An Open Campus Reaching Out to the World: KUBS Fall International Fair Concludes Successfully    Under the clear autumn sky, the 2025 KUBS Fall International Fair took place on Tuesday, October 28, on the lawn in front of the main building of Korea University Business School (KUBS). Organized by the KUBS International Affairs Team, the event aimed to encourage students to participate in exchange programs and to broaden opportunities for global engagement with partner universities abroad. Following its success last year, this year’s second International Fair once again attracted strong interest and enthusiastic participation from students.    During the event, exchange students from KUBS partner universities — including Kobe University (Japan), University of Cologne (Germany), University of Florida (USA), and University of Southern California (USA) — operated booths to introduce and promote their respective institutions. Students visited each booth to interact directly with exchange students and learn more about exchange application procedures, academic environments, and campus life abroad. In addition, a consultation booth was open throughout the afternoon (1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.) to offer practical advice on the application process, visa issuance, and language requirements.      The KUBS student organization KUBS BUDDY, which serves as the Business School’s global ambassador group, also took part in the event, assisting with booth operations and adding vibrancy to the atmosphere. They hosted a country-themed memory game to engage participants, and students who joined in received KUBS merchandise such as keyrings and badges. Jang Ye-won, a sophomore student (Class of 2023) who participated as a KUBS BUDDY, shared her thoughts: “I’ve always been interested in the exchange program, and I was delighted to have the chance not only to help international students but also to learn firsthand about foreign universities. I’m truly grateful for such a meaningful opportunity.”    Knacky Sun, an exchange student from Simon Fraser University in Canada who volunteered to promote his home institution, joined KUBS this August. “I really appreciate the strong sense of community at KUBS,” he said. “Since my home university also values diversity and the coexistence of different cultures, I wanted to share that aspect with KUBS students.” He added, “Speaking and exchanging ideas in person offers a much deeper understanding than simply searching for information online.”      Mashiro Fuse, an international student from Japan, visited the consultation booth to learn more about studying at a Japanese university through KUBS’s exchange program. She said, “It was very helpful to receive detailed guidance on which universities I could apply to and how to resolve visa-related matters.”    Despite the chilly weather, many students stopped by the venue to gather information about overseas exchange programs. The KUBS Fall International Fair went beyond a simple promotional event — it served as an open platform for students to explore university cultures from around the world and to expand their global networks, truly embodying the spirit of an open campus reaching out to the world.   

Yuhan Corporation CEO Wook Je Cho Delivers a Lecture on ESG Management Philosophy at Korea University Business School    On Wednesday, October 29, the Global ESG Lecture Series was held at Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) in Room B308 of Hyundai Motor Hall. The special lecture was hosted by the ESG Research Institute (Director: Jae-Hyuk Lee), and the guest speaker was Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation and an alumnus of Korea University’s Department of Agricultural Chemistry. Before the lecture began, Director Jae-Hyuk Lee introduced the founding purpose and key initiatives of the ESG Research Institute, noting that “the ESG Institute promotes the values of social responsibility and sustainable management through international sustainability conferences and the Global Lecture Series.”    Wook Je Cho, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, delivered a special lecture on the theme of “Corporate Philosophy and Sustainable Innovation.” He began the lecture with a video introducing Dr. Il-Han Yu, the founder and first president of Yuhan Corporation. Dr. Yu is well known as an entrepreneur who contributed to the formation of national capital and as an independence activist who devoted his life to education and social contribution. Cho remarked, “Dr. Yu’s philosophy aligns closely with the fundamental spirit of modern ESG management,” emphasizing that “a corporation should not exist solely to pursue profit, but to grow together with society — this belief is the root of Yuhan Corporation.”    Founded in 1926, Yuhan Corporation has long upheld three core management principles: improving public health by producing high-quality products; fulfilling its social responsibilities by reinvesting corporate profits into society; and contributing to national economic development through responsible tax practices. CEO Cho remarked, “Having grown into one of Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies, Yuhan is now striving to rank among the global Top 50,” adding, “We will continue to build global trust through outstanding products and responsible management.”      As the lecture progressed, CEO Wook Je Cho covered key aspects of Yuhan Corporation, including its sales operations and performance, financial results and characteristics, its sustainability philosophy rooted in the founder’s vision, and the current ESG governance structure. He emphasized, “Dr. Yu’s founding philosophy has naturally evolved into today’s ESG management,” adding, “A company’s mission is to contribute to the health of humanity and the planet, and to build a better future.”    