[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Min Jung Kim – The Business School as a 'Laboratory for the Future'... A Place Where Students Can Experiment with Ideas and Solutions Freely [2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Min Jung Kim  Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers.  Q: Can you introduce your journey so far?  A: Before joining Korea University Business School in the fall of 2024, I was a professor of strategy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the United States. My research primarily focuses on management strategy and global strategy, particularly on how external environments affect corporate technological innovation, strategy, and performance.    Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating?  A: I was deeply fascinated by the influence that management scholars can have. They explore the complex interactions among various elements within companies and society, elucidating the underlying mechanisms that shape our understanding of the world. Witnessing how academic achievements contribute to a deeper comprehension of these dynamics inspired me to engage in this process and make meaningful contributions.    Q: What led you to join Korea University Business School?  A: I chose Korea University Business School because I have a deep affection for it and want to grow alongside the institution where I learned so much. Korea University has provided me with invaluable opportunities for academic development, and I believe my education here has significantly shaped who I am today. I aspire to further my growth as a researcher and educator within the exceptional academic environment cultivated by the talented students and faculty at Korea University Business School, sharing what I have learned and advancing together.    Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing?  A: I find the charm of Korea University Business School in its vibrant passion There is a constant pursuit of self-improvement, with students and faculty actively engaging in open dialogue and enthusiastically exploring new ideas.    Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member?  A: Understanding that it’s challenging for all students to fully grasp the course material right away, I focus on identifying and addressing the areas they find difficult by continuously asking questions and listening to their perspectives. I emphasize that while expressing their ideas can be difficult, the process is more important than getting the answers right or wrong. Incorrect answers often reveal thought processes and offer valuable learning opportunities, so I encourage students to share their opinions with confidence.    Q: Can you introduce the courses you teach?  A: I teach Management Strategy and International Management, with a focus on helping students develop the ability to flexibly apply theories to real-world situations, rather than simply conveying theoretical knowledge. Today's business environment is marked by uncertainties and unpredictable changes.  For instance, challenges such as COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts, global supply chain instability, climate change, and rapid technological advancements present new issues that cannot be solved with existing strategies. In such an environment, students need not only the ability to understand and apply theories accurately but also the capacity to adapt strategies flexibly in response to changes. In my classes, I guide students in creatively utilizing various management tools and teach them how to continually evaluate and adjust strategies in a changing environment. Additionally, I aim to connect management theories with philosophical and humanistic inquiries, offering students opportunities to reflect on the social and human implications of corporate strategies.    Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School?  A: I aim to continue and further develop my research on how external environments, particularly adverse conditions and changes within industrial clusters, impact corporate strategy, performance, and technological innovation. For instance, studying situations like product recalls ordered by regulatory agencies, policy uncertainty, trade wars, or the sudden contraction and growth of industrial clusters is crucial for understanding strategic decisions in industries where innovation is key.  Through this research, I hope to provide insights into how companies can respond to rapidly changing environments and reconstruct their strategies for sustainable growth. This research could offer practical benefits for Korean companies facing complex challenges on the global stage, helping them make more informed strategic decisions.    Q: You described Korea University Business School as a “laboratory for the future.” What inspired you to use this expression?  A: This is a place where students have opportunities not only to learn academically, but also to experiment and explore strategies that can be applied in the real world. I believe Korea University Business School provides a space where students can freely test their ideas and solutions in a rapidly changing business environment.  Additionally, Korea University has built a strong foundation for philosophical thinking and critical perspectives grounded in the humanities. This intellectual base naturally integrates with business studies, enabling students to approach complex problems from multiple angles. As a result, they develop the ability to devise flexible and innovative strategies informed by humanities insights, even in the face of changing circumstances.    Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor?  A: I hope my students discover the joy of learning through my classes, deepening their critical thinking and broadening their perspectives based on their enhanced analytical skills. While I strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable classroom atmosphere, I also aim to help them build a solid foundation for applying management thinking academically and in real life. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a guide who helps them make meaningful choices not only in business and society but also in their lives. 

