Capturing 120 Years of History on Canvas: “KUBS 120 Years and Beyond”      To commemorate its 120th anniversary, Korea University Business School (KUBS) has published a special pictorial book titled “Korea University Business School: 120 Years and Beyond.” This pictorial book uniquely reinterprets the history of the school through watercolor illustrations depicting major events over the past 120 years.    KUBS traces its roots back to the Department of Commerce at Bosung College in 1905 and remains the only college at Korea University to have shared the university’s entire 120-year history. As Korea’s first institution of business education, KUBS has played a pioneering role in the development of business studies in the country. T This newly published pictorial commemorates that legacy by presenting a balanced historical overview across four distinct periods: △Bosung College (1905–1945), △College of Political Science & Business / College of Commerce (1946–1976), △College of Business Administration (1977–2004), and △KUBS (2005–present).    A total of 120 key events and moments have been reinterpreted through watercolor illustrations, aiming to express the School’s identity and symbolism in an emotionally resonant way through visual art. The primary works were created by Honarary Professor Youngsun Jin, a fresco artist and former professor in the School of Art and Design. Additionally, some pieces were digitally rendered using AI by the KUBS 120th Anniversary Pictorial Student Committee.      The project was grounded in the extensive historical records of A Hundred Years of the Business School, written by Professor Emeritus Soosik Shin in 2005. The KUBS 120th Anniversary Project Committee—led by Chairperson Hojung Shin and former Chairperson Jae Uk Chun, and including Professors Sangyong Kim, Johngseok Bae, Seongsu Yoon, Joonghyuk Kim, Kyung Sam Park, Wooseok Choi, Jong-Ho Lee, and Yoojung Ahn—oversa the planning and editorial supervision of the publication, thereby enhancing its overall quality and completeness.    “Korea University Business School: 120 Years and Beyond” is expected not only to reflect on the past but also to serve as a foundation for imagination and insight as KUBS looks ahead to the next 120 years. The pictorial book is currently on display for public viewing at the KUBS History Hall on the first floor of the Hyundai Motor Hall.     

[Interview] A Bridge Between the Past and Future — Chair Hojung Shin Reflects on the Meaning of KUBS’s 120th Anniversary      In 2025, Korea University Business School (KUBS) celebrates its 120th anniversary. At a time when the very concept of “business” was unfamiliar in Korea, KUBS planted the seeds of business education and has since grown into a cornerstone of the field in the country. To mark this milestone, a range of commemorative projects have been launched, including a photo book “120 Years of KUBS in Pictures”, a historical volume “The Path of Business Administration”, and the traditional Hosang Daedongje festival. Beyond mere celebration, this is a moment for the school to reflect on its identity and future vision. At the center of these efforts is Hojung Shin, Chair of the KUBS 120th Anniversary Commemoration Committee. He emphasizes that “rather than grand words or embellishment, we aimed to capture the history and spirit of the community as they are.” We sat down with him to hear more about the thoughtful initiatives that aim to connect the school’s past, present, and future.    Q1. You're leading the 120th anniversary initiatives. How do you feel about this role, and what exactly is your role in the project?  A1. The 120th anniversary project has been made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many individuals. I see myself as someone simply wrapping up what others have already thoughtfully planned. While I was previously serving as the Vice President for Development and External Affairs, I gave my best to the university, and my successor, Professor Jae Uk Chun —who originally chaired the 120th anniversary committee—suggested I take over to finalize the project. So my focus has been on organizing and completing the framework already established by many contributors.    Q2. Following the photo book “120 Years of KUBS in Pictures”, a historical book is set to be released in August. Could you tell us more about it?  A2. This historical book is meaningful not simply because it presents facts, but because it situates them within philosophical and socio-cultural contexts. Interestingly, the term “business administration” (gyeong-yeong-hak) began to be formally used in Korea through Korea University. The original title of the book was “The Path of K-Business Administration”, but we revised it to simply “The Path of Business Administration” to reflect a more neutral, calm tone and honor the pioneering role we’ve played. The book’s design is intentionally understated, so that the narrative of KUBS’s journey unfolds naturally. I believe this is a project with scholarly and cultural significance—not only for KUBS members, but for those observing the broader history of business education in Korea.    Q3. Could you introduce the upcoming Hosang Daedongje festival scheduled for September?  A3. Hosangje is a long-standing traditional festival at KUBS. In earlier days, it began with a formal ceremony in front of the main building, attended by faculty and students alike. While today’s version is more relaxed and festive, the underlying spirit of unity and community remains unchanged. I have fond memories of the festival from my undergraduate days—especially the “Makgeolli Marathon,” where students would run around campus, stopping at various stations to enjoy a cup of makgeolli (traditional rice wine). I’m curious to see how today’s students reinterpret and enjoy Hosangje in their own way.  