From 600 Students to a Global Top-30 Vision: KUBS Honors Senior Faculty and Connects Generations Korea University Business School (KUBS) held a reception to show appreciation for senior faculty and connect generations on May 13 at Ahn Young Il Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. Held during the week of Teachers' Day, the event was organized to express gratitude to senior professors who have dedicated many years to the development of KUBS, while encouraging interaction between current and senior faculty. The event included an opening ceremony, remarks by a senior faculty representative, a presentation on school updates, a commemorative photo session, a luncheon, and a campus tour. A total of 10 senior professors and around 60 current faculty members were in attendance. Reunited after many years, the professors warmly greeted one another and reminisced about their shared history at the school. The senior professors in attendance, introduced during the ceremony, were Professor Emeritus Chung Jee (Finance), Professor Emeritus Yoon Dae Euh (Global Business), Professor Emeritus Kyu-Seung Whang (LSOM), Professor Emeritus Young-Sup Yun (Finance), Professor Emeritus Ho Jin Kang (Global Business), Professor Emeritus Jang Rho Lee (Global Business), Professor Emeritus Jin Kyu Lee (Management), Professor Emeritus Hyoung Koo Moon (Management), Professor Emeritus Manwoo Lee (Accounting), and Professor Emeritus Doo-Hee Lee (Marketing). Speaking on behalf of the senior professors, Professor Emeritus Chung Jee reflected on the time when he first entered the university 68 years ago. "When I entered the school, there were only 12 full-time professors and just over 600 students. Today, I understand there are nearly 100 full-time professors and around 500 international students. This is truly remarkable progress." He said, expressing pride in the growth of his alma mater. He added,"I sincerely hope that KUBS will strengthen its presence beyond Asia to enter the global top 30, and further into the global top 10, so that the status of Korea University may shine even brighter." Professor Emeritus Jee also urged KUBS faculty members to teach students with the spirit of “bettering the world through education”, expanding beyond Korea University’s founding ideal of “contribution to the nation through education”, especially amid today's increasingly uncertain global environment. His remarks resonated strongly with those in attendance. In the report that followed, Dean Eonsoo Kim shared KUBS's recent achievements and future vision. "The growth and international standing of KUBS today were made possible by the foundation of education and research that our senior professors built over many years." He said, expressing his gratitude. He then explained that KUBS is further accelerating its internationalization efforts by expanding the proportion of international students while continuing to achieve outstanding results in major global university rankings. His remarks were met with warm applause. Dean Kim also introduced “3C 4Tech” as KUBS's long-term vision, combining the 3Cs-Curiosity, Collaboration, and Contribution-with education in four core technologies: AI, semiconductors, robotics, and energy. He also shared updates on the KUBS 120th Anniversary fundraising campaign, which has been actively underway since last December. During the luncheon, former Korea University President Yoon Dae Euh offered a toast, praising the achievements that have shaped KUBS into the institution it is today. In particular, he mentioned Korea University alumni holding leadership positions across the business community and encouraged faculty members to strengthen partnerships with industry. Representing the alumni association, alumnus Cheolwon Choi (International Trade, Class of 1988) also gave a toast. Reflecting on his years with many of the faculty members in attendance, he shared his thoughts on the direction KUBS should take in the future, drawing on his own leadership experience and adding further meaning to the occasion. After the official program, the senior professors embarked on a campus tour guided by KUBE, the KUBS student ambassador. The tour included newly established facilities on campus, including the Eugene Investment & Securities Data Hub in the LG-POSCO Building and the KUBS Trading Zone in Hyundai Motor Hall. As they revisited familiar places across campus, the senior professors also offered advice to faculty members, emphasizing the importance of continued scholarly dedication and stronger ties with industry. KUBS plans to continue creating opportunities for intergenerational exchange among faculty, building on these efforts to shape new directions for future business education.   KUBS Student Press _ Reporting by Yeontae Kim  

