active participation, reflecting students’ strong enthusiasm to develop skills essential for the AI era. This latest lecture also concluded successfully, and upcoming sessions will feature Art Director Minjung Seo and Wisely CEO Dong-wook Kim. The Startup Research Institute plans to continue hosting high-impact lectures that provide practical knowledge and insights necessary for entrepreneurship, reflecting the needs of both resident startups and students.   

A Leader Driving the Growth of People and Organizations, the Glorious Completion of CHRO Class 1    The graduation ceremony for the 1st Class of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program at Korea University Business School was held on Friday, October 31, at the Cuckoo Seminar Room, located on the 6th floor of the LG-POSCO Hall. The event was attended by the graduates, Dean Eonsoo Kim, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Program Director Kwanghyun Kim, Professors Daesoo Kim and Seung-Weon Yoo, as well as the families of the graduates.    The ceremony began with a video presentation that reflected on the seven-month journey shared by the participants. As they watched, the graduates looked back on their experiences together, sharing smiles and heartfelt emotions while revisiting memorable moments on screen.    In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Eonsoo Kim commended the graduates for their passion and perseverance in completing the seven-month program while balancing both work and study. “The title of ‘first class’ always carries a special meaning — you have pioneered an uncharted path, set new standards, and by completing this challenge, you have already proven yourselves to be true winners,” he said.      Dean Kim went on to note that “Commencement” does not signify an end but rather a new beginning. “I hope today will mark a fresh starting point,” he added, “and that you will continue to build a strong network that supports one another’s growth. Even as the autumn winds deepen, may your passion remain ever bright.”    Next, Program Director Kwanghyun Kim shared his reflections, saying that he felt deeply moved to stand at the graduation ceremony, which had once seemed so far away. “Thank you for courageously taking on this challenge as the very first class,” he said. “Although there were some trials and errors along the way, this journey has been especially meaningful precisely because it was the ‘first.’ Based on your valuable feedback, we will continue to refine the program and offer an even better experience for future cohorts.” He added, “I am proud that we have created new experiences together, such as the graduation trip planned immediately after the ceremony. I hope you will continue to stay connected with future participants and serve as inspiring role models.”    Representing the graduates, Class President Heechan Noh delivered a closing address on behalf of his peers. “On behalf of the 14 members of our class, I express my heartfelt gratitude,” he said. “At the beginning, excitement and apprehension coexisted, but as time went by, our question marks turned into exclamation points. ”Noh went on to say, “The professors’ lectures were not just lessons, but moments of deep insight. From workshops and overseas training to the laughter we shared in our late-evening sessions, every moment has become a precious memory. I will carry the pride of being part of the first class for the rest of my life.”      A surprise appreciation segment prepared by the graduates followed. Class President Heechan Noh presented a plaque of appreciation and a bouquet of flowers to Program Director Kwanghyun Kim, expressing gratitude on behalf of the class. The student council also prepared commemorative gifts—umbrellas and handkerchiefs—symbolizing the role of HR management in protecting and nurturing members of an organization. Treasurer Youngsoo Lee shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Your teachings have deeply resonated with us. Thank you for being a steadfast presence, like a sturdy umbrella.”      Dean Eonsoo Kim and Program Director Kim then presented certificates of completion and plaques to the graduates. Each of the ten graduates was called to the stage individually to receive their certificate and take commemorative photos. Following the group photo, special awards were presented: the Dean’s Award went to Heechan Noh, while Youngsoo Lee received both the Achievement Award and the Top Honors Award, and Sunmi Lee received the Honors Award. After the formal proceedings, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the school song and a final group photo. Participants then joined a celebratory luncheon, reminiscing about their seven-month journey and sharing lasting friendships.  This graduation ceremony marked not the end of a program, but the beginning of a new era of leadership. The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program is designed to cultivate top-level executives capable of leading corporate human resource strategies. Beginning with this inaugural class, the program will continue to produce leaders who combine professional expertise with strong leadership in HR and organizational management. Looking ahead, Korea University Business School plans to further strengthen its commitment to developing leaders who drive organizational growth amid a rapidly changing business environment—providing them with practical insights and opportunities to expand their professional networks.      Building on the success of the first class, Korea University Business School will launch the 2nd Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program, which will run from April to October 2026 for approximately seven months. Applications open on Monday, January 12, 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications within the designated period. Selected participants will take part in a diverse range of activities, including courses on global HR trends and key case studies, workshops, company visits, and overseas training. The program will be led by a distinguished faculty of domestic and international scholars and industry experts.  For further information, please contact the KUBS Executive Education Center (EEC) by phone (02-3290-2707) or email (kubseec@korea.ac.kr).   