This year, during the anniversary week, we’ll also host the “Mapping the Future” idea competition on September 26, the day after Hosang Daedongje. This event invites students to envision future business trends and societal changes through the lens of business studies—a timely and meaningful challenge, especially as the discipline reexamines its boundaries and identity. Topics such as population decline, regional extinction, technological disruption, and questions of national identity in Korean society will all be up for discussion.    Q4. Looking back on 120 years of history, what is your vision for the future of KUBS?  A4. The Dean has outlined a clear vision: “Spearheading Next Intelligence.” We are now in an era where business education must go beyond technical know-how to include data literacy, responsiveness to social change, and a thoughtful balance between technology and ethics. Business administration, at its core, is a study of people—it encompasses organizations, leadership, strategy, and social responsibility. From this perspective, KUBS must lead the exploration of future directions, expand its intellectual boundaries, and guide conversations around the identity and value of business education.    Q5. Finally, is there a message you’d like to share with members of KUBS and future generations of students?  A5. I’d like to share a heartfelt message with our younger students. While our society is becoming increasingly individualistic, we must remember that human beings are inherently social. Education, work, and family all take place within a society—and within these social structures, rituals play a vital role. Just like weddings, graduations, or entrance ceremonies, this 120th anniversary is not simply an event, but a moment to reaffirm the values of our community. I hope the younger generation doesn’t overlook the meaning of these rituals. They are not about empty formality, but about anchoring ourselves in a shared identity and sense of belonging. Realizing that KUBS has been a source of joy and meaning in your life—and choosing to acknowledge and take part in that—is what the 120th anniversary is truly about. It’s something we should do not out of obligation, but out of a natural sense of connection. I hope no one forgets that we are all part of this community.   

Startup Idea Takes the Lead — KUBS Students Win 1st Place in Campus CEO Competition      Once again, the creativity and execution skills of KUBS students have been demonstrated. In the first semester of 2025, a student team from Korea University Business School—composed of Hyunjun Ko, Byungchan Kim, Jaewook Shim, and Kiyong Choi—secured 1st place in the Campus CEO Startup Competition, showcasing their practical business capabilities.  The Campus CEO Startup Competition is Korea University’s flagship startup idea contest, hosted annually by the Crimson Startup Support Center. The competition is open to students enrolled in entrepreneurship-related courses. Teams are nominated by course instructors and selected through a document screening process to advance to the final round, where the top-performing teams are awarded based on their presentations.      The winning team—Hyunjun Ko (Class of 2019), Byungchan Kim (Class of 2021), Jaewook Shim (Class of 2021), and Kiyong Choi (Class of 2021)—took part in the course BUSS306: Strategic Technology Commercialization, where they developed and refined their business idea. Based on their professor’s recommendation, they entered the competition and impressed the judging panel with their differentiated business model and highly feasible strategy. After a highly competitive final round, the team earned the top honor among all finalists.  Professor Jinyoung Kim, who supervised the course, commented:  “Startup classes are less like traditional lectures and more like juggling practice—not where the professor juggles alone, but where each student holds their own ball and learns to juggle together. The Ourtube team showed remarkable commitment throughout the course, transforming failures into assets for growth. They were truly impressive.”  Student Hyunjun Ko shared,  “The project started with forming a team and a short pitch in class. Thanks to the professor’s recommendation, it naturally led us to the competition. Balancing startup preparation with job searching was tough, but our strong teamwork got us through to the end.”  Student Jaewook Shim added,  “Our first pitch was a real challenge, but through repeated practice, I was able to improve my presentation skills significantly. The feedback we received during the competition was the most valuable takeaway.”  This victory is especially meaningful as KUBS has produced winning teams in the competition for two consecutive years. In the first semester of 2024, Project SPS, a team that included Hunhee Cho (Class of ’19), also from the same course, won 2nd place. These back-to-back achievements highlight the excellence of KUBS’s practice-based entrepreneurship education.  A representative from the Crimson Startup Support Center stated:  “The students’ continued success—driven by creativity and execution—is highly encouraging. We will keep expanding practical entrepreneurship education and support programs to foster more innovative student ventures in the future.” 