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Baek Jung Kim – The Business School as a Launchpad for Learning and Growth with Infinite Possibilities... I Want to Be a Supportive and Warm Professor Alongside My Students [2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Baek Jung Kim Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professor Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, KU Business Journal conducted an interview with the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers.  Q: Can you introduce your journey so far?  A: I’m Baek Jung Kim, and I’ve recently joined Korea University Business School as a full-time faculty member in the fall semester of 2024. My research focuses on quantitative marketing, where I analyze the underlying behavioral drivers—such as peer effects, consumer learning, engagement, and habit formation—that arise when consumers interact with online platforms. Prior to joining Korea University, I spent five years as an assistant professor of marketing at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.    Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating?  A: From an early age, I was exposed to the academic world through my father, who was a mathematics professor, giving me many opportunities to naturally consider a life in academia. Additionally, after various internship experiences during my undergraduate years, I realized that I enjoyed and thrived on thinking deeply and systematically about problems and deriving solutions. During this time, I had the opportunity to spend a year in the U.S. as an exchange student, which sparked my desire to pursue research. This experience led me to continue my studies in the U.S. for graduate school, ultimately choosing the path of an academic career.    Q: What led you to join Korea University Business School?  A: The opportunity to engage in diverse research alongside outstanding faculty in a world-class business school is a significant attraction for me. Additionally, I wanted to return to Korea University Business School, where I experienced considerable personal growth and learning as an undergraduate, to contribute to the development of current students. I believe that the exceptional faculty and comprehensive support for research and teaching at the business school provide an excellent opportunity for my growth as a scholar.    Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member?  A: I want to teach courses that foster critical thinking skills in students, empowering them to think independently. By training them in both quantitative and qualitative methods, I aim to help business students develop the ability to derive excellent solutions to the business questions they will face in their respective professions.    Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School?  A: I aspire to conduct research that can positively impact a wide range of people, from businesses and consumers to society as a whole.    Q: You described the Business School as a launchpad for learning and growth with infinite possibilities. Why do you think so?  A: I refer to the business school as a launching pad because studying under world-class professors provides an opportunity for students to learn not only about academia but also about life, fostering limitless possibilities for their future. I hope that students at Korea University Business School will engage deeply, learn extensively, and grow through their experiences.    Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor?  A: I aspire to be a professor who can connect with students. I want to understand their learning and growth desires, as well as the challenges they face. My goal is to be a warm-hearted professor who can empathize with students’ struggles, share in their joys, and provide support along the way.

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Jongsoo Kim – Returning to My Alma Mater After 20 Years [2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Jongsoo Kim Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers.  Q: Can you introduce your journey so far?  A: I am Jongsoo Kim, appointed to the Strategy area at Korea University Business School as of September 1, 2024. Before returning to my alma mater, I worked as a professor in Hong Kong for six years. As a member of Korea University's Class of 2001, I feel honored to return and teach my juniors.    Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating?  A: Like many, I faced dilemmas in my late twenties as I approached graduation. Some of my friends were securing jobs at large corporations, while others were preparing for civil service exams or studying abroad. I was double majoring in Chinese Language and Literature and Business Administration, with a vague desire to do business in the Chinese market. I wanted to study Chinese economics and business further, which led me to pursue graduate studies under Professor Ick-Soo Kim, an expert in the Chinese market.    Q: What led you to join Korea University Business School?  A: After completing my PhD in the U.S., I started as an assistant professor in Hong Kong. While the working conditions were excellent, I sometimes felt lonely as a foreign professor. When I recognized limitations in my role, I was fortunate to return to my alma mater with the recommendations and support of several teachers.    Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing?  A: During my time as a graduate student and as a professor abroad, I met many professors. What stands out about Korea University Business School is the deep affection the faculty members have for the school and their exceptional dedication to the students—something unmatched by other universities. This passion, coupled with the high caliber of the students, is what makes Korea University Business School a leading institution.    Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member?  A: My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fundamentals and simplifying complex concepts. I strive to explain theories and phenomena in ways that even elementary school students can understand.    Q: Can you introduce the courses you are currently teaching?  A: In the Fall 2024 semester, I'm teaching undergraduate Management Strategy, and in the Spring 2025 semester, I'll offer a graduate-level Research Methodology course. I approach Management Strategy from a foundational perspective tailored to undergraduates, while the Research Methodology course is designed to provide practical guidance for students writing theses, not just theoretical insights.    Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School?  A: My primary research areas are Human Capital and Corporate-Level Strategy within Management Strategy. I’m conducting studies on special human resources, particularly Star Performers. From a corporate strategy perspective, I’m researching factors influencing innovation success and failure in acquired companies, using data from the medical device industry. My goal is to produce research that is not only accessible to business specialists but also helpful to the general public.    Q: If you were to describe Korea University Business School in one word, what would it be?  A: I would say “Circle.” A circle represents being well-rounded, without sharp edges. I believe our students at Korea University are adaptable and harmonious, able to thrive in any situation. While skills are essential, I hope they also cultivate well-rounded personalities.    Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor?  A: I also aspire to be a “rounded” person for my students. I want to be a professor who is approachable and easy to talk to, someone students feel comfortable coming to. That’s the kind of professor I will strive to be. Thank you. 