Korea University EEC Concludes Successful Healthcare Innovation Study Tour with Russia’s SKOLKOVO    The SKOLKOVO Pharma Management & Innovation Study Tour, hosted by the Executive Education Center (EEC) of Korea University Business School, took place over two days, on Monday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 29. The program was organized for participants from the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO — one of Korea University’s partner institutions — to provide insights into Korea’s healthcare industry and its innovations in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The delegation comprised 30 executives from SKOLKOVO and the Russian healthcare sector, two faculty members, two interpreters, and two coordinators, totaling 36 participants.      The first session took place on October 27 in Room 209 of Hyundai Motor Hall at Korea University. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu of Korea University Business School extended a warm welcome to the participants in Russian, which was met with smiles and applause from the audience. All greetings and lectures were conducted in English and interpreted into Russian through both simultaneous and consecutive translation. Most participants wore headsets and listened attentively throughout the program.    Professor Ji-Woong Chung, who served as the academic director of the program, delivered welcoming remarks and introduced the detailed two-day schedule. He expressed his hope that “the time spent with Korea University would be not only academically enriching but also personally meaningful.” The first day comprised lectures and a hospital tour focusing on practical insights, while the second day featured sessions highlighting innovative cases in pharmaceutical and healthcare management.      In the first session, Woojin Lee, an attorney at Kim & Chang specializing in pharmaceutical and medical device law, delivered a lecture on the structure and policy characteristics of Korea’s healthcare system. He noted, “Although the quality of Korea’s healthcare exceeds the OECD average, there are still challenges in mental health management and strengthening essential healthcare coverage.” He went on to outline the roles of key institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Health Insurance Service, and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, while delving into major issues including the structure of medical expenses, hospital rating systems, the supply of medical personnel, and discussions on introducing telemedicine. Participants listened attentively, taking detailed notes in the provided materials.   The second session featured Hee Hwang, CEO of Kakao Healthcare, who delivered a lecture on “Digital Healthcare Innovation.” Following the session, participants visited Yonsei University Severance Hospital, where Professor Jae-Young Shin presented a special lecture on “Healthcare Innovation and Digital Transformation.” They also toured the Heavy Ion Therapy Center and Digital Data Center, where they observed Korea’s advanced, technology-driven medical infrastructure firsthand and learned about related research and operational systems from hospital staff. Despite language barriers, participants actively asked questions and showed keen interest in Korea’s healthcare innovations.      On October 29, two additional lectures took place at the same venue. Professor In Joon Noh delivered a lecture titled “Managing Quality and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Firms: Research and Practice,” in which he discussed quality management systems, R&D innovation, and strategies for sustainable growth within the global pharmaceutical industry. He was followed by Professor Jaemin Lee, who delivered a lecture on “A Business Model-based Approach to Innovating Healthcare Businesses: Lessons from Success and Failure.”    Professor Lee discussed strategies for fostering innovation in healthcare businesses and introduced cases of AI applications, emphasizing that “a good business model begins not with technology, but with a strong value proposition.” Participants actively engaged in exploring key topics such as barriers to healthcare innovation, examples of AI utilization, and the essential components of effective business models. With the support of simultaneous interpretation, a lively Q&A session followed, during which the professors enriched the discussion through case-based explanations and interactive dialogue.      Following the conclusion of all lectures, participants expressed their gratitude, saying, “Although it was a short program, it offered valuable and in-depth insights into Korea’s healthcare industry,” and thanked the lecturers for their passion and professionalism. They added, “Even though the topics were complex, the instructors made the sessions both accessible and highly informative.”    The day concluded with a closing ceremony, during which participants received certificates of completion and commemorative gifts in a festive atmosphere. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu personally congratulated each participant, remarking, “Although the program was brief, I hope your experience at Korea University will serve as a foundation for your future career and academic growth.” The ceremony brought the two-day program to a meaningful close, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to contributing as active members of the KUBS global network.      The program went beyond a simple academic exchange, opening a new chapter of collaboration between Korea and Russia in management education and the healthcare industry. Participants from the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO shared that they were deeply impressed by Korea University’s educational infrastructure and by experiencing Korea’s innovative medical ecosystem firsthand. Building on the success of this program, the EEC aims to further strengthen its global partnerships and continue expanding its role as a platform for substantive academic and industry collaboration with leading business schools and corporate leaders worldwide.    Meanwhile, Korea University’s Executive Education Center (EEC) continues to organize Study Tour programs that enable executives from overseas universities, corporations, and institutions to learn about Korea’s latest management strategies and innovation practices through on-site experiences. This year, participants from ESADE, OneMBA, Agrocentro S.A., and the BMI Executive Institute successfully completed their programs, and in November, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is scheduled to visit Korea University for the next session.   

