Endless Imagination of Youth Connects to Startups… 2025 Startup Express Summer Season Successfully Concludes      Korea University Business School successfully hosted the 2025 Startup Express Summer Season startup competition on Friday, May 30, at SUPEX Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall. Organized by the Startup Station under the business school,, the event was designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in developing and growing their startup ideas.    Held every summer and fall, Startup Express is one of Korea University’s flagship student startup competitions.  Participants are offered opportunities to join the Startup Station for a minimum of 6 months up to 1 year, along with startup education programs. This year, eligibility was expanded beyond current undergraduates and graduate students (including those on leave) and alumni within five years of graduation to also include students from other majors, minors, and universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area—creating a broader, national startup networking platform.    Preliminary applications were accepted from April 14 (Mon) to May 7 (Wed). The face-to-face interviews were held on May 20 (Tue), followed by the final round and awards ceremony on May 30 (Fri). Twelve teams that passed the preliminary round advanced to the finals, where they presented creative and highly feasible startup ideas. Each team had five minutes for their presentation and five minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.      This year’s presented startup ideas included:  Thermit: An AI-based product detail page creation service  Nobel Ideas: A global web novel platform powered by fan translations  Gaon: A deep learning-based sound control instrument  Tarte: An AI-based fractional investment platform  During: A premium self-care brand for menopausal women  CEEDERS: A greenhouse gas reduction MRV procedure system  ANYWAY: A data analytics platform for solo content creators  Haneulcheon: An automated electronic disclosure platform  Franchat: A random chat service for acquaintances  LectureMate AI: An AI-powered lecture automation platform  Socially: A regional social engagement platform  Mindful Labs: An AI-based solution for mental health challenges      The judging panel consisted of 10 experts from various fields, including Hwang Joon-ho (Director of the Startup Station), Park Jin-gyu (Director of Seung Myung-ho Education Center), Kim Young-kyung (Director of Iljin Startup Support Center), and representatives from Dongwha Enterprise, The Korea Times, Iljin Global, Sopoong Connect, Talink, and Kingsbay Capital.      A total of KRW 10 million in startup support funding was awarded to the winning teams.  The Seung Myung-ho Entrepreneurship Award went to 'Mindful Labs' The Iljin Startup Award went to 'Tarte'  The Choo-Choo Entrepreneurship Award, determined by audience vote, went to 'Thermit'  The KUBS Class of ’79 Award was given to 'Thermit', 'LectureMate AI', and 'Socially'  All award-winning teams will receive Startup Station residency opportunities, expert mentoring, and entrepreneurship education programs.    During the opening ceremony, Professor Nam Dae-il, founding director of the Startup Station and Associate Dean of the Business School, said, “I’m proud to see this event continue its stable growth over the past nine years. I hope more students will create successful career stories through entrepreneurship.” Following this, Director Joon Ho Hwang presented a plaque of appreciation to Lee Sang-hyun, Chair of the KUBS Class of ’79 Alumni Association, which sponsored the event. Lee expressed, “I’m proud to see Korea University fostering such a vibrant startup ecosystem and hope to see a unicorn company emerge from our alma mater.”     In his closing remarks, Director Hwang added, “The quality of student startup ideas continues to impress me every year. Defining and solving problems that don’t have a fixed answer is the essence of entrepreneurship, and the fact that you’re at the starting line is meaningful in itself.”  The Startup Station also announced plans to offer additional residency opportunities to non-award-winning teams. All selected teams will receive two months of foundational entrepreneurship education from July, covering areas such as team building, market validation, intellectual property, law, finance, taxation, and mental health. 

