Korea University CDTB Hosts DTB Seminar on ‘Evolution and Insights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’    The Center for Digital Transformation & Business (CDTB) at Korea University held its DTB Seminar on Friday, October 24. The DTB Seminar is a program that invites four speakers each semester to provide students with opportunities to explore the latest digital technologies and industry trends. This session featured CEO Sunghee Yoon, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Seoul National University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. CEO Yoon currently leads Erudio Bio, an artificial intelligence (AI) company that provides AI consulting services to domestic and global firms, including SK and Amazon, while also serving as an adjunct professor at Sogang University.    Yoon began his lecture by tracing the origins of computer history. He explained that when the vacuum-tube computer ENIAC first appeared, it was large enough to fill an entire classroom, yet its performance was only about one-billionth that of today’s mobile phones. “It may seem laughable now,” he remarked, “but at that time, people were astonished simply because such a massive machine could perform precise calculations and operate at remarkable speed.” Decades later, technology has advanced to levels that people in the past could never have imagined. Yoon noted that until deep learning began attracting attention in 2012, computers struggled even to distinguish between simple images of dogs and cats, as he outlined the developmental trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI). He added that AI has evolved through two major “winters”—periods of stagnation and disillusionment—before reaching its current stage of advancement.    The first “winter” was a period when distrust in the technology led to waning interest, while the second occurred after 2012, when deep learning began to rise but progress stalled due to the enormous costs involved. However, a major turning point came in 2017, when Google published the groundbreaking paper “Attention Is All You Need.” By introducing the concept of “attention” in place of the traditional sequential learning approach, this work enabled AI to achieve far greater levels of learning and application. In 2022, the era of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI began with the emergence of ChatGPT, and by 2024, AI had entered the era of autonomous “AI Agents.” Yoon noted, “Today’s AI has evolved to the point where it can learn from and process diverse forms of data—text, images, and videos—to generate creative outputs. This plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs.”     He went on to cite Moore’s Law as the underlying foundation of AI’s rapid advancement. “As the number of transistors integrated into semiconductor chips has doubled approximately every 18 to 24 months, computer performance has improved exponentially while prices have steadily decreased,” he explained. “The fact that today’s smartphone in your hand can perform far more functions than a computer that once filled an entire classroom is a clear example of this phenomenon.”    Yoon went on to note that similar examples of concentrated progress can also be found in the field of biotechnology. “The Human Genome Project was a study that took nearly ten years,” he said, “but AlphaFold, developed on the basis of deep learning technology, accomplished the same task in a much shorter period and was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.” He added, “AI has drastically streamlined the process of testing hundreds of candidate compounds in drug development, significantly reducing both cost and time. This approach has become central to DNA analysis and the advancement of personalized medicine.” Yoon further remarked, “Since each patient responds differently to medication, we are exploring AI systems capable of identifying drugs tailored to individual responses.”     During the Q&A session, students posed a wide range of questions. One student asked, “Even when AI is given simple math problems, it often produces incorrect answers—or when its errors are pointed out, it merely changes inequality signs to make the answer seem more plausible. Why does AI make such basic mistakes or provide inaccurate answers?” Yoon explained, “Large language models do not truly understand the meaning of a question; instead, they function by predicting the most probable words within a given context.” He continued, “As a result, AI sometimes fabricates information that does not actually exist in an effort to produce convincing answers—a phenomenon known as ‘hallucination,’ one of AI’s most representative limitations.” With a touch of humor, he added, “It’s actually more surprising when a large language model gets a problem exactly right; its mistakes are, in a way, the more natural response,” eliciting laughter from the audience. When another student raised concerns about the negative impacts of AI—such as deepfakes and fraud—Yoon responded, “That’s a very important point.” He emphasized, “The ethical use of AI is not a technological issue but a human one, and going forward, both companies and individuals must uphold a higher standard of ethical responsibility.”      Yoon concluded his lecture by remarking, “Perhaps one of the most inaccurate predictions ever made on Wall Street was underestimating the speed of artificial intelligence’s growth,” emphasizing that the development of AI technology is advancing far faster than anyone had anticipated. He added, “Even based on the progress we’ve seen so far, AI has already surpassed the bounds of human imagination, and predicting its future trajectory is nearly impossible.” He continued, “In an era of such rapid transformation, what matters most is not the technology itself but our capacity to understand and respond to change.” He advised, “Future leaders must cultivate the ability to closely observe changes around them, discern the flow of progress, and respond proactively with insight.”    In this way, the seminar went beyond merely introducing the history or structure of AI technologies—it prompted participants to reflect on the broader social implications of technological advancement and the mindset individuals should adopt in this shifting landscape. Yoon’s lecture resonated deeply with students, conveying the message that “the age of AI should be met not with fear, but with preparation.” One student who attended the session shared, “Even though I’m not an engineering major, I found the lecture highly engaging because it offered various real-world examples.” The student added, “I was particularly struck by the fact that while the Human Genome Project initially drew global attention, it was ultimately completed not by human hands but by AI in a remarkably short period. It made me realize how sophisticated the technology behind ChatGPT, which I use every day, truly is.” They went on, “Rather than simply asking AI questions, I now want to better understand its mechanisms and characteristics so I can make more effective use of it.”    The Center for Digital Transformation & Business (CDTB) plans to continue organizing diverse seminars that help students gain an in-depth understanding of emerging digital technologies and industrial transformations, connecting this knowledge to both academic learning and practical application. Through this lecture, students not only learned about the principles of AI technology but also gained valuable insight into its philosophical dimensions and social implications. 