Seoktap Teaching Award Recognizes Five KUBS Faculty Members for Fall 2024    Five professors from Korea University Business School (KUBS) have been honored with the Seoktap Teaching Award for the second semester of the 2024 academic year.  The recipients are: Jaewook Kim, Jongsoo Kim, Kyuhong Han, Minjung Kim, and Viacheslav Savitskiy (listed in alphabetical order).  The awarded courses are as follows:  △ Jaewook Kim – Business-to-Business Marketing △ Jongsu Kim – Strategic Management (English-taught) △ Kyuhong Han – Marketing Research (English-taught) △ Minjung Kim – International Business (English-taught) △ Viacheslav Savitskiy – Business Economics (English-taught)   The Seoktap Teaching Award has been presented since the first semester of 2004 as part of the "Teaching Evaluation Incentive System," which aims to improve the quality of instruction and enhance the learning environment.  Recipients are selected based on the average scores from student course evaluations conducted at the end of each semester. The award is given to full-time faculty members whose courses rank in the top 5% of: △ among major courses offered by each college,  △ among liberal arts courses across the university, and △ among English-taught courses within each academic division.  In addition, some of the awardees were interviewed to share their teaching philosophies and instructional approaches. Full interviews are available through the links below:  Awardee Interviews  Minjung Kim: “I Prefer Wrong Answers” – Why Professor Minjung Kim’s Class Is Special  Jongsoo Kim: “Strict Yet Kind” - Professor Jongsoo Kim on His Teaching Philosophy and Seoktap Award  Viacheslav Savitskiy: “I Read Students Through Their Eyes” - Professor Viacheslav Savitskiy’s Communication-Centered Teaching Method 

[Interview] A Festival Made Together, A Tradition Continued Together – Behind the Scenes of Preparing ‘Hosang Daedongje: PANTHERA’  The signature festival of Korea University Business School, Hosang Daedongje, is returning this year with a fresh new subtitle: PANTHERA. In particular, this year’s festival carries symbolic significance that goes beyond being a mere student event, as it is being prepared in celebration of Korea University’s 120th anniversary in 2025.  With the festival now scheduled for September, the name Daedongje officially adopted, and joint planning underway with the university administration, this year’s Hosang Daedongje is set to bring many changes. To learn more about these developments and the preparations behind them, we sat down with Student Council President Jeho Choi and Vice President Seungmin Yoo to hear the behind-the-scenes story and their vision for the future of the festival.    Q1. What is the biggest difference in this year’s Hosang Daedongje compared to previous years?  -President Jeho Choi:  The biggest change is the timing. In previous years, the festival was typically held in May, but this year it has been moved to September. It wasn’t originally planned in connection with the university’s 120th anniversary. Rather, the Student Council began organizing the event independently, and through discussions with the university administration, it naturally developed into a collaborative effort.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  There has been a tendency for many events to be concentrated in the first semester, so we wanted to create a meaningful festival for the fall semester as well. Since 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of Korea University, preparing a festival that also commemorates this milestone made the planning even more meaningful.    Q2. What meaning and message are embedded in the name “Hosang (虎商)”?  -President Jeho Choi:  Hosang is a compound of Ho (虎)—the tiger, which symbolizes Korea University—and Sang (商), meaning business. It embodies the identity and pride of the Business School. The official name this year is “Korea University Business School Hosang Daedongje: PANTHERA”, with Panthera being the Latin term for tiger. In the past, we simply used the name “Hosangje,” but to elevate it from a one-time event to an established brand, we decided to add “Daedongje.” Upon reviewing past materials, we found records where the term “Hosang Daedongje” was used, so we felt it wouldn’t seem unfamiliar.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  The term Hosang may feel unfamiliar to students who entered the university after the COVID-19 pandemic. We felt the need to rebrand it in a more intuitive and persuasive way. By adopting “Daedongje,” a common naming convention for university festivals, we restructured the name as “Hosang Daedongje.” Just as the name suggests, we hope students can feel the unique symbolism and pride associated with Korea University Business School.    Q3. What was your main focus when planning this festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  Our primary goal was to create a festival that everyone could enjoy together. We didn’t want it to be an event catered to only a select group of students, but rather one that all members of the Business School could take part in and feel a sense of belonging to.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  Instead of centering the festival around just a few main events, we aimed to encourage broad participation through a diverse range of programs. In addition to booths, pubs, and performances, we also prepared a garden party on the Business Lawn to ensure there was something for everyone to enjoy.    Q4. Who are you working with to prepare this festival, and how are the roles divided?  -President Jeho Choi:  The Student Council is taking the lead in planning the festival, and externally, we’re working closely with the 120th Anniversary Committee, the Dean’s Office, and the Public Relations Team. The festival preparation team is organized into five departments, which collaborate organically based on their respective roles.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  Each department operates according to its designated responsibilities.  △ The Planning & Operations Department manages booths, pub operations, safety protocols, and overall coordination. △ The Stage Production Department is in charge of planning the main performance and stage-related programs. △ The Finance & Partnerships Department handles collaboration with external vendors and manages the budget. △ The Art Direction Department oversees festival branding and visual content production. △ Lastly, the Career Events Department organizes career-related programs such as the garden party and competitions, in collaboration with the university administration. Thanks to each team fulfilling its role diligently, the festival preparations have been progressing smoothly and reliably.    