An Open Campus Reaching Out to the World: KUBS Fall International Fair Concludes Successfully    Under the clear autumn sky, the 2025 KUBS Fall International Fair took place on Tuesday, October 28, on the lawn in front of the main building of Korea University Business School (KUBS). Organized by the KUBS International Affairs Team, the event aimed to encourage students to participate in exchange programs and to broaden opportunities for global engagement with partner universities abroad. Following its success last year, this year’s second International Fair once again attracted strong interest and enthusiastic participation from students.    During the event, exchange students from KUBS partner universities — including Kobe University (Japan), University of Cologne (Germany), University of Florida (USA), and University of Southern California (USA) — operated booths to introduce and promote their respective institutions. Students visited each booth to interact directly with exchange students and learn more about exchange application procedures, academic environments, and campus life abroad. In addition, a consultation booth was open throughout the afternoon (1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.) to offer practical advice on the application process, visa issuance, and language requirements.      The KUBS student organization KUBS BUDDY, which serves as the Business School’s global ambassador group, also took part in the event, assisting with booth operations and adding vibrancy to the atmosphere. They hosted a country-themed memory game to engage participants, and students who joined in received KUBS merchandise such as keyrings and badges. Jang Ye-won, a sophomore student (Class of 2023) who participated as a KUBS BUDDY, shared her thoughts: “I’ve always been interested in the exchange program, and I was delighted to have the chance not only to help international students but also to learn firsthand about foreign universities. I’m truly grateful for such a meaningful opportunity.”    Knacky Sun, an exchange student from Simon Fraser University in Canada who volunteered to promote his home institution, joined KUBS this August. “I really appreciate the strong sense of community at KUBS,” he said. “Since my home university also values diversity and the coexistence of different cultures, I wanted to share that aspect with KUBS students.” He added, “Speaking and exchanging ideas in person offers a much deeper understanding than simply searching for information online.”      Mashiro Fuse, an international student from Japan, visited the consultation booth to learn more about studying at a Japanese university through KUBS’s exchange program. She said, “It was very helpful to receive detailed guidance on which universities I could apply to and how to resolve visa-related matters.”    Despite the chilly weather, many students stopped by the venue to gather information about overseas exchange programs. The KUBS Fall International Fair went beyond a simple promotional event — it served as an open platform for students to explore university cultures from around the world and to expand their global networks, truly embodying the spirit of an open campus reaching out to the world.   

Yuhan Corporation CEO Wook Je Cho Delivers a Lecture on ESG Management Philosophy at Korea University Business School    On Wednesday, October 29, the Global ESG Lecture Series was held at Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) in Room B308 of Hyundai Motor Hall. The special lecture was hosted by the ESG Research Institute (Director: Jae-Hyuk Lee), and the guest speaker was Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation and an alumnus of Korea University’s Department of Agricultural Chemistry. Before the lecture began, Director Jae-Hyuk Lee introduced the founding purpose and key initiatives of the ESG Research Institute, noting that “the ESG Institute promotes the values of social responsibility and sustainable management through international sustainability conferences and the Global Lecture Series.”    Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, delivered a special lecture on the theme of “Corporate Philosophy and Sustainable Innovation.” He began the lecture with a video introducing Dr. Il-Han Yu, the founder and first president of Yuhan Corporation. Dr. Yu is well known as an entrepreneur who contributed to the formation of national capital and as an independence activist who devoted his life to education and social contribution. Cho remarked, “Dr. Yu’s philosophy aligns closely with the fundamental spirit of modern ESG management,” emphasizing that “a corporation should not exist solely to pursue profit, but to grow together with society — this belief is the root of Yuhan Corporation.”    Founded in 1926, Yuhan Corporation has long upheld three core management principles: improving public health by producing high-quality products; fulfilling its social responsibilities by reinvesting corporate profits into society; and contributing to national economic development through responsible tax practices. CEO Cho remarked, “Having grown into one of Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies, Yuhan is now striving to rank among the global Top 50,” adding, “We will continue to build global trust through outstanding products and responsible management.”      As the lecture progressed, CEO Wook Je Cho covered key aspects of Yuhan Corporation, including its sales operations and performance, financial results and characteristics, its sustainability philosophy rooted in the founder’s vision, and the current ESG governance structure. He emphasized, “Dr. Yu’s founding philosophy has naturally evolved into today’s ESG management,” adding, “A company’s mission is to contribute to the health of humanity and the planet, and to build a better future.”    