 “Technology Is Not the Answer”  Judgment Is: 2026 Global Residency Asia for OneMBA Explores Business Education in Korea The Executive Education Center at Korea University’s Graduate School of Business Administration hosted “2026 Global Residency Asia for OneMBA” from May 19 to 22. A total of 45 OneMBA students from leading business schools overseas, including Toulouse Business School in France, FGV São Paulo School of Business Administration in Brazil, and Xiamen University in China, visited Korea to gain firsthand insights into the country’s business education ecosystem and corporate practices. OneMBA is a global MBA program jointly operated by three business schools around the world. Global Residency is a core component of the program, through which participants visit each partner university sequentially and experience local business environments and academic perspectives. The Seoul program was designed to offer a multifaceted view of Korea’s digital innovation landscape through lectures, group presentations and discussions, and company visits. Does the Market Choose Better Technology? On May 20, the second day of the program, Professor Byung Cho Kim delivered a lecture titled “Digital Transformation: Theory and Practice” in Room 301 of Hyundai Motor Hall. Designed to examine the essence of digital transformation through theoretical frameworks and real-world cases, opened with Professor Kim stressing that an understanding of technology management should precede any discussion of digital transformation. He described technology management as “a field that considers how to commercialize technology and what technologies should be developed for future businesses,” emphasizing the need to view digital transformation and artificial intelligence not simply as technological trends, but from the perspective of business strategy. The lecture explored various cases showing how innovation has transformed companies and industries. Alongside examples of smartphones opening up new business ecosystems, Professor Kim also introduced industries that had contracted amid the tide of innovation. Describing innovation as “a double-edged sword,” he pointed out that technological change can unlock new opportunities while disrupting established industries. If so, does the market always choose better technology? Professor Kim addressed this question through the case of Gibson’s automatic tuning system. Although the system was functional and reasonably priced, it failed to gain market acceptance because it clashed with the authenticity, emotional connection, and user experience cherished by musicians. Through this case, Professor Kim explained that digital transformation is not merely about adopting better technology, but a process that must also consider consumer experience and the mindset of members within an organization. After the lecture, students continued the discussion on topics including the impact AI may have on future generations and the ethical boundaries of AI use. What If AI Becomes the Judge, and Why Did Nike Fail? On the morning of May 21, the following day, the program took on a completely different format. The group presentation session was conducted in a way that allowed students to analyze cases, present their arguments, and examine one another’s logic. Before the presentations began, the faculty emphasized the vital importance of peer learning, encouraging students to actively ask questions and exchange opinions. G3 used the film Mercy to present on the theme “When the Machine Becomes the Judge,” discussing the possibilities and limitations of AI judges. G7 presented “Nike’s Digital Transformation Struggle: When Owning the Customer Relationship Was Not Enough,” focusing not just on the digital transformation itself, but on its execution speed and strategic approach. While Professor Kim’s lecture the previous day had provided a theoretical framework, the presentation session gave students an opportunity to develop arguments around that framework in their own words. Rather than maintaining a one-way division between presenters and audience members, the session emerged as a dynamic platform for participants to cross-pollinate ideas and accelerate mutual learning. Can the Language of the Classroom Translate to the Corporate Field? The discussions developed in the classroom continued through company visits. On the afternoon of May 21, participants visited NC AI, where they took part in a company introduction, a Q&A session, and an office tour. On May 22, they visited Hyundai Motor Company’s Yangjae headquarters, where they participated in a corporate tour and attended briefings on Hyundai Motor and HMG Smart City. These visits allowed participants to see firsthand how the digital transformation theories and cases explored in the classroom are being implemented in actual corporate settings in Korea. “Global Residency Asia for OneMBA” is an educational program that enables global OneMBA students to learn about Korea’s business environment and innovation strategies. Through this program, Korea University’s Graduate School of Business Administration continues to foster global knowledge exchange with elite institutions worldwide, thereby broadening the horizons of international business education.    KUBS Student Press |Reporting by Chaewoo Lee, Hyunji Lee / Photography by Dajin Kim, Hyunji Lee