Korea University Business School Hosts ‘Academic Advisor Mentoring Day’ for Freshmen     Korea University Business School (KUBS) held its "2025 Spring Semester Academic Advisor Mentoring Day" over three days from Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 29. This event is part of the "Academic Advisor Mentoring Program," which has been running since the 2007 academic year. It was designed to provide freshmen with an opportunity to meet their academic advisors in person, receive guidance on their studies and career paths, and communicate in a relaxed setting.    The mentoring day was held for 2025 freshmen enrolled in the “Freshman Seminar I” course in the Business Administration Department. Students checked their advisors’ schedules in advance and made individual appointments to participate in the sessions. The meetings took place face-to-face in locations such as the Ahn Young-Il Hall and Cuckoo Hall at the LG-POSCO Hall, as well as the Business Lawn.    On the first day of the event, Tuesday the 27th, professors and students gathered around round tables at Ahn Young-Il  Hall to share lunch together. This created a platform for open conversations on a variety of topics related to university life, including academics and career planning. English mentoring sessions were also held for international students, and special discussion tables focused on major current topics like exchange programs and artificial intelligence (AI), facilitating in-depth discussions on diverse interests.  Professor Jae-Nam Lee, who participated in the event, remarked, “It was a bit awkward at first, but I really enjoyed having direct conversations with the students.” Park Ji-hwan (Business Administration, Class of ’25), who spoke with Professor Lee, said, “It was helpful to get realistic advice from a professor on things I haven’t experienced yet.” Another student, Lee Hyun-ho (Business Administration, Class of ’25), added, “It was meaningful because we don’t usually get many chances to talk casually with professors.”      On the final day, outdoor luncheons and open conversations were held at the Ahn Young-Il Hall and the Business Lawn, creating a particularly special atmosphere. This was the first time the event included outdoor sessions, which received positive feedback from the students.  Professor Woochan Kim, who attended the event, said, “This year, students submitted questions in advance through a survey, enabling more meaningful conversations tailored to their interests.” Kim Sun-bin (Business Administration, Class of ’25), who spoke with Professor Kim, shared, “As a freshman, I had many concerns about my future and school life, and talking with the professor helped resolve many of them.”  Kim Ji-na (Business Administration, Class of ’25), who had lunch with Professor Gangseog Ryu, said, “The professor generously gave advice on studying abroad, which really helped me prepare in advance.” At the event, students and professors also exchanged opinions on a wide range of topics, such as career planning, job preparation, and on- and off-campus activities. Students wrapped up their mentoring experience by taking group photos with their professors and receiving commemorative gifts.      KUBS plans to continue regularly hosting mentoring programs to help students receive practical advice and support from their academic advisors for various concerns they encounter during university life. The school aims to further expand these opportunities to foster meaningful relationships and communication between professors and students built on mutual trust. 

AMP Alumni Jangsun Park and K-MBA Alumna Kyunga Eun Awarded the Order of Industrial Service Merit      Jangsun Park, President of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) Alumni Association (CEO of TodayArt Co., AMP Classes 52 and 97), and Kyunga Eun, Executive Vice President of the Korea MBA (K-MBA) Alumni Association (CEO of CeraArt Co., K-MBA Class 81), have elevated the reputation of Korea University Business School (KUBS) by receiving the Silver Tower and Bronze Tower Orders of Industrial Service Merit, respectively.    President Park was awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit on Friday, May 23, 2025, during the commemorative ceremony of the 2025 Korea Small and Medium Business Conference, held at the KBIZ Hall of the Korea Federation of SMEs. He was recognized for his outstanding business achievements and significant contributions to industrial development. For over 30 years, he has led technological innovation in the printing and cultural content industries and played a key role in the globalization of K-POP content. By implementing smart factory systems based on IoT, AI, and big data, he has spearheaded digital transformation and helped establish eco-friendly production systems across the sector. He also earned high praise for his dedication to talent development, community engagement, and employee welfare—exemplifying sustainable management and corporate social responsibility.      Executive Vice President Eun received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the commemorative ceremony for the 60th Invention Day, held at COEX Magok in Seoul. As the founder of CeraArt Co., a company specializing in advanced ceramic materials, she has led the development and production of zirconia ceramic components for global luxury brands and a wide range of industrial sectors—achieving 100% export-based operations. Under her leadership, CeraArt has been recognized as a World-Class Product Manufacturer for eight consecutive years. This prestigious honor acknowledges her continued commitment to sustainable technological innovation, pioneering efforts in global market expansion, and socially responsible business practices. Notably, Eun has been reappointed as an international judge for the Global Awards hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the United Nations, affirming her global expertise. She also plays an active role in advancing social value as a member of the Presidential Council on Intellectual Property, director of the Korea Entrepreneurship Foundation, Vice President of the Korea Venture Business Women’s Association, and advisory board member of Korea University Business School (KUBS). She is currently enrolled in the KUBS-DBA program at Korea University, where she continues to expand her management expertise by integrating academic theory with practical experience.    These two honorees are exemplary leaders who have embodied the core values of Korea University Business School’s (KUBS) vision—“Business for Society – Inspiring Next Leaders”—by advancing technological innovation and demonstrating a deep commitment to social responsibility in their respective industries. Their achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration and pride not only for fellow alumni but also for current students and future generations.    The Order of Industrial Service Merit is the highest national honor bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to industrial and technological advancement. These awards stand as a meaningful testament to the role KUBS MBA alumni play as trailblazers in driving the future and innovation of Korean industry. 