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Hae Kang Lee – KUBS Is A Place Where People Dream of a Better Future Through Hard Work [2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Hae Kang Lee  Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers.  Q: Can you introduce your journey so far?  A: I completed my PhD at NYU Stern School of Business and worked as a finance professor at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina before joining Korea University. I feel honored to be part of the globally renowned Korea University Business School.    Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating?  A: After graduation, I wanted to apply the knowledge I gained in school to real-world situations, so I started my career on Wall Street rather than immediately entering academia. After several years of diverse experiences, I realized that I wanted to understand the financial markets more deeply, which led me to pursue a PhD later in life and embark on an academic career.    Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing?  A: One of its greatest strengths is its continuous evolution. KUBS works not only to maintain its status as a top-tier institution in Korea but also to become a leading global business school. The strong networking among students, alumni, and faculty under the Korea University name is another significant advantage.    Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member?  A: Reflecting on my own education, I believe learning becomes more engaging when it connects with real-world experiences beyond textbooks. I aim to leverage my diverse work experiences across various countries and fields to bridge academic concepts with the realities of the financial markets in my classes.    Q: Can you introduce the courses you are currently teaching?  A: I am currently teaching Investments. As mentioned earlier, my goal is to help students gain a deeper understanding of current global financial market dynamics, beyond just academic finance. To do this, I incorporate discussions of business news into my classes and engage students through random questioning. While some students may find this method challenging, I believe that constantly thinking and expressing one’s opinions is essential in the global business world, and class provides an excellent opportunity to practice this.    Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School?  A: Although I feel the pressure to meet the high standards set by my esteemed senior colleagues, I also aspire to produce research that gains recognition in the field of finance. My primary research focuses are insurance and investment theory (asset pricing), but I have diverse interests. Recently, I've noticed a growing trend in conservative finance academia towards integrating machine learning and AI, and I plan to expand my research in that direction.    Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor?  A: I hope to be remembered as a professor who continuously strives to be helpful to students in my lectures. Reflecting on my own undergraduate experience, many lectures and professors left a lasting impression on me. Some classes, regardless of whether they were taught by renowned professors, can significantly impact a student’s life and even alter their career trajectory. If I can be that kind of memorable professor for even a few students, I will feel fulfilled in my role as a professor. 

A New Chapter in Business Education… Launch of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program in Spring 2025 Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim), the first in Korea to introduce commercial education, has proudly upheld over 60 years of history since establishing its Graduate School of Business Administration in 1963. Today, under the leadership of Dean Eonsoo Kim, the Graduate School is recognized as a leader in delivering Korean-style MBA programs with a focus on practical, industry-centered education. Beginning in Spring 2025, the school will take a bold step forward with the launch of its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, aiming to pioneer practical, industry-driven Korean management theories and usher in a new chapter in business education.    The KUBS-DBA program aims to develop management scholars who excel in both practical skills and academic excellence, shaping future leaders in management innovation. The three-year program offers a part-time format with classes held on Fridays and Saturdays. Students will be awarded a doctoral degree upon completing 36 credits and successfully passing the dissertation reviews.    Why choose the KUBS-DBA program? The KUBS-DBA program is optimal for professionals who want to balance work and study while pursuing career development, practical and scientific research, and knowledge creation and sharing. The program integrates professional experience with theoretical knowledge, enabling students to contribute to the development of Korean-style management theories and models. Research outcomes are realized in various forms, such as dissertations, management case studies, management manuals, and monographs, promoting both knowledge creation and sharing.    To achieve these goals, the KUBS-DBA program offers a curriculum supported by the largest faculty in the country, consiting of 88 full-time faculty member. The program focuses on developing core research competencies, reinterpreting and systematizing practical experience through theoretical learning and conducting in-depth studies on the latest research and management trends. Additionally, students receive personalized education and one-on-one guidance tailored to their individual interests and needs.    In addition, the KUBS-DBA program is open to applicants who hold a master’s degree and have at least 10 years of practical experience. The admission quota is limited to 12 students, with applications opening on October 14. For more information, please contact the administration office at 02-3290-1309. 

"What If You Dream of Career Development?"—2025 Korea MBA Admission Information Session Held On September 11, 2024, Korea University's Graduate School of Business (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) hosted an admission information session for the 2025 Korea MBA program at LG-POSCO Hall. Unlike the in-person session for the Finance MBA and the hybrid session for the Executive MBA, the Korea MBA information session was conducted entirely online. The agenda included a welcome speech by Dean Eonsoo Kim, an introduction to Korea University Business School, an overview of the Korea MBA program, admission guidelines, and presentations from student clubs.  The Korea MBA program is designed for working professionals aspiring to continuous career development, rooted in the rich history of Korea University's Graduate School of Business Administration. The program employs various teaching methods, including discussions, presentations, and group projects, allowing students to choose one of eight specialized tracks: Global Business, Marketing, Human Resources, Strategy, Finance, Accounting, Logistics, Service & Operations Management (LSOM), and Management Information Systems (MIS).  Professor Tai Gyu Kim, the academic director who introduced the Korea MBA program during the session, highlighted its distinctive courses. He explained that the Introduction to General Management (Orientation) course offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the curriculum while learning the university's anthem and cheers, fostering camaraderie with peers and alumni. Additionally, the Special Topics on Management course provides insights into contemporary business trends and innovative concepts.  The session also featured information about an overseas Field Trip, where Korea MBA students visit prominent countries to attend lectures by local scholars and experts, participate in corporate visits, and engage in industry tours, enhancing their global business perspective.  To showcase vibrant student life, club activities were highlighted through creative videos made by each club, followed by a Q&A session with the Korea MBA Student Council, who shared insights into MBA life. For those interested, the application period for the 2025 Korea MBA program runs from September 13 to October 11. For further inquiries, prospective students can contact the admissions office at 02-3290-1303 or 2705.