Exploring Careers in Public Financial Institutions – JOB多한 Night Series 7 Concludes Successfully Exploring Career Opportunities in Public Institutions and Public Financial Organizations, A Forum for Career Exploration and Networking with Alumni in the Financial Sector Hosted by the Korea University Business School Student Council, the Korea University Business School Alumni Association, and the Korea University Economics and Finance Association (KEFA), the seventh JOB多한 Night was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 11, in SUPEX Hall at the LG-POSCO Building. JOB多한 Night is a career mentoring program in which Business School alumni from a wide range of industries share their career journeys and practical advice with current students. This year's event was centered around the theme "Careers in Public Institutions and the Path to Becoming a Financial Professional." The guest speakers included Hyunseung Lee, a senior expert in the Trust Department at NongHyup Bank; Hyunsoo Kim, a senior investigator on the Virtual Asset Analysis Team at the Financial Supervisory Service; and Won Cha, deputy general manager of the Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Department at the Korean Teachers' Credit Union. The first speaker was Hyunsoo Kim, a senior investigator on the Virtual Asset Analysis Team at the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). Kim explained the role of the FSS by contrasting financial regulatory authorities with private financial institutions. He also offered practical advice for students interested in pursuing careers at the FSS, emphasizing the importance of being able to clearly articulate both their motivation and qualifications when facing the classic interview question, "Why do you want to work for a financial regulator rather than a private financial institution?" Next, Won Cha, deputy general manager of the Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Department at the Korean Teachers' Credit Union, introduced career opportunities in mutual aid associations and the field of alternative investments. He explained that the Korean Teachers' Credit Union manages funds contributed by teachers and other education professionals, using investment returns to support member welfare while maintaining the organization's long-term financial stability. He also highlighted the growing importance of alternative investments—including real estate and infrastructure—in the investment portfolios of mutual aid organizations. "I had never studied alternative investments at university or while preparing for professional exams," he noted, emphasizing that expertise in the field is ultimately built through hands-on experience. The final presentation was delivered by Hyunseung Lee, a senior expert in the Trust Department at NongHyup Bank. Under the theme "Understanding Public Financial Institutions, Investment Funds, and Mutual Aid Associations," Lee shared insights drawn from his career in the financial industry. Having previously worked at the Military Mutual Aid Associations and Shinyoung Asset Management, he now develops investment strategies and oversees ETF-related business at NongHyup Bank. Drawing on his own career experience, Lee offered a realistic perspective on working in public financial institutions. He suggested that these organizations may be particularly well suited to students who value stability or are motivated by public service. He also emphasized the importance of speaking with professionals and thoroughly researching prospective employers before applying. "Many people begin their careers without fully understanding what an organization is really like," he said. Following the presentations, students engaged in an extensive Q&A session with the three speakers. Drawing on their firsthand experience in the financial industry, the speakers provided practical advice and encouragement while answering a wide range of questions about careers in finance, recruitment, and the skills required in today's workplace. Through this year's JOB多한 Night, students gained a deeper understanding of career opportunities in public institutions and public financial organizations. In addition to receiving practical guidance for planning their careers, they also had the opportunity to build valuable connections with alumni working in the field. The organizers announced that JOB多한 Night will return in the fall semester of 2026 with a diverse lineup of new themes for Korea University students.   KUBS Student Press Reporting by Jinyoung Kim, Photography by Hyunji Lee and Jinyoung Park  

[Interview with Professor Woochan Kim, Recipient of the Hongjo Order of Service Merit] Leading Corporate Governance Reform with Unwavering Conviction     On April 1, Professor Woochan Kim received the Hongjo Order of Service Merit at the 25th Fair Trade Day ceremony, hosted by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, in recognition of his contributions to establishing a fair and competitive market order. Having long been at the forefront of corporate governance reform, Professor Kim has consistently raised critical questions about Korea’s corporate governance system. More recently, he has expanded his work into the policymaking arena by serving on a number of national advisory bodies and committees. In this interview, Professor Kim reflects on the path he has taken, shares his views on corporate governance reform and economic growth, and offers advice to students. Below is an edited transcript of the interview.   Q1. Congratulations on receiving the Hongjo Order of Service Merit. Could you share your thoughts on receiving the honor? First, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me. The achievements for which I received this honor were the result of a collective effort by my colleagues and me. I could never have received this honor without the support of the full-time research fellows at the Solidarity for Economic Reform and the Economic Reform Research Institute. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.   Q2. You were recognized for your efforts to curb self-dealing and improve related regulations through your work as Director of the Economic Reform Research Institute and in other roles. What does this honor mean to you personally? The path of corporate governance and chaebol reform that I have pursued has never been an easy one. Because the issues we address are deeply connected to structural interests within our society, bringing about change requires considerable time and patience. At times, I found myself wondering, “Why am I doing this?” or “Could I be doing something wrong?” Receiving this honor validated the path I have taken and reassured me that I have been moving in the right direction.     Q3. Was there a defining moment that first sparked your interest in corporate governance and led you to make it your lifelong work? I gradually found myself drawn to the field. I first learned about corporate governance while studying abroad. During my doctoral studies, I attended a guest lecture by Professor Andrei Shleifer of Harvard University’s Department of Economics. Hearing him explain corporate ownership structures was what first drew my attention to the field.Then the Asian financial crisis occurred. At the root of the crisis was the chaebol problem. Korean banks borrowed funds in foreign currencies, converted them into Korean won, and lent the money to chaebol groups. The chaebol groups failed to use those funds effectively and were unable to repay their debts, which contributed to the financial crisis. That was when I realized that the chaebol issue was a problem of national importance. After becoming a professor, I joined the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and participated in the minority shareholder movement with Professor Hasung Jang. I found it rewarding to take direct action, such as attending shareholders’ meetings and filing shareholder derivative suits. I later joined the Solidarity for Economic Reform when it was established and have remained involved ever since.   Q4. On March 31, you stepped down as the founding Director of the Economic Reform Research Institute, which you had led since its establishment. What led you to step down after such a long tenure? We would also like to know the most valuable takeaway from your time as Director. Our work began with the Economic Democratization Committee of the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. In 2006, several of us who had worked together left the organization and founded the Solidarity for Economic Reform. Soon afterward, we concluded that its activities needed to be supported by empirical policy research, and we launched the Economic Reform Research Institute in 2009. I served as its founding Director for 17 years. I had been considering stepping down for several years, and as my external responsibilities suddenly increased this year, I decided that it was time to leave the position. One of the most important lessons I learned while leading the institute was that capable members are more important than anything else if an organization is to function effectively. The members of our organization are exceptionally capable experts who work largely behind the scenes. No matter what I ask them—even about subjects I know little about—they can provide an answer within minutes. I also learned how important it is for capable individuals to share common values. Everyone at the institute shares the same mission and sense of purpose: improving corporate governance. Because of this shared commitment, we have been able to resolve differences of opinion without much difficulty. I believe I was able to achieve many meaningful results over the past 17 years because I had the opportunity to work with such talented and committed people.   Q5. In March, you were appointed as a member of the Growth Economy Subcouncil of the National Economic Advisory Council. How do you believe corporate governance is connected to the country’s medium- and long-term economic growth strategy? The central challenge in achieving sustainable economic growth is determining how efficiently we can use the capital and labor available to us. Corporate governance reform is therefore essential to improving the efficiency of capital.Shareholders provide capital to a company with the expectation that its managers will use it efficiently. In many cases, however, managers invest in non-core businesses or hold real estate unrelated to the company’s operations. In many cases, returning such funds to shareholders through dividends would represent a more efficient allocation of capital. If shareholders then invest those dividends in more productive companies, the efficiency of capital allocation across the economy as a whole will improve.     