Q5. What has been the most difficult part or unexpected challenge in the preparation process so far?  -President Jeho Choi:  The most unexpected part was that we ended up preparing the festival in collaboration with the Business School administration. It was initially planned as an independent student initiative, but in pursuit of a richer, more meaningful event, the administration offered enthusiastic support—and we’re truly grateful for that.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  As the scale of the festival expanded, it evolved from a student-led event into one closely connected to the university as a whole. This naturally brought about administrative and logistical challenges. It hasn’t been easy to take full responsibility for all aspects of the process from a student’s standpoint, but we’ve done our best to approach it with a strong sense of responsibility.    Q6. What are some of the main programs planned for this year’s Hosang Festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  In addition to booths, pubs, and stage performances, an academic forum is scheduled to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Korea University. We plan to invite selected award recipients and create an opportunity for meaningful interaction with alumni.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  On the second day of the festival, a garden party will be held on the Business Lawn. It will bring together graduates and current students, and in a time when such intergenerational exchange is increasingly rare, we hope it will serve as a meaningful occasion for connection.    Q7. How are you promoting and communicating to encourage student participation?  -President Jeho Choi:  We’re approaching the festival’s naming and design with care to ensure it isn’t seen as “an event only for those already interested.” Our goal is to establish it as a recognizable brand that all students can relate to and feel a part of.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  We’re running dedicated social media accounts and using card news and video content as promotional tools. During the festival, we also plan to set up photo booths around the Business School campus to create a welcoming environment where students can naturally engage with the festivities.    Q8. What message would you like to convey to Business School students through this festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  Through this festival, I hope students can feel a sense of pride in being part of the Business School and experience the joy of coming together as a community. More than just an event, I hope it becomes a lasting and meaningful memory.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  It’s rare—even compared to other colleges—to have a college-level festival of this scale. I hope this festival becomes a symbolic event that bridges the past, present, and future, allowing students to feel proud of being part of a tradition they are helping to carry forward.    Q9. As President and Vice President, what thoughts or sense of responsibility have you felt while preparing this festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  As many former presidents have said, the festival is the largest and most impactful event during a Student Council term. With that comes a deep sense of responsibility—but also immense fulfillment. I’m especially grateful to our Vice President, who has stood by me throughout this journey, and to every member of the executive committee who has been working so hard to make this festival a success.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  While the festival itself lasts only a short time, its preparation takes months of effort behind the scenes. At every step, I’ve been thinking about how we can better reach and connect with our fellow students. I’ve received tremendous support from the President and all the executive committee members, and I sincerely thank each and every one of them for their dedication and teamwork.    Q10. What moment are you personally looking forward to the most in the festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  I see the stage performance as the climax of the festival. It’s the moment where all our hard work comes together, so I’m especially eager to see how the students respond. I’m also looking forward to the new university-hosted program on the second day, which is being introduced for the first time this year.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  While I’m also excited about the stage events on the first day, I’m personally most looking forward to the garden party on the second day. It’s rare to have an occasion where juniors and seniors come together like this, and I hope it becomes a meaningful moment that leaves lasting memories.    Q11. Any final words to fellow Business School students?  -President Jeho Choi:  To those who will join us in the future: I’ve never once regretted choosing Korea University Business School. My campus life has been incredibly rewarding, and I truly believe our school excels both academically and in spirit. To my fellow students—thank you for placing your trust in me. I will do my best to prove that your choice was the right one.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  We’re working hard to live up to the trust you’ve given us. To future students: I hope you make the most of all the unique opportunities that only Korea University Business School can offer. Enjoy every moment to the fullest.    Q12. Any advice or encouragement you’d like to give to the next student council who will plan the future festival?  -President Jeho Choi:  Since the festival hasn’t concluded yet, I hesitate to give concrete advice—but if I could offer some encouragement: a festival is one of the few events where you get to see real-time reactions from your peers, and that makes the experience incredibly rewarding. I hope you keep that in mind and prepare with excitement and anticipation.    -Vice President Seungmin Yoo:  It may be challenging to match the budget or scale of this year’s Daedongje, but by incorporating meaningful elements—such as career or academic content like the second-day program—you can create something with even greater depth. Most importantly, never forget the effort and dedication of your fellow executive members. Support and encourage one another throughout the process. 