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

Practical Insights from a Prompt Designer in the Age of AI    The Lecture on Demand of the Entrepreneurship Academy, hosted by the Startup Research Institute at Korea University Business School, was held on Tuesday, September 30, in Room B307 (Kolon Lecture Room) of the Hyundai Motor Hall. In this special session, Sungjoo Lim, a prompt designer at Plus X, delivered a lecture titled “AI Prompt Design Used in Practice: From Understanding Concepts to Application.”  Plus X is a brand consulting firm known for its work in branding and logo design for clients such as PLEDIS, Musinsa, Channel A, 29CM, CU, and BTS. Designer Lim previously planned and produced popular AI-based content including “AI Profile” and “AI Yearbook” during his internship as an AI content designer at SNOW. He is currently leading diverse projects at Plus X, such as corporate AI design workshops, AI tool development, marketing campaign image generation, and the operation of in-house AI models.      Principles of Generative AI and Image-Centered Practice    The lecture focused on image generation. Designer Lim explained, “Most generative AI models are based on diffusion models, which create images by generating noise and then reconstructing it.” He added that this process is combined with captioning technology — which interprets and describes image content through natural-language keywords — and that recently, tools such as ChatGPT, Nano Banana, and Flux Context have made command-based image generation and editing far more accessible.  During the hands-on session, participants used user-friendly image generation tools such as Midjourney and Florafauna. Students analyzed and experimented with prompts directly on the Midjourney platform and learned the importance of entering aspect-ratio parameters. Lim noted, “If no specific ratio is set, the AI generates a default square image with a 1:1 ratio, so parameter input is essential to achieve the desired composition.” He added, “Since AI is trained not to crop objects, even with the same prompt, the subject’s posture or camera angle can vary depending on the ratio.” Students adjusted aspect ratios, generated their own images, and actively shared and discussed their results in an open chatroom.   AI Innovation Cases in the Workplace    Finally, Lim introduced examples of how these AI functions are applied in real-world branding projects. The first case involved creating key visual images for three new products from Osulloc. He demonstrated the visual process of producing tea-themed images using natural ingredients such as chestnuts and figs, and analyzed how the sensitivity and level of detail in AI-generated results can differ across model versions — emphasizing that newer models tend to deliver greater expressiveness and refinement.  The second example highlighted an internal project at Plus X for managing content on T Universe, SK Telecom’s subscription marketplace service. To streamline the process of modifying platform icons and text, the team developed a feature that enables logos to be converted into 3D and rotated simply through keyword input and minimal user interaction. This innovation reduced a process that previously took more than two days to just ten minutes using AI-driven automated conversion, earning an enthusiastic response from students.    Balance Between AI and Design, and Copyright Discussion    Lim remarked, “Effective prompt writing begins with understanding how AI learns and the characteristics of its training data,” adding, “To achieve the desired quality, commands should be written in the language the AI has learned and requests made within the scope of its training.”  During the Q&A session, students raised questions about the balance between AI and traditional design practices. One student asked, “Is AI-driven work recognized in real-world practice?” Lim responded, “Except in cases where images are sold directly, AI is often viewed positively for its productivity benefits. What matters is not whether AI is used, but whether the outcome maintains the expected quality.”  Addressing copyright issues, he noted, “As far as I know, Midjourney is currently facing a lawsuit from Disney,” and added, “Although there hasn’t been a definitive ruling, some companies are purchasing AI models themselves to mitigate legal risks.” Even after the session ended, students continued to ask follow-up questions and engaged in active discussions with Lim.  Meanwhile, the Lecture on Demand series hosted by the Startup Research Institute has been held twice so far, recording high levels of participation and satisfaction. A total of five additional lectures are scheduled for this year, featuring speakers such as Juhyung Lee, CEO of Kong Ventures; Minjung Seo, Art Director; and Dongwook Kim, CEO of Wisely. 