Coding-Free Tech Startups: Entrepreneurial Lecture by Developer In-Sik Baek      The Entrepreneurial Academy lecture hosted by the Korea University Business School (KUBS) Startup Station was held on Tuesday, May 20, at the KOLON Lecture Room (Room B307) in the Hyundai Motor Hall. The session featured In-Sik Baek, a Korea University alumnus and expert in tech-based startups, who delivered a special lecture titled “Building a Web App in 6 Hours with Lovable and Cursor—No Coding Required: Core Strategies and Hands-On Practices of Vibe Coding.” Rather than focusing solely on theory, the lecture emphasized immediately actionable knowledge through hands-on practice using cutting-edge AI development tools. The session aimed to provide participants with practical skills they could apply directly.      In particular, the event stood out for the full participation of over 100 attendees, all of whom successfully completed their own web apps during the session. Even those without prior coding experience were able to build functional web apps using a no-code platform, gaining hands-on insight into tech-based entrepreneurship. Baek remarked, “Vibe coding is a technique where AI writes code for you when you speak in natural language,” describing it as an innovative approach that enables anyone to develop production-level web apps without the need for complex programming.      The practice-based curriculum was also met with enthusiastic feedback. Participants drafted web app plans based on their own ideas, created user interfaces using provided prompts, and experienced the full workflow of vibe coding. During the session, Baek shared practical tips on writing effective prompts and using the Lovable tool, offering hands-on guidance that helped participants complete their projects more efficiently.      Currently, Baek works as an AI development researcher at a major corporation. With two startup ventures and a track record of leading various innovation projects, he is widely recognized as a hands-on expert in AI integration and MVP development. He emphasized, “Vibe coding is a powerful tool for rapidly creating MVPs and testing customer feedback. Ultimately, what matters most is not the technology, but the customer.”      This lecture was especially meaningful, as it was offered as a form of talent donation. Baek remarked, “I wanted to give back to my alma mater and provide practical support to junior students,” as he generously shared field-tested skills and entrepreneurial mindsets with aspiring startup founders.      The Entrepreneurial Academy, operated by the KUBS Startup Institute, is a student-focused entrepreneurship education program that regularly hosts lectures by experts from diverse fields. Aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, each session draws strong interest and participation, offering students firsthand insights into startup experiences and the latest trends in the field. 

Becoming the Driving Force Behind SK Group’s Vision” — 4th Capital Market Expert Program Kicks Off      Korea University Business School (KUBS) held the entrance ceremony for the 4th cohort of the SK Capital Market Specialist Program on Thursday, May 8, in Room 209 of the Hyundai Motor Hall.    The event was attended by KUBS Dean Eonsoo Kim, Program Director Seokkyun Kim, representatives from SK Group, 24 new participants, administrative staff, and teaching assistants. The ceremony featured a congratulatory address and a group photo session.      Following the opening remarks, Dean Eonsoo Kim delivered his congratulatory speech, stating, “The SK Capital Market Specialist Program is a practice-oriented curriculum designed to build real-world capabilities that can be applied immediately in the field. I hope this program empowers participants to translate SK Group’s future vision and strategies into action and grow into professionals capable of identifying new opportunities.”    Jintaek Kim, Head of Growth Support at mySUNI, also offered a welcoming address, stating, “We hope you will gain meaningful learning and growth through collaboration with both the distinguished faculty of KUBS and practitioners from the field.”      Following an introduction to the program’s structure and curriculum, participants took part in a self-introduction session, and the ceremony concluded with a group photo.    The SK Capital Market Specialist Program is a customized curriculum that integrates theory and practice to cultivate capital market experts. The program is also gaining attention for its potential to foster collaboration across various industries. Spanning 14 weeks, the action learning-based curriculum includes team-based capstone projects designed to strengthen participants’ real-world problem-solving capabilities. 