In particular, regarding environmental initiatives, Cho stated, “Yuhan Corporation is preparing to achieve carbon neutrality by upgrading its manufacturing facilities with high-efficiency equipment and gradually adopting renewable energy in line with the RE100 initiative.” (RE100 is a voluntary global initiative through which companies commit to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.) He also introduced Yuhan’s efforts to preserve the ecosystem, including afforestation projects to combat desertification in Mongolia, reducing packaging materials, and minimizing paper use. In the social sector, Cho emphasized the company’s patient-centered management philosophy, stating, “We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families by developing innovative new drugs and improving employee welfare.” He further noted, “It is highly significant that Lecraza, a domestically developed anticancer drug, became the first of its kind in Korea to receive FDA approval in the United States,” adding, “Our decision to provide the drug free of charge until it is covered by insurance reflects the founder’s legacy of giving back to society.”      During the Q&A session following the lecture, a student asked, “Who do you think is the most important stakeholder in ESG management at Yuhan Corporation?” To this, Wook Je Cho responded, “While ESG involves all members of society, we place patients and their families at the highest priority.” He concluded by saying, “I hope Korea University students will one day lead the future of Yuhan Corporation,” and urged them, “Grow into responsible leaders who bring positive change to the world.”      This ESG Lecture Series served as a meaningful occasion where Dr. Il-Han Yu’s entrepreneurial spirit met the values of modern ESG management. Students shared their impressions, saying, “We gained practical insights into how companies can practice social responsibility,” and “Yuhan Corporation’s example of coexistence between tradition and innovation was deeply inspiring.”   

Learning from Korea’s Digital Innovation: Korea University EEC and BMI Brussels in Global Educational Exchange      Korea University Business School’s Executive Education Center (EEC) successfully concluded the “BMI Brussels ASBL International Study Tour” program, held over four days from Monday, October 20 to Thursday, October 23, in collaboration with the BMI Executive Institute (BMI), a leading European institution for executive education.  Founded in 1999 in Vilnius, Lithuania, BMI was established as a European management education consortium with initial funding support from the European Union (EU). The institute was created with the goal of cultivating senior business leaders in Europe, offering courses taught by an international faculty and educational content developed in partnership with HEC Paris, UCLouvain, and other prominent European business schools. Since then, BMI has expanded its partnership network to the United States, Germany, Poland, Finland, Italy, France, Morocco, Canada, and Singapore. In 2020, it opened its second campus in Brussels, Belgium, and since 2021, it has operated the UCLouvain–BMI International Executive MBA program in cooperation with the Louvain School of Management.        Approximately 30 Executive MBA (EMBA) students from BMI participated in the program, held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Innovation: The South Korean Perspective.”  Over the four-day program at Korea University, participants attended a series of lectures, including:   ▲“A Process-Centered Approach to Innovation” by Professor Chang Jin Wook  ▲“Innovation and Strategy in the Era of Digital Transformation” by Professor Kim Min Jung   ▲“Digital Transformation: Theory and Practice” by Professor Kim Byung Cho   ▲“Algorithm Literacy: Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” by Professor Lee Gunwoong   ▲“Overview and Opportunities in Seoul’s Venture Investment Ecosystem” by CEO Park Young-hoon   ▲“Entrepreneurship: Opportunity Discovery and Business Model Development” by Professor Lee Jaemin   ▲“The Power of Community through the Video Game Industry” by CEO Park YoungMok . The lectures in this program offered an in-depth exploration—through both theory and real-world case studies—of how companies and organizations can design and implement innovation amid the sweeping changes driven by digital transformation.  Each session went beyond technology-centered discussions, providing a multifaceted view of how digital innovation influences business strategy, organizational culture, leadership, and the creation of social value. Participants also examined how strategic thinking evolves as digital technologies reshape traditional industries, and they explored the growing importance of data literacy, particularly in understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms affect efficiency and fairness in decision-making.        The students actively took notes and engaged in every lecture, freely asking questions whenever something was unclear. The lively exchange of questions and answers created an enthusiastic learning atmosphere, while the professors occasionally added humor to keep the sessions engaging and interactive. Through these dynamic interactions, the classes were conducted with great energy and focus. Despite the rapidly dropping temperatures, the participants’ passion for learning remained undiminished.  Professor Jin Wook Chang shared his impressions, saying, “It was impressive to see participants reflect on the academic concepts and corporate cases introduced during the sessions, relating them to their own experiences and using them to foster meaningful learning and exchange with one another.” He added, “They showed deep interest in the achievements of Korean companies leading in strategies utilizing online data and media, asking insightful questions and offering thoughtful suggestions. I believe this visit provided not only an opportunity for academic and cultural exchange but also meaningful insights that participants can apply in their professional fields.”        