“The Beginning of a Valuable Two-Year Journey” – 2025 Executive MBA 23rd Cohort Orientation Held    Korea University Business School Executive MBA (hereinafter E-MBA) program marked the successful beginning of the 23rd cohort’s academic journey with both on- and off-campus orientation (OT) sessions.    The off-campus OT was held on Friday, February 7, at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. All 51 new students of the 23rd cohort attended the event, which was also joined by key faculty members including Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Associate Dean Byung Cho Kim, E-MBA Academic Director Daeki Kim, and Professor Shijin Yoo. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu welcomed the new students by saying, “I hope you enjoy both the joy of learning and the friendships you’ll gain through the E-MBA program,” and added, “All of us will do our best to ensure that your decision leads to a rewarding experience.” Kwangsun Kim, President of the E-MBA Alumni Association, offered his congratulations and encouragement in a celebratory speech, saying, “The E-MBA is a program for redefining a turning point in your life,” and expressed his strong support for the students’ future endeavors.      The first part of the event featured greetings from the E-MBA director and manager, an overview of campus life, self-introductions by the new 23rd cohort students, and an introduction of the 22nd cohort student council. The second part included a welcome address by the Dean of MBA program, greetings from the alumni and student council presidents, alumni performances, and the Night of Korea University Culture, which provided an opportunity for the new students to build connections and gain a deeper understanding of KU culture.      The on-campus OT was held on Saturday, February 22, in Room 530 of LG-POSCO Hall at Korea University. Dean Eonsoo Kim personally welcomed the new cohort, saying, “I hope the next two years of learning and growth provide practical value in your professional life.”      Director Daeki Kim introduced the structure of the E-MBA program, including its academic operations, graduation requirements, and class format. He also provided an overview of key programs such as the ELITE Project, the International Residence Program (IRP), and the CARE Program for alumni. Following his presentation, a program manager offered guidance on classroom usage, attendance management, student ID and portal access, and administrative matters such as community registration.    Next, a gender equality training session was conducted by the university's Human Rights and Gender Equality Center under the theme ‘Creating a Campus Culture of Respect for Human Rights and Gender Equality’. This was followed by a basic lecture on accounting and financial management, delivered by Professor Kwan Hee Yoo, Professor Emeritus of the Business School. In a lighthearted and engaging atmosphere, Professor Yoo encouraged participants to begin with the fundamentals of financial accounting, saying, "Let's start with the basics of financial accounting." He then introduced the sequence in which financial statements are prepared, using the acronym "Son-Ja-Jae-Hyun" —referring to the Income Statement, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows.      Afterward, lunch was served in Ahn Young-Il Hall at LG-POSCO Hall, followed by a special lecture titled “Historical and Cultural Exploration - KUBS Museum Collection” delivered by Professor Jeong Ho-Seob from the Department of Korean History at the Korea University. Students were then divided into three groups for a campus tour led by KUBE (KUBS student ambassadors). The tour covered various landmarks across campus, including the three KUBS buildings (KUBS Main Building, Hyundai Motor Hall, LG POSCO Hall), Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall, Central Plaza, and SK Future Hall.      Following the tour, students were introduced to the major E-MBA events, the activities of various departments, and the executive committee, and participated in a Q&A session.    Kyungseon Kwon, a new student from the 23rd cohort, shared, “My thirst for new learning led me to pursue the E-MBA, and I hope to grow together with esteemed professors and classmates.” Seungmin Lee also remarked, “In today’s rapidly changing industrial landscape, I wanted to study management in a structured way. I look forward to broadening my perspective through exchanges with peers from diverse fields.”   Korea University Business School E-MBA will continue to nurture future-oriented global leaders through its systematic educational and networking programs.