Q6. You were also appointed vice chair of the Financial Consumer Protection Advisory Committee at the Financial Supervisory Service. In your role as a champion for financial consumers, is there a particularly urgent issue that you would like to address? It would be difficult to single out just one urgent issue. Financial consumer protection can be broadly divided into four areas. First, there is the problem of mis-selling in the design and sale of financial products. Second, there is financial crime. As technology continues to advance, the number of victims of phishing scams has been increasing. Third, the threat of cyberattacks is also growing. Finally, there is the need to promote inclusive finance and shared growth initiatives. Financial support and protection for vulnerable groups are equally important. All of these issues are important, so it is difficult to say that any one of them is more urgent than the others. The Financial Consumer Protection Advisory Committee is the highest-level advisory committee within the Financial Supervisory Service, demonstrating how seriously the agency regards financial consumer protection.   Q7. You also lead research at Korea University as Director of the Asian Institute of Corporate Governance. What unique contribution can a university research institute make to society that national advisory bodies or civic organizations cannot? The Asian Institute of Corporate Governance is Korea’s first and virtually only university-affiliated research institute dedicated to corporate governance. Taking advantage of its position within a university, the institute contributes through academic research rather than policy research. In addition to traditional corporate governance issues, we have broadened the scope of our work by supporting research projects related to environmental, social, and governance issues. We also feature internationally renowned professors at our annual online symposium.   Q8. Last November, the second National Corporate Governance Competition for Students was held by the Korea Corporate Governance Forum and the Asian Institute of Corporate Governance. Was there a particular reason or concern that led you to organize the competition? Were there any student proposals from the competition that particularly stood out to you? The first competition was open only to students at Seoul National University School of Law. However, the number of participants fell short of our expectations. For the second competition, we therefore opened it to undergraduate students in order to encourage broader participation. The fundamental purpose of the competition is to encourage university students to take a greater interest in corporate governance issues and understand their importance. Many students participated in the second competition, so I believe we accomplished that objective. All of the participants presented outstanding ideas, but the Gold Prize-winning team was the most memorable. What distinguished the team was that it proposed an idea that controlling shareholders could also accept. Most of the other teams made proposals that were unlikely to be accepted in practice, but the Gold Prize-winning team presented an approach that could also provide economic benefits to controlling shareholders. I found that particularly impressive.   Q9. What issues do you hope Korea University Business School students who aspire to enter the field of corporate governance research will consider during their university years? After graduation, many business school students enter fields that provide professional services to companies. In many cases, however, their work ultimately serves the interests of controlling shareholders or individual executives. I hope students recognize that there is also a third path. They can choose to stand with shareholders and pursue work that contributes to corporate governance reform. This field remains very small at present, but it may grow considerably in the future. I hope students will also consider careers in this direction.   Q10. While concluding some of your previous responsibilities, you have also taken on many new positions. Do you see this period as a turning point in your life? Finally, what is your next goal or challenge? I do not think of it as a particularly significant turning point. I have continued to do the same kind of work, and I intend to keep doing it in the future. As for my next challenge, I am considering a new form of publication that is neither a conventional printed book nor a standard e-book. I am thinking about creating a book using Notion, which would allow me to incorporate multimedia content, include a variety of links, and continually revise and update the material. Corporate governance reform involves a complex web of interests and can therefore become a lonely struggle. Nevertheless, Professor Kim has continued this work steadily, regarding it both as a mission and as something he genuinely enjoys.The path he has followed with unwavering conviction is far from over. He continues to move forward, taking on the challenges that remain unresolved.   KUBS Student Press | Reporting by Jinyoung Kim