[Interview] Professor Kihoon Kim on His New Book 『Platform Business in the Age of AI』     “Even in the era of AI, the success principles of platform businesses remain valid, but the impact of AI on platform businesses is significant.”  Even as AI technology fundamentally reshapes the business paradigm, the essence of platform businesses remains unchanged. Professor Kihoon Kim’s new book, 『Platform Business in the Age of AI』, offers deep insights into the structure and evolution of platform business models and the transformative effects of AI. Through this book, Professor Kim seeks to present the core principles of platform strategy and a future-oriented perspective.    Q. What motivated you to write 『Platform Business in the Age of AI』?  A. The idea first came to me in 2012 when I participated in a seminar at Gyeongsang National University. Rather than presenting an academic paper, I had been invited to explain the concept of platform economy and strategy in a way that undergraduate students could easily understand. After spending an entire day traveling to and from Jinju, I thought to myself, “If I organize this material into a book, I could share this knowledge with a much wider audience.”  I began writing in earnest about three years ago. On a flight back from an academic conference in the U.S., I listened to an audiobook of Malcolm Gladwell’s MasterClass on writing. As I listened, I felt a strong conviction that the time had come for me to write a book. After years of contemplation, that moment marked the true beginning of this project.    Q. What are the core messages you aimed to convey through this book?  A. First and foremost, I emphasize that no matter how advanced AI becomes, the fundamental structure and survival principles of platform businesses remain valid. A platform essentially serves as an intermediary that connects Group A and Group B. The rules of survival and competition that arise from this structure remain largely unaffected by the advent of AI.  Another message I wanted to convey is that while many people associate platform businesses with innovation, I believe the term evolution is more appropriate. For example, American Express originally began as an express delivery company and, over the course of nearly 100 years, evolved into a credit card platform business. Many platform models grow not through sudden innovation, but through gradual, long-term evolution.  Finally, many startups and manufacturing-centered conglomerates still tend to think, “We have nothing to do with platform strategy.” I believe that mindset needs to change. Just as Apple evolved from a computer manufacturer into a platform company through the iPhone OS and App Store, manufacturers today can no longer regard themselves as unrelated to platform strategy. Korean companies—Samsung included—should actively explore opportunities to enter platform businesses by leveraging their existing customer bases.    Q. How do you see AI technology impacting platform businesses?  A. The most immediate impact of AI is the enhancement of matching technologies. Platforms like YouTube and Amazon, which actively leverage AI, analyze user behavior data to deliver more precise and personalized services. This, in turn, boosts user loyalty and further solidifies the dominance of leading platforms.  At the same time, AI is likely to accelerate user multi-homing, thereby increasing the survival chances of new platforms. For example, when searching for real estate listings, users in Korea often use four major apps: Zigbang, Hogangnono, Naver Real Estate, and Dabang. Even if these apps dominate the market, a new platform that leverages AI to offer a better user experience could still attract users—at least until the incumbent platforms catch up with similar AI features.  Another notable change is that generative AI could serve as a direct touchpoint between customers and platforms. For instance, if a user says, “I want to travel to Disneyland in LA,” current AI systems might simply create an itinerary. But in the near future, AI could evolve into a full-service assistant that even books flights. In such a scenario, AI becomes the intermediary between the customer and the travel platform, fundamentally transforming how platforms are used.    Q. How do you interpret the spread of generative AI and its effect on the platform market?  A. Generative AI has the potential to emerge as a new kind of player in the platform market. Take KakaoTalk, for instance—it built a large user base by offering free messaging, and later expanded into a full-fledged platform by adding features such as digital gifting and content sales. In a similar vein, generative AI tools like ChatGPT could leverage their massive user base to integrate with various platform services or even create entirely new ecosystems.  Ultimately, generative AI is both a technology with built-in platform capabilities and a potential launchpad for developing new platforms.    Q. What advice would you give to Korea University Business School students on how to approach this book?  A. If you're new to platform business, I recommend reading Chapters 1 through 6 to build a solid understanding of the basic concepts and structural foundations. These chapters are designed to help readers grasp the core principles in a step-by-step manner.  For students who already have some background knowledge or are interested in launching a platform-related startup, Chapters 7, 8, and 9 will be especially valuable. Chapter 7 presents a range of platform evolution cases, Chapter 8 explores how traditional companies have successfully transitioned into platform-based models, and Chapter 9 analyzes the impact of AI on platform ecosystems. These chapters offer practical insights that can help readers deepen their understanding and apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations.    Q. What was the most difficult or memorable part of writing this book?  A. The most difficult part was staying committed and seeing the manuscript through to the end. At times, I questioned whether people would actually find the book engaging. During those moments, my family’s support was a tremendous source of motivation. More importantly, I was able to keep going because I believed the book could offer unique value to readers.  While many books on platform business are rich in information, they often fall short in providing actionable insights or practical guidance. I wanted to make complex concepts easier to grasp—not through one-sided explanations, but by presenting real-world examples that readers could relate to and empathize with. In particular, I tried to convey the core of platform business through stories that reflect the actual experiences of companies and users, so that readers could understand the subject more naturally and intuitively.    Q. Do you have any upcoming research or writing plans?  A. I plan to continue my research on the platform economy while also exploring, from an academic perspective, how AI is reshaping business. These days, it’s clear that many people are deeply interested in the impact of AI—just take a look at the variety of books lining the shelves at bookstores. From technical guides on how to use AI to general interest books on its societal implications, AI is a topic of widespread fascination. My next goal is to delve into how AI is influencing both the business world and our daily lives, and to capture those insights in a future book.  I also run a YouTube channel called Kihoon Kim’s Business Insight, where I explain topics such as platforms, technology, and business strategy in a simple and engaging way. For stories that didn’t make it into the book or insights on the latest trends, I hope to reach more people through this channel. If you’re interested in platforms, AI, or business strategy, I encourage you to check it out.   ▶ [Click here to visit Kihoon Kim’s Business Insight YouTube channel]