Korea University E-MBA Successfully Concludes a Warm and Joyful ‘Year-End Celebration’      The Korea University Business School (KUBS), Graduate School of Business Administration (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) hosted the Executive MBA (E-MBA) 22nd cohort “Year-End Night” event on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The celebration was led by the lively emceeing of 22nd cohort students, featuring recreational games and a compliment relay that filled the room with laughter and heartfelt moments. Attendees reminisced about the past year as they watched a video compilation of their shared memories.      The lucky draw event, made possible through generous contributions, offered an array of exciting prizes. Each time a winning number was announced, cheers erupted, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The event continued with special performances prepared by 22nd cohort, including dance and band performances that received enthusiastic applause. With glowing glasses, cheering sticks, and party props adding to the excitement, participants came together to fully enjoy the evening.      The Executive MBA 21st cohort “Year-End Night” took place on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Attendees were welcomed with a buffet-style meal, fine wine, and a selection of beverages. The first part of the event commenced with an opening speech, followed by an engaging introduction by the emcee. Participants reflected on their past year of dedication and achievements while watching a video capturing the treasured memories of the 21st cohort. Distinguished guests and faculty members were introduced, with special recognition given to academic directors, who took the opportunity to encourage and support the students. A lucky draw event and a magic show titled "Between Magic and the Magician" added excitement to the evening. During the break, a special photo exhibition featuring works by artist Kyung-Seok Yoon was displayed, offering attendees a moment of artistic appreciation.      The second part of the event, themed "Adieu! E-MBA," showcased the highlight of the evening: a spirited cheer performance, met with enthusiastic applause. The 21st cohort executive committee then gave a farewell speech and led a toast, after which students shared their personal reflections on the theme “What E-MBA Means to Me?” through video messages. A special guest singer then took the stage, reigniting the celebratory spirit. The evening concluded with a group photo session, capturing the meaningful bonds among classmates.      In the final moments of the event, participants expressed gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering deeper connections and continued personal and professional growth. The evening served as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring friendships and collaborative spirit cultivated through the program.      Meanwhile, the MBA Alumni Association Year-End Night was held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at The Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom. The event provided an opportunity for MBA alumni to strengthen their bonds, reflect on their accomplishments over the past year, and celebrate their collective efforts. 

KUBS Faculty News for January to March 2025    Professor  Johngseok Bae (Management)      Professor Jong-Seok Bae collaborated with Professor Chris Rowley of Oxford University and other scholars as an editor for the Routledge Handbook of Korean Business and Management, published by the prestigious British publishing house Routledge in February 2025. The handbook brings together contributions from 36 domestic and international business scholars and consists of 21 chapters, including the introduction and conclusion, providing an in-depth analysis of Korean business management.  The book is structured around key themes: (1) the institutional context of the labor and capital markets; (2) macro-level issues related to Korean corporate management, including corporate governance, professional management, the structure of large business groups, the role of the government, corporate growth, and management strategies; (3) micro-level aspects such as human resource management, labor relations, and executive compensation; (4) emerging topics such as CSR and ESG, entrepreneurship, diversity, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and employment; and (5) challenges and future directions in business management.    Professor Kwanho Suk (Marketing)      Professor Kwanho Suk was awarded the Best Paper Award by the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration (KASBA) journal Business Administration Research on Wednesday, February 19. Professor Suk co-authored the paper “A Study on the Relationship Between Crowdfunding Goal Amount and Crowdfunding Performance: Focusing on Kakao Together Donation Campaigns” with Professor Sanyoung Hwang (Research Professor at the Institute for Business Research and Education). The study provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between crowdfunding performance and goal amounts, offering valuable insights into the characteristics of the domestic crowdfunding market and strategies for successful campaigns.    Professor DaeSoo Kim (LSOM)      Professor Daesoo Kim published two new books in February and March 2025. The first book, Purchasing and Supply Management: Digital Transformation, Resilience, and Sustainability (Choa Publishing, February 2025), explores the latest issues in purchasing and supply chain management, focusing on digitalization, supply chain resilience, and sustainable management. The second book, A Journey Through Data Analysis with ChatGPT (Cheongram Publishing, March 2025), introduces practical data analysis methodologies using ChatGPT, covering topics from basic concepts to advanced techniques in data analysis. 

KUBS Holds the ‘2024 KUBS Thesis Advisory Award’ Ceremony      Korea University Business School (KUBS, Dean: Eonsoo Kim) held the ‘2024 KUBS Thesis Advisory Award’ ceremony on Tuesday, March 11, at the Dean’s Office. This event was organized to recognize the contributions of faculty members who have guided master’s and doctoral students in their academic achievements and to further enrich the research environment.    The ‘KUBS Thesis Advisory Award’ is given to faculty members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education and research at KUBS MS/PhD through outstanding thesis supervision. The award aims to commend faculty members for their dedication and commitment to research guidance. At the ceremony, the award recipients in attendance included Professors Jeunghyun Kim, Kwangtae Park, Shijin Yoo, Gunwoong Lee, and Kyuhan Lee, who celebrated the occasion.    The 2024 awardees were as follows (listed in Korean alphabetical order): △Jaehwan Kim (Marketing), △ Jeunghyun Kim (LSOM), △Jungbien Moon (Global Business/Strategy), △Kwangtae Park (LSOM), △Shijin Yoo (Marketing), △Gunwoong Lee (IS), △Kyuhan Lee (IS), △Jay Hyuk Rhee (Global Business/Strategy), △Wooseok Choi (Accounting).    Dean Eonsoo Kim expressed gratitude, stating, "The research achievements of our students have been made possible through the continuous guidance and support of our faculty members. Moving forward, KUBS will continue to enhance the research environment and provide unwavering support to ensure both faculty and students grow together."    KUBS remains committed to promoting excellence in research supervision and academic achievements by continuously implementing various support initiatives. 