"Turning Financial Data into Research" Special Lecture on Exploring Bloomberg Data for Academic Research     The Bloomberg Terminal contains one of the world's most comprehensive collections of financial market data. However, transforming that information into meaningful research variables requires multiple steps, from exploring available data and verifying variable definitions to extracting data and constructing research datasets. To help students navigate this process, Korea University Business School (KUBS) held a special lecture titled "Financial Data Exploration and Research Applications Using Bloomberg" on Friday, May 15, at the LG-POSCO Building. The session was led by Dr. Ha-yeon Park of the Korea University Business Administration Education and Research Group for BK21 FOUR and was attended by KUBS graduate students. The Bloomberg Terminal is a widely used financial data platform that provides access to real-time market information, company data, and financial analytics. During the lecture, students learned how to search for and extract financial data using both the Bloomberg Terminal and its Excel Add-in, while also exploring how Bloomberg data can be effectively applied to academic research. Dr. Park introduced the basic structure of the Bloomberg Terminal and demonstrated practical methods for exploring financial data. She guided students through the process of identifying research variables and verifying their definitions, emphasizing that carefully confirming variable names, definitions, and available options before downloading data is essential for ensuring research accuracy. She then explained how to extract data using the Excel Add-in and organize Bloomberg data into structured datasets suitable for empirical research. In the latter part of the lecture, Dr. Park demonstrated how Bloomberg data can support academic research by drawing on several case studies, including examples from her own work. She explained how ETF-related data can be identified, extracted, and organized according to different research objectives. She also advised students not to rely exclusively on Bloomberg, noting, "Rather than using Bloomberg as a single data source, I recommend using it for the types of data in which it has particular strengths." She emphasized the importance of cross-checking Bloomberg data with other databases whenever appropriate. The lecture provided students with a practical overview of how financial data can be translated into research—from developing research questions and selecting appropriate variables to constructing reliable datasets. By following the entire workflow, participants gained a clearer understanding of how Bloomberg data can be explored, evaluated, and incorporated into academic research. The lecture also reflects Korea University Business School's recent expansion of its Bloomberg Terminal infrastructure. As part of a financial data hub established through a KRW 1 billion donation from Eugene Investment & Securities, KUBS increased the number of Bloomberg Terminals from one to twelve—the largest Bloomberg Terminal installation among universities in Korea. Nine terminals have been installed in the Sudang CLC Lounge, while the remaining three are available through remote-access accounts.     The Bloomberg Terminal is one of the most widely used financial data platforms in investment banking, asset management, equity research, and other finance-related fields. Hands-on experience with the platform provides students with valuable practical skills that can help them transition into careers in the financial industry. Students who complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification may also find it beneficial when preparing for the CFA examination or applying for internships in finance. With the expanded infrastructure significantly improving access throughout the semester, more students now have the opportunity to work directly with real-time market data in their coursework, research projects, and academic studies. KUBS Student Press Reporting by Chaewoo Lee Photography by Jinyoung Park

Korea University Business School Career Development Center Expands Career Support for the AI Era and a Growing Global Student Community Korea University Business School's Career Development Center (CDC) is restructuring its organizational framework and program operations to respond to two major shifts: the rapid advancement of AI technologies and the growing number of international undergraduate students. At the core of this transformation is a redefinition of the CDC's role—from a support office into an organization that independently designs and leads career and employment programs tailored to the needs of KUBS students. Two key factors are driving this change. First, the AI era demands career support that goes beyond conventional job-preparation programs. Second, the increasing number of international students calls for a more comprehensive support system to help them succeed in the global job market. Through this transition, the CDC aims to take a more proactive role by developing new programs in anticipation of evolving educational and employment environments, rather than simply responding to them. Going forward, the CDC plans to use the KUBS Trading Zone, which opened in May, as a new hub for career and employment support. Leveraging this interdisciplinary space, where the humanities, arts, and business converge, the center will develop new programs that cultivate broader perspectives, practical competencies, and fresh insights. By independently operating career and employment programs tailored to KUBS students, the CDC aims to respond flexibly to changes in the external environment while establishing itself as KUBS's dedicated career support hub.