The World Met at K-CLUB: Discussing Global Leadership at Korea University Business School  On Friday, July 4, Korea University Business School (KUBS) successfully hosted the K-Club World Conference, a global platform for academic exchange that featured diverse academic sessions and a dinner with distinguished scholars from both Korea and abroad. Gathering researchers and experts from around the world, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to share academic insights and explore avenues for collaboration toward a sustainable future.  In his welcoming remarks, Dean Eonsoo Kim of Korea University Business School stated,  The year 2025 marks both the 120th anniversary of Korea University and a pivotal moment for the K-CLUB program to take a major leap forward,” he said. “Through exchanges with scholars who are producing outstanding research across the globe, Korea University will establish itself as a central hub in the global research collaboration network.  One of the highlights of the event was Theme 9: Insight and Foresight of Business & Industry, held in Room 312 of the SK Future Hall. This session brought together global scholars from various fields of business for an in-depth discussion on the future of industries and sustainable management. Prof. Jay Hyuk Rhee, Director of the ESG Research Center, served as the session chair and led the discussions, while the presenters contributed diverse perspectives on the key challenges confronting contemporary business and management practices, facilitating vibrant academic exchange.  In Session 1, Professor Darjan Karabašević delivered a presentation on the application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques in business and management. Professor Mustafa Tevfik Kartal examined the impact of environmental changes on sustainability. Professor Umair Akram explored the relationship between artificial intelligence and consumer behavior, while Professor Sunil Kumar proposed disruptive innovation as a strategy for achieving sustainable development.  Session 2 began with a presentation by Professor Ender Demir on strategic responses in an uncertain financial environment. Professor Mahmood Ahmad explored the potential of green finance and ecological innovation in overcoming the resource curse. Professor Gurmeet Singh reflected on his scholarly journey, sharing professional insights and experience. Professor Keng Boon Ooi introduced case studies highlighting innovation in industrial management through information systems. Lastly, Professor Justin Paul offered practical guidance on writing high-quality review papers, providing valuable research know-how.  After the sessions, participants were taken on a campus tour led by KUBE, the student ambassadors of Korea University Business School. The tour began at the KUBS Main Building, where they visited the KUBS Wall of Honor and reflected on the significance of major donors' names and their dedicated contributions to the school's advancement. They then moved to the Startup Station, where they explored the hands-on environment that supports student entrepreneurship, along with the innovative educational programs offered there. At the Hyundai Motor Hall, participants observed how the donor names engraved on the staircase wall embody a culture of voluntary giving that sustains the school’s long-term growth. Finally, at the LG-POSCO Hall, they learned that the building was designed by the same architect behind the Shilla Hotel, and experienced first-hand how its hotel-quality spatial design expresses the school’s educational philosophy and identity. The tour received a highly positive response as it allowed participants to experience the school’s rich heritage, future-oriented vision, and the symbolic values embedded in its architecture and spaces.  In the evening, the Dean’s Dinner, held at Cuckoo Hall, brought together domestic and international faculty members for a warm and meaningful gathering that extended beyond academic exchange, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship. The dinner provided a relaxed and welcoming setting for scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in dialogue, with vibrant discussions on potential joint research and ongoing collaboration.  The K-Club World Conference served as a symbolic event that encapsulated Korea University Business School’s commitment to global leadership, sustainability-driven scholarship, and knowledge-based international cooperation. It reaffirmed KUBS’s status as a knowledge hub that bridges academia and practice, and connects Korea with the global community. Looking ahead, KUBS will continue to expand its foundation for sustainable growth and international collaboration in an evolving global landscape, striving to become a leading global platform for education and research for future generations.