Enhancing Corporate Sustainability and Value… Enrollment Open for the 1st Cohort of the Independent Director Competency Development Program   ▶ About the (Click)  ▶ Apply for the (Click)      Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has launched the Independent Director Competency Development Program, designed to strengthen corporate sustainability and enhance corporate value. The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort. It aims to equip board directors with the expertise and strategic insight needed to proactively navigate evolving corporate environments.    Starting in April, the Independent Director Competency Development Program will run for 10 weeks, with classes held every Thursday evening. It is designed for current and prospective board directors, as well as individuals with equivalent qualifications.    The program provides essential knowledge to promote corporate sustainability and long-term value creation. It develops key competencies necessary for board directors to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, integrating the latest business trends and regulatory frameworks into its curriculum.    Participants will explore critical topics essential for board leadership, including corporate law, ESG strategy, risk management, and practical decision-making skills. The program follows a case-driven approach, incorporating real-world scenarios to enhance strategic execution and leadership capabilities.    The program is led by top-tier faculty members and industry experts, combining extensive field experience with cutting-edge academic insights. Participants will benefit from a rigorous, practice-oriented curriculum delivered at world-class facilities, including the Business School Main Building, LG-POSCO Hall, and Hyundai Motor Hall. The program also offers exclusive classrooms and lounges, along with specialized faculty support, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.    Beyond academic learning, participants will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse industries and build meaningful peer relationships. Graduates will not only join the program’s alumni network but also become members of the Korea University Alumni Association, facilitating continued networking with industry-leading professionals.    Applications for the Independent Director Competency Development Program are now open and will close on Friday, March 28. The entrance ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 10. For application submission and admission inquiries, please contact the EEC Administration Office at KUBS (02-3290-2707). 

[2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Kyung Sung Jung – From Engineering to Business, From OM to IS… Striving for Consistent Dedication to Education and Research While Appreciating the Value of Everyday Life    [2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Kyung Sung Jung   Korea University Business School (KUBS, Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed three new faculty members as of March 2025: Professor Kyung Sung Jung (IS), Professor Minjae Koo (Accounting), and Professor Mengjin Gao. To introduce them to our readers, KU Business JOURNAL conducted interviews to share their aspirations and perspectives.      Q1. Please introduce yourself.  A. Hello, I am Professor Kyung Sung Jung, specializing in Information Systems (IS) at KUBS starting in the Spring 2025 Semester. I have a background in Mechanical Engineering, earning my degree in the field before joining LG Electronics, where I focused on mobile device mechanical design. Initially, I planned to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, but an opportunity to enroll in the MBA program at the University of Washington (UW) shifted my academic interests toward business studies. This transition led me to pursue a PhD in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in Operations Management (OM). Later, at the University of Florida, I expanded my research scope to include Information Systems (IS) alongside OM and began teaching IS courses in addition to OM. Now, as a professor specializing in Information Systems at KUBS, I continue to focus on both research and teaching in this field.    Q2. What are your primary areas of teaching and research?  A. Over the past ten years, I have taught approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students (MS/PhD) at the University of Florida. I initially focused on Operations Management (OM) courses, but upon my department’s recommendation, I began teaching Information Systems (IS) courses and gradually shifted my teaching focus to IS. At KUBS, I currently teach Introduction to MIS. My early research centered on scheduling and optimization in OM. However, after completing my PhD, I expanded my research at the University of Florida to online retailing, with a particular focus on monopoly regulations. More recently, I have been conducting data-driven research on sharing platforms.    Q3. What excites you the most about joining KUBS?  A. I am particularly excited about the strong research support system at KUBS. The school is highly committed to research excellence, providing substantial support to ensure that faculty members can actively pursue their research. I am also delighted about the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding colleagues on various research projects.    Q4. What are your plans for your first semester?  A. There is much to do as I adapt to the university system and prepare for my courses. In particular, since the teaching approach differs from my previous experience, I plan to focus on developing and refining effective methods to deliver my course material clearly and engagingly. Regarding research, my priorities are to finalize the revisions of my current papers, expand upon my existing research to explore new areas, and collaborate with colleagues to conduct more in-depth studies.    Q5. As a new faculty member at KUBS, what are your goals and aspirations?  A. Lately, I have come to deeply appreciate the value of everyday life. My goal is to stay committed to education and research while always cherishing the significance of each day.    Q6. Lastly, do you have any messages for the KUBS community?  A. In Korea, I was an engineering student and a corporate employee, while in the U.S., I was introduced to business studies and began my academic career. As a result, many aspects of my current environment feel new and unfamiliar. However, I sincerely hope to build strong relationships with senior professors, fellow faculty members, and students, growing together as part of the KUBS community.