In particular, regarding environmental initiatives, Cho stated, “Yuhan Corporation is preparing to achieve carbon neutrality by upgrading its manufacturing facilities with high-efficiency equipment and gradually adopting renewable energy in line with the RE100 initiative.” (RE100 is a voluntary global initiative through which companies commit to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.) He also introduced Yuhan’s efforts to preserve the ecosystem, including afforestation projects to combat desertification in Mongolia, reducing packaging materials, and minimizing paper use. In the social sector, Cho emphasized the company’s patient-centered management philosophy, stating, “We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families by developing innovative new drugs and improving employee welfare.” He further noted, “It is highly significant that Lecraza, a domestically developed anticancer drug, became the first of its kind in Korea to receive FDA approval in the United States,” adding, “Our decision to provide the drug free of charge until it is covered by insurance reflects the founder’s legacy of giving back to society.”      During the Q&A session following the lecture, a student asked, “Who do you think is the most important stakeholder in ESG management at Yuhan Corporation?” To this, Wook Je Cho responded, “While ESG involves all members of society, we place patients and their families at the highest priority.” He concluded by saying, “I hope Korea University students will one day lead the future of Yuhan Corporation,” and urged them, “Grow into responsible leaders who bring positive change to the world.”      This ESG Lecture Series served as a meaningful occasion where Dr. Il-Han Yu’s entrepreneurial spirit met the values of modern ESG management. Students shared their impressions, saying, “We gained practical insights into how companies can practice social responsibility,” and “Yuhan Corporation’s example of coexistence between tradition and innovation was deeply inspiring.”   

Learning from Korea’s Digital Innovation: Korea University EEC and BMI Brussels in Global Educational Exchange      Korea University Business School’s Executive Education Center (EEC) successfully concluded the “BMI Brussels ASBL International Study Tour” program, held over four days from Monday, October 20 to Thursday, October 23, in collaboration with the BMI Executive Institute (BMI), a leading European institution for executive education.  Founded in 1999 in Vilnius, Lithuania, BMI was established as a European management education consortium with initial funding support from the European Union (EU). The institute was created with the goal of cultivating senior business leaders in Europe, offering courses taught by an international faculty and educational content developed in partnership with HEC Paris, UCLouvain, and other prominent European business schools. Since then, BMI has expanded its partnership network to the United States, Germany, Poland, Finland, Italy, France, Morocco, Canada, and Singapore. In 2020, it opened its second campus in Brussels, Belgium, and since 2021, it has operated the UCLouvain–BMI International Executive MBA program in cooperation with the Louvain School of Management.        Approximately 30 Executive MBA (EMBA) students from BMI participated in the program, held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Innovation: The South Korean Perspective.”  Over the four-day program at Korea University, participants attended a series of lectures, including:   ▲“A Process-Centered Approach to Innovation” by Professor Chang Jin Wook  ▲“Innovation and Strategy in the Era of Digital Transformation” by Professor Kim Min Jung   ▲“Digital Transformation: Theory and Practice” by Professor Kim Byung Cho   ▲“Algorithm Literacy: Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” by Professor Lee Gunwoong   ▲“Overview and Opportunities in Seoul’s Venture Investment Ecosystem” by CEO Park Young-hoon   ▲“Entrepreneurship: Opportunity Discovery and Business Model Development” by Professor Lee Jaemin   ▲“The Power of Community through the Video Game Industry” by CEO Park YoungMok . The lectures in this program offered an in-depth exploration—through both theory and real-world case studies—of how companies and organizations can design and implement innovation amid the sweeping changes driven by digital transformation.  Each session went beyond technology-centered discussions, providing a multifaceted view of how digital innovation influences business strategy, organizational culture, leadership, and the creation of social value. Participants also examined how strategic thinking evolves as digital technologies reshape traditional industries, and they explored the growing importance of data literacy, particularly in understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms affect efficiency and fairness in decision-making.        The students actively took notes and engaged in every lecture, freely asking questions whenever something was unclear. The lively exchange of questions and answers created an enthusiastic learning atmosphere, while the professors occasionally added humor to keep the sessions engaging and interactive. Through these dynamic interactions, the classes were conducted with great energy and focus. Despite the rapidly dropping temperatures, the participants’ passion for learning remained undiminished.  Professor Jin Wook Chang shared his impressions, saying, “It was impressive to see participants reflect on the academic concepts and corporate cases introduced during the sessions, relating them to their own experiences and using them to foster meaningful learning and exchange with one another.” He added, “They showed deep interest in the achievements of Korean companies leading in strategies utilizing online data and media, asking insightful questions and offering thoughtful suggestions. I believe this visit provided not only an opportunity for academic and cultural exchange but also meaningful insights that participants can apply in their professional fields.”        