Korea University Business School's Executive MBA Ranks 61st Globally – The Only Korean Program in FT’s Top 100 EMBA Rankings    Korea University Business School (Dean Eonsoo Kim)’s Executive MBA (E-MBA) program has been ranked 61st in the Financial Times (FT) “2025 Top 100 Executive MBA Programmes,” making it the only Korean university program to be listed among the world’s top 100.    The ranking represents a one-place rise from last year’s 62nd position and stands as a remarkable achievement not only within Korea but also across the broader Asian region. Korea University has once again reaffirmed its leading status as the sole domestic institution included in the rankings. Since first entering the FT list in 2011, Korea University’s E-MBA has consistently maintained a strong mid-to-upper-tier position, previously reaching as high as 12th place.    This year’s top global spot was claimed by the “Olin–Fudan EMBA,” a joint program between Washington University in St. Louis and Fudan University in Shanghai. The “Ceibs Global EMBA” of the China Europe International Business School ranked second, followed by the “ESCP Europe EMBA” offered by ESCP Business School, which operates campuses across France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Poland.    The Financial Times (FT) rankings evaluate business schools worldwide based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including graduates’ career progress, academic and networking strengths, internationalization and diversity, sustainability and ESG performance, and overall satisfaction.    A total of 19 indicators are assessed, with key metrics including: ▲Salary today (15%) ▲Salary increase (16%) ▲Career progress (6%) ▲Alumni network rank (4%) ▲Faculty with doctorates (5%) ▲FT research rank (10%) ▲Female faculty (5%) ▲ESG and net-zero teaching rank (3%) ▲Carbon footprint rank (4%) ▲Overall satisfaction. (Only major indicators among the 19 are listed here.)    Korea University received particularly strong evaluations in Salary increase, Alumni network rank, and Overall satisfaction, contributing to its outstanding performance in this year’s rankings.  Korea University Business School’s E-MBA is the only independent Korean program that has consistently ranked among the world’s top 100. Established in 2003, the program is designed for senior managers and executives with more than ten years of professional experience. It aims to nurture creative global leaders who can drive sustainable growth and innovation in today’s rapidly changing business environment.    To maximize learning efficiency, the curriculum adopts a modular format in which students concentrate on one subject every two weeks, designed to accommodate their work schedules and professional demands. In addition to the faculty, students—who are accomplished professionals from diverse industries—engage in peer learning, sharing knowledge and experience to generate meaningful synergies. Over the two-year program, participants progress through the same academic journey together, naturally building lasting relationships that evolve into a powerful professional network.    The E-MBA curriculum integrates theory and practice through courses such as Special CEO Topics, the ELITE (Executive Learning & Interactive Team Exercise) Project, and the International Residency Program (IRP).  Among these, the ELITE Project stands out as a hands-on, practice-oriented course in which students apply their classroom learning to real-world corporate challenges under the close guidance of the faculty. Participants take an active role in the problem-solving process, sharing analyses and ideas within their teams to strengthen their practical capabilities. Many of the innovative ideas generated through these projects have been successfully commercialized, establishing the ELITE Project as a flagship experiential learning course that seamlessly connects theory with practice.    The mandatory International Residency Program (IRP) provides students with opportunities to attend lectures at leading global universities, visit prominent local companies and institutions, and take part in a range of cultural and artistic activities — all designed to enhance their global perspective and international business capabilities.  In the first semester of the 2025 academic year, the IRP was held at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in the United States and at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University, in the Netherlands.  During their stay at Georgetown University, students explored the Port of Baltimore, Capitol Hill, Manhattan, Hudson Yards, and the One World Trade Center Observatory, and took a cruise to the Statue of Liberty — gaining a broad understanding of American history and business culture.    At the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in the Netherlands, participants visited innovative organizations and sustainable urban development sites such as Floating Farms, TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), High Tech Campus, and Blue City, where they gained firsthand insights into leading European practices in ESG-driven management.  Through its high-caliber curriculum, Korea University’s E-MBA has strengthened both academic excellence and practice-oriented education, further solidifying its position as a globally respected graduate business program. This year’s ranking is recognized as the outcome of years of educational innovation and dedicated efforts by Korea University Business School to enhance global competitiveness. Its consistent inclusion in the world’s top 100 as an independent program reflects the depth and sustainability of its academic foundation. Looking ahead, Korea University’s E-MBA remains committed to developing leaders who combine global perspective with ethical insight, continuing to establish itself as a leading force in global business education. 