During the campus tour on October 22, students showed great enthusiasm and engagement. At the Startup Institute, they learned that the institute’s logo was inspired by a train and that its entrepreneurship competitions and related events are called “Choo Choo Day”—a story that both amused and impressed them. When introduced to the Business School’s traditional April Fool’s Day event, “Eating Jajangmyeon on the Central Plaza Lawn,” one student laughed and said, “I saw that in the movie Parasite,” creating a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. As the group toured campus landmarks such as the Central Plaza fountain and the Centennial Memorial Hall, expressions of “It’s so beautiful!” echoed throughout. One student commented, “Just walking here during exam season would be refreshing,” while another began dancing spontaneously when BTS’s Dynamite was heard playing nearby. The tour offered a vivid glimpse into the students’ curiosity and affection for Korea University’s campus and Business School—and their firsthand encounter with the spirit of the Korean Wave.  The group also visited leading Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Group ZER01NE, Samyang Foods, and Amorepacific to see firsthand how digital transformation is being implemented across different industries. Students shared that “through an educational experience combining theory and practice, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s digital innovation capabilities.”  Through the program, participants gained broad insights into   ▲ the fundamental concepts of digital transformation and innovation processes,  ▲the impact of digital transformation on business strategy, marketing, and innovation, and  ▲the roles of startup ecosystems and emerging technologies within global digital transformation trends.        After the completion of the program, a certificate presentation ceremony and farewell dinner were held, where students looked back on their four-day journey.  Before the ceremony, Vice Dean Ryu Gangseog delivered his closing remarks, humorously noting, “Today feels like both your first and last day,” to ease the bittersweet feelings of parting. He went on to say, “Time has truly flown by,” as he warmly congratulated the students on completing the program and expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to its success. Concluding his remarks, he said, “You are now part of the Korea University family,” wishing the participants a meaningful and fulfilling remainder of their stay in Korea  The certificate presentation ceremony followed, where students received their certificates along with commemorative gifts. The warm and cheerful atmosphere continued throughout the event, as Vice Dean Ryu Kang-seok personally congratulated each student and offered words of encouragement. The ceremony marked both the conclusion of their shared journey and a meaningful new beginning as members of the Korea University family.        During the closing session, students shared their final reflections. One student spoke about his memorable experiences with Korean food, such as kimchi, and his impressions of Korea’s culture and development. He jokingly remarked, “It’s Belgian fries, not French fries,” drawing laughter from the audience, and added, “Although small in size, Korea is a country with so much to learn from. It was a truly inspiring experience to explore the roots of Korea’s digital future and innovation at Korea University.”  The students also expressed their satisfaction with the lectures and corporate visits, extending heartfelt appreciation to the staff for their thoughtful organization of the program. The student humorously added, “We weren’t exactly easy students, but you led us so well until the end,” before raising a toast and saying “감사합니다 (Thank you)” in Korean. When he said, “I’d like to bring my daughter to Korea University someday,” Vice Dean Ryu replied with a smile, “Then I’ll guarantee her admission,” prompting laughter and applause from the room.  Another student shared, “The smooth execution of this program was made possible by the EEC staff, who meticulously supported us from the very first email to the very end.” He added, “Visiting leading Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Group ZER01NE, Samyang Foods, and Amorepacific, and experiencing their management practices firsthand, was the most impressive part of the program.” The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them throughout the program, saying, “If given the opportunity, we would love to visit Korea and Korea University again.” They concluded their remarks with a hopeful message: “Next time, we hope Korea University visits Belgium so that we can share another wonderful experience together.”      Concluding with a farewell dinner, BMI successfully wrapped up its Study Tour program on a high note. A representative from Korea University’s Executive Education Center (EEC) remarked, “Through this program, we will continue to drive educational innovation so that participants can grow into future-oriented business leaders equipped with both strategic insight and innovative leadership in an era of technology-driven change.”  Meanwhile, the EEC at Korea University continues to host Study Tour programs designed for executives from global universities, corporations, and institutions to experience Korea’s latest management strategies and innovation practices firsthand. This year, ESADE, OneMBA, and Agrocentro S.A. successfully completed their programs. SKOLKOVO is scheduled to visit Korea University on October 27 and 29, followed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in November. 