During the campus tour on October 22, students showed great enthusiasm and engagement. At the Startup Institute, they learned that the institute’s logo was inspired by a train and that its entrepreneurship competitions and related events are called “Choo Choo Day”—a story that both amused and impressed them. When introduced to the Business School’s traditional April Fool’s Day event, “Eating Jajangmyeon on the Central Plaza Lawn,” one student laughed and said, “I saw that in the movie Parasite,” creating a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. As the group toured campus landmarks such as the Central Plaza fountain and the Centennial Memorial Hall, expressions of “It’s so beautiful!” echoed throughout. One student commented, “Just walking here during exam season would be refreshing,” while another began dancing spontaneously when BTS’s Dynamite was heard playing nearby. The tour offered a vivid glimpse into the students’ curiosity and affection for Korea University’s campus and Business School—and their firsthand encounter with the spirit of the Korean Wave.  The group also visited leading Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Group ZER01NE, Samyang Foods, and Amorepacific to see firsthand how digital transformation is being implemented across different industries. Students shared that “through an educational experience combining theory and practice, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s digital innovation capabilities.”  Through the program, participants gained broad insights into   ▲ the fundamental concepts of digital transformation and innovation processes,  ▲the impact of digital transformation on business strategy, marketing, and innovation, and  ▲the roles of startup ecosystems and emerging technologies within global digital transformation trends.        After the completion of the program, a certificate presentation ceremony and farewell dinner were held, where students looked back on their four-day journey.  Before the ceremony, Vice Dean Ryu Gangseog delivered his closing remarks, humorously noting, “Today feels like both your first and last day,” to ease the bittersweet feelings of parting. He went on to say, “Time has truly flown by,” as he warmly congratulated the students on completing the program and expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to its success. Concluding his remarks, he said, “You are now part of the Korea University family,” wishing the participants a meaningful and fulfilling remainder of their stay in Korea  The certificate presentation ceremony followed, where students received their certificates along with commemorative gifts. The warm and cheerful atmosphere continued throughout the event, as Vice Dean Ryu Kang-seok personally congratulated each student and offered words of encouragement. The ceremony marked both the conclusion of their shared journey and a meaningful new beginning as members of the Korea University family.        During the closing session, students shared their final reflections. One student spoke about his memorable experiences with Korean food, such as kimchi, and his impressions of Korea’s culture and development. He jokingly remarked, “It’s Belgian fries, not French fries,” drawing laughter from the audience, and added, “Although small in size, Korea is a country with so much to learn from. It was a truly inspiring experience to explore the roots of Korea’s digital future and innovation at Korea University.”  The students also expressed their satisfaction with the lectures and corporate visits, extending heartfelt appreciation to the staff for their thoughtful organization of the program. The student humorously added, “We weren’t exactly easy students, but you led us so well until the end,” before raising a toast and saying “감사합니다 (Thank you)” in Korean. When he said, “I’d like to bring my daughter to Korea University someday,” Vice Dean Ryu replied with a smile, “Then I’ll guarantee her admission,” prompting laughter and applause from the room.  Another student shared, “The smooth execution of this program was made possible by the EEC staff, who meticulously supported us from the very first email to the very end.” He added, “Visiting leading Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Group ZER01NE, Samyang Foods, and Amorepacific, and experiencing their management practices firsthand, was the most impressive part of the program.” The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them throughout the program, saying, “If given the opportunity, we would love to visit Korea and Korea University again.” They concluded their remarks with a hopeful message: “Next time, we hope Korea University visits Belgium so that we can share another wonderful experience together.”      Concluding with a farewell dinner, BMI successfully wrapped up its Study Tour program on a high note. A representative from Korea University’s Executive Education Center (EEC) remarked, “Through this program, we will continue to drive educational innovation so that participants can grow into future-oriented business leaders equipped with both strategic insight and innovative leadership in an era of technology-driven change.”  Meanwhile, the EEC at Korea University continues to host Study Tour programs designed for executives from global universities, corporations, and institutions to experience Korea’s latest management strategies and innovation practices firsthand. This year, ESADE, OneMBA, and Agrocentro S.A. successfully completed their programs. SKOLKOVO is scheduled to visit Korea University on October 27 and 29, followed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in November.