One-Year Intensive Program Nurturing Business and Data Integration Professionals: 2026 Spring BA Program Information Session  The admission briefing session for the Master’s Program in Business Analytics (hereinafter BA) under the Department of Business Administration at Korea University Graduate School for the 2026 academic year was held on Wednesday, September 17, in Room 433 of the LG-POSCO Building at Korea University.     The session was led by Professor Kyung Sam Park, who began by providing an overview of the BA program. The BA program is a practical and field-oriented master’s program designed to cultivate business professionals with interdisciplinary expertise, equipping students with both the theoretical foundations and analytical skills necessary for data analysis and information extraction.  This is a one-year program open to applicants from all undergraduate backgrounds. To graduate, students must complete a total of 32 credits, consisting of 24 course credits (15 required and 9 elective) and 8 credits from a capstone project. Students who lack foundational knowledge in relevant areas may be required to take prerequisite courses designated by their academic advisor. Instead of a traditional thesis, the program features a practical, project-based capstone. Since 2023, the program has also operated the “Renaissance Program,” which allows graduates to re-enroll in designated courses within five years of graduation through a formal application process.    The curriculum is organized into six modules, running from March to January of the following year. Beginning in Module 2, students initiate their capstone projects, forming teams to address real-world business challenges proposed by corporate partners under the supervision of faculty advisors. Mid-term presentations take place in October, followed by final presentations in January of the following year. In addition, bootcamps are held in February and August to help students strengthen essential skills—such as coding—before entering the main program.  Students take courses such as Principles of Business Analytics, Business Analytics Programming, Business Analytics for Healthcare, and Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. They also conduct data analysis projects using real corporate datasets. Professor Park highlighted, “What differentiates the BA program is that it teaches not only data analysis but also business operation systems. Students can gain a business perspective here that is difficult to acquire in other fields, such as statistics.”    He went on to introduce examples of past capstone project topics and partner organizations. To date, the BA program has established partnerships with leading companies such as LG Household & Health Care, LG CNS, Hyundai Motor Company, Lotte Members, GS Retail, Woori Card, and PwC. Students have collaborated with these partners on projects such as Keyword Extraction and Scenario Strategy Development through Review Analysis and Developing a Real-Time Business Management Data Analysis Framework Using Large Language Models (LLMs). Professor Park noted, “One of the key strengths of Korea University Business School is its ability to continuously conduct capstone projects in collaboration with large-scale partner organizations.”    The session concluded successfully with a Q&A segment featuring current 6th-cohort students and program staff, who addressed participants’ questions and provided detailed responses to their inquiries. 

2026 Korea University K-MBA Admission Briefing: Nurturing Next-Generation Leaders through Tradition and Distinctive Excellence  On Friday, September 19, Korea University Business School held the 2026 Korea MBA (hereinafter K-MBA) Admission Briefing at the SUPEX Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. In his welcome address, Dean Eonsoo Kim remarked, “If you decide to join Korea University’s MBA program, we promise to be a steadfast partner on your journey. I hope today’s briefing session provides you with new vision and inspiration.”    Professor Kwanghyun Kim then presented the vision of the K-MBA: “Business for Society, Inspiring Next Leaders.” He emphasized that the goal of the K-MBA program is not merely the pursuit of profit, but to explore business practices that contribute to society while nurturing the next generation of leaders in the process. He also highlighted the program’s key differentiating features, which include: ▲ The First and The Best MBA ▲ Cultivation of Competence and Insight▲ A Diverse Range of Programs ▲ An Exceptional Professional Network ▲ World-Class Faculty and Learning Environment  Representing the student body, K-MBA Student Council President Mansung Park shared his reasons for choosing the K-MBA, confidently stating, “When it comes to an MBA, Korea University is the clear choice.” He introduced not only the academic rigor of the program but also the valuable learning opportunities gained through peer interaction. He also outlined the structure of the student council, which operates through four divisions, and described the vibrant networking environment fostered by career groups, club rooms, and various small-group activities.    In the latter part of the session, a one-hour Q&A took place, during which participants actively raised questions on a wide range of topics—including networking, maximum course credits, class sizes, and independent research opportunities—covering all aspects of admissions, coursework, and campus life.    The well-attended session offered participants in-depth insights into the K-MBA’s vision, distinctive program features, dynamic networking environment, and the diverse opportunities it provides for developing as future leaders. It marked a meaningful start for those embarking on a new challenge.  Meanwhile, the K-MBA holds the distinction of being the first MBA program ever established in Korea. As the earliest MBA program introduced by Korea University, it embodies both tradition and leadership in the field. In addition to essential courses required for managers, the K-MBA offers a wide selection of elective courses that encompass various subfields of business administration, allowing students to freely choose classes that align with their interests and career goals. Furthermore, the K-MBA prides itself on its strong alumni network and sense of unity. This tradition begins with the orientation—where new and senior students come together to learn about Korea University’s history and cheering culture—and reaches its peak during the annual Korea-Yonsei Games. The alumni network currently numbers around 10,000, with graduates active across diverse industries serving as a reliable support system for their juniors.    Applications for the K-MBA program are currently open from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Final candidates will be selected through a document review and interviews, with the final results announced on Friday, December 12, 2025. For further inquiries, please contact the Admissions Office by phone (+82-2-3290-1360) or email (mba_admissions@korea.ac.kr).