Korea University Business School to Host Startup Demo Day ‘2025 Fall CHOO CHOO DAY’  Korea University (President Dong-One Kim) Business School (Dean Eonsoo Kim) will host the “2025 FALL CHOO CHOO DAY” on Friday, November 7. The event is organized by the School’s affiliated Startup Institute (Director Joon Ho Hwang) and will take place at Park Byung-won Hall on the 5th floor of D.CAMP Mapo (formerly Front1) in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event was made possible with venue sponsorship from D.CAMP. Under the theme “Open the Window of Innovation,” this year’s CHOO CHOO DAY will feature student startup teams that have grown through the Startup Institute’s incubation program. The teams will present their innovative services and technologies and engage with potential investors in a demo day format.    “CHOO CHOO DAY” is a flagship startup event organized by the Startup Institute every spring and fall, aiming to strengthen student entrepreneurs’ investment readiness and to expand the campus-based startup ecosystem. This fall’s event, jointly supported by the Campus Town Project Group and the Business School, is expected to showcase the spirit of challenge and innovation among young entrepreneurs.     At this CHOO CHOO DAY, a total of five startups will showcase their innovative ideas and services. HandyBus, offering fandom-focused mobility services, will present its customized transportation solution HandyBus. Samnyangies will unveil Ritty, an AI pet simulation game that enables users to connect with a one-of-a-kind virtual cat for a healing experience. KAON will introduce KAON, a versatile sound enhancement system, while Stellup will present Hangling, an AI-based business Korean conversation learning service designed for foreign professionals. Finally, Tart AI will pitch PRAP, an AI-powered STO fractional investment platform expected to draw significant attention from the audience.    Anyone interested in startups is welcome to register for the event. Detailed event information and registration instructions are available on the official website.  ▶ Register Here (Click)    Meanwhile, established in September 2016, the Korea University Startup Institute is the first startup incubation and research organization founded within a college in Korea. Since its inception, numerous early-stage startups have successfully secured investment, and the Institute has grown into one of the leading startup incubators in the country.    The Startup Institute identifies prospective entrepreneurs through its in-house startup competition, Startup Express. Teams selected through a competitive process—including document screening, interviews, and the final Startup Express event—receive up to 3 million KRW (including taxes) in operational funding. They are also granted residency at the Iljin Startup Support Center on the 2nd floor of the Business School Building, and through structured entrepreneurship programs offered by the Seung Myung-Ho Entrepreneurship Education Center and the Iljin Startup Support Center, are given the opportunity to incorporate within six months to one year.    In addition, the Startup Institute continuously creates practical networking opportunities for student entrepreneurs to engage with startup-related organizations and experts through collaborations with companies that have signed MOUs with the Business School. Going forward, the Korea University Startup Institute will continue to serve as a hands-on innovation platform that integrates industry-academic collaboration and entrepreneurship education, steadfastly supporting the growth journey of future generations of entrepreneurs. 

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).