Interview with Professor Gunwoong Lee – Recipient of the SK Paper Award      In 2025, Professor Gunwoong Lee of Korea University Business School was co-authored a paper titled "Consumer Evaluation of Digital Product Innovations: Disentangling Effects of Novelty, Familiarity, Complementarity" (with Nilla Zhang and Wai Fong Boh), which was  accepted for publication in MIS Quarterly. The paper was also honored with the SK Paper Award. This study empirically analyzes how consumers respond to hardware innovations in digital products, focusing on the balance between novelty and familiarity, as well as complementarity with software. It provides strategic insights into the timing and approach of innovation introduction. The paper has been recognized for its contribution to the field of Information Systems, particularly in extending the practical design implications of technological innovation and highlighting its potential societal impact.  Q1. First of all, congratulations on receiving the SK Award. Could you share your thoughts on this honor?  A1. I’m truly honored to receive such a meaningful award. This research is based on a topic I first envisioned nearly ten years ago when I began my academic career, so it is deeply rewarding to see it come to fruition after such a long journey. Above all, I believe this achievement was made possible thanks to the outstanding research environment and support provided by Korea University Business School.    Q2. Could you briefly introduce the research for which you received the award?  A2. This study explores how consumers evaluate innovations in digital products. When a new electronic device is released, people often respond with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. We explored how companies can present their innovations in ways that are more likely to be positively received by consumers. More specifically, the research analyzes how hardware innovations are perceived by consumers in the context of digital products.  Q3. What motivated you to start this research?  A3. I believe that academic research should reflect changes in real life. I’ve always been curious about questions like, “Why are people surprised by new technologies?” and “What kind of expectations do Apple’s annual product launches create?” These interests led me to analyze product innovations and consumer responses across 62 smartphone models produced by 10 major global manufacturers. Based on this dataset, I explored how companies can introduce innovations in ways that better align with consumer perceptions and preferences.  Q4. What kind of impact do you think your research might have on society or industry?  A4. I believe this research offers practical strategic insights, particularly for the IT industry — notably smartphone and digital device manufacturers. When innovations are not well-received in the market, the consequences can be significant not only for individual firms but also for the broader industry. This study provides concrete guidance on when, how, and with what combinations of features and software innovations should be introduced in order to receive positive consumer evaluations, making it practically meaningful for business decision-makers.   Q5. Could you share your future research plans or any specific topics you're particularly interested in?  A5. Recently, I’ve become increasingly interested in how information technology affects local communities and digitally marginalized groups. For example, technologies such as virtual queuing systems are becoming more common in easing daily inconveniences. I hope to examine how such technologies can go beyond providing simple convenience to play a role in revitalizing local economies, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing accessibility for socially underrepresented groups. Ultimately, I aim to explore how technological advancement can be designed and implemented in ways that extend their benefits to society at large—not just to a privileged few.  Q6. Do you have any messages you’d like to share with students?  A6. The world we live in is changing rapidly, especially with the pace of advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), which is unlike anything we’ve seen in the past few decades. That’s why understanding AI — what I call AI literacy — is incredibly important. It’s not just about following the technology, but about understanding how it works, what benefits it can bring, and how it can be purposefully applied. I encourage students not to fear change but to stay curious and take initiative in learning.    Summary of Professor Gunwoong Lee’s Paper  "Consumer Evaluation of Digital Product Innovations: Disentangling Effects of Novelty, Familiarity, Complementarity"  This study analyzes how digital product manufacturers can strategically manage the balance between familiarity and novelty when introducing hardware innovations. Focusing on devices such as smartphones, the paper empirically examines the impact of hardware component innovations on consumer evaluation. In particular, it investigates how the timing of innovation and the presence of complementary software support.  Key findings suggest that hardware features familiar to consumers are more positively received when introduced early in the product lifecycle and accompanied by intuitive software interfaces. In contrast, introducing unfamiliar and novel features too early can be counterproductive; in such cases, the presence of supporting software may actually reinforce negative consumer perceptions. Based on these differences, firms need to carefully design the timing and software integration strategy for hardware innovations, taking into account consumer receptivity. 

Interview with Professor Kyuhan Lee – Recipient of the SK Paper Award      In 2025, Professor Kyuhan Lee of Korea University Business School co-authored a paper titled "Leveraging Large Language Models for Hate Speech Detection: Multi-Agent, Information-Theoretic Prompt Learning for Enhancing Contextual Understanding" (with Sudha Ram), which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Management Information Systems (forthcoming). The paper was honored with the prestigious SK Paper Award. This study proposes a novel AI-based approach to hate speech detection by transforming multiple large language models as autonomous agents that generate various prompts and select the optimal one based on an entropy-based method. The paper has been highly recognized in the academic community for expanding the potential of leveraging technology to realize social value in the field of information systems.    Q1. First of all, congratulations on receiving the SK Award. Could you share your thoughts on receiving this honor?  A1. Thank you very much. Not many universities have systems that directly reward research achievements like this, so I truly appreciate Korea University’s strong support and encouragement for academic research. This award serves as a great motivation for me, and I take it as a meaningful reminder to continue working hard and striving to produce impactful research.  Q2. Could you briefly introduce the research for which you received the award?  A2. My research focuses on designing and developing technological systems within the broader field of business studies. While much of the research in business emphasizes the interaction between humans and technology, my approach centers on building the technology itself. This paper proposes an AI-based system to address the growing problem of hate speech on online platforms. Given the massive volume of content generated in real time on social media, it is practically impossible for human moderators to review everything manually. This makes automated content moderation system essential. In this study, we positioned large language models not just as classifiers but as “autonomous agents” capable of engaging in deliberation. By allowing multiple AIs to discuss and reach collective judgment, we explored a new approach that offers the potential to detect hate speech more accurately and precisely than traditional methods.  Q3. What inspired you to start this research?  A3. This research does not directly lead to commercial profit in the traditional sense. I have always considered the question, “What kind of positive impact can this research have on society?” to be a key guiding principle in my work. Hate speech is not just a matter of discomfort—it is also linked to the broader issue of social contagion. If technology can help prevent its spread, I believe that alone makes the research meaningful. That belief was the primary motivation behind initiating this study.  Q4. What do you think is the potential impact of this research on society or industry?  A4. From a business perspective, companies may hesitate to implement social features on their platforms if they risk becoming spaces filled with hate speech—something that advertisers tend to avoid. In this context, automated content moderation systems become critical for protecting brand image and sustaining advertising revenue. On a societal level, since hate speech tends to spread like a contagion, technologies capable of effectively detecting and blocking it can make a meaningful contribution to the health and integrity of online communities. I hope this research can support efforts to use technology to reduce social conflict and promote a healthier, more constructive communication culture.  Q5. What are your future research plans or areas of interest?  A5. Moving forward, I want to go beyond just building systems and start analyzing AI technologies themselves. For example, can AI truly be considered a “thinking” entity? Can the outputs generated by AI be called “creative”? I aim to explore such philosophical questions from a technical perspective. Although technology continues to advance rapidly, how we understand and internalize it remains an area that requires deeper reflection and discussion. By combining technical analysis with philosophical inquiry, I hope to contribute to more meaningful and thought-provoking discourse on the role of AI in society.  Q6. Finally, do you have any message for students?  A6. I believe that diverse experiences are essential for developing strong problem-solving skills. Of course, studying your major and engaging in research are important, but activities that may seem unrelated at first can often lead to unexpected insights. For example, if you’re preparing for law school, it’s not just about mastering legal knowledge — a broad understanding of society is equally important. Even if something doesn’t interest you right away, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new areas. These experiences will ultimately serve as a valuable foundation for shaping your own perspective.  Summary of Professor Kyuhan Lee’s Paper  Leveraging Large Language Models for Hate Speech Detection: Multi-Agent, Information-Theoretic Prompt Learning for Enhancing Contextual Understanding  This study proposes a novel AI-based system for detecting hate speech by configuring large language models (LLMs) as autonomous agents that interact with one another to reach a decision. The researchers developed a method for automatically generating a variety of prompts and applied an information-theoretic, entropy-based criterion to select the optimal prompt, thereby enhancing contextual understanding and improving detection accuracy. This multi-agent approach addresses the limitations of traditional hate speech detection methods and demonstrates the potential for more sophisticated and efficient content moderation in online environments where vast volumes of content are generated in real time. Notably, the study presents a promising strategy for technologically controlling the social diffusion of hate speech and contributing to the development of healthier digital communities. As such, it has been recognized as a significant case of extending the potential for realizing social value through information systems. 

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