"Thank you for the warm advice and encouragement"... Successful Completion of the 2023 Mentorship Day for the Academic Year    The KUBS (Dean: Kim Sang-yong) hosted the 2023 Mentorship Day for the spring semester, which took place for three days from May 9th (Tuesday) to May 11th (Thursday). The event was held during lunchtimes at the LG-POSCO Building KUKU Hall and the An Young-il Hall, and it was eagerly anticipated as it marked the first in-person event in three years since the pandemic.      The Mentorship Day targeted students who wished to meet their mentor professors and accepted pre-applications. As the students approached the assigned tables where the professors were waiting, the initial awkwardness quickly disappeared, and they engaged in lively conversations. The professors listened to various stories ranging from students' hobbies, living arrangements, academic challenges, career aspirations, and networking. They shared empathetic and heartfelt advice, reminiscing about their own student days.      Professor Bae Jong-seok, who participated in the Mentorship Day held on the 9th, said, "During the pandemic, the event was conducted online, and the participation rate was low, which gave a sense of disconnection. I am glad to be able to meet the students face-to-face and have conversations. There are many excellent professors in the College of Business, and I hope that students do not hesitate to seek help from professors and build good relationships." Lee Kyung-jin (Business administration '18), who says to be participating in the Mentorship Day event for his third time, said, "I think the Mentorship Day is a great opportunity to get closer to the mentor professors. I always have a grateful heart for their guidance." Oh Seung-wook (Business administration '23), who was meeting with a professor for the first time, said, "It was enjoyable to hear various stories about studying abroad, career paths, and clubs. After the event, I should look into student exchange programs based on the professor's advice."      On the Mentorship Day held on the 10th, Lee Seung-hoon (Business administration '23) said, "Today was my first time meeting Professor Yoo Seung-won, my mentor professor. He provided me with a lot of valuable information that I need during my university life, and it was reassuring to hear that I could always come to him for help." Lee Yoo-na (Business administration '23) expressed her joy at having the opportunity to participate in the Mentorship Day, saying, "If it wasn't for today's event, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet the mentor professors and get familiar with my peers. I received valuable advice that will be helpful in setting my future goals."    However, there were concerns that incoming students who did not attend might not be aware of the benefits and miss out on them. Professor Kim Jung-hyuk, who attended the Mentorship Day, expressed his concerns, saying, "Not many students came today, and it seems that due to the disruption of interactions between senior and junior students caused by the pandemic, incoming students are not aware of the benefits of events like today's. It would be great to promote and activate department-level events and benefits in the future." Professor Kim continued, "Since I mostly teach senior-level courses, I haven't had the opportunity to meet students from the class of '23. It was personally enjoyable to have lively conversations with the incoming students and witness their enthusiasm and passion."      Professor Ahn Yoo-jeong, who participated on May 11th, the last day, expressed her delight, saying, "I didn't participate in the Mentorship Day when I was an undergraduate, but now that I've had conversations, it's really fun. I can vividly see the excitement that the incoming students have for their university life." Won Sung-bin (Business administration '23), a freshman student, said, "I was quite nervous, thinking it would be a formal and difficult occasion, but thanks to the professor's guidance, I felt at ease during the conversation. I found it beneficial to hear about various examples of social enterprises, which I have been interested in, through the professor."      Amidst the students' excitements and the professors' warm advice, the event concluded in a comfortable atmosphere. The Mentorship Day has been held every spring semester since 2007 to help KUBS students share the challenges of university life with their peers, establish networks through interactions with mentor professors, and provide support.   

  2023 March ~ May Korea University Business School News      Professor Hyun Seok Lee      At the “2023 Korean Production and Operations Management Spring Academic Competition” held on May 12th, Professor Hyun Seok Lee, who teaches in LSOM, was honored with the “5th Yoomin Lee Sangmoon Emerging Production and Operations Management Scholar Award.” This prestigious award is granted biennially to scholars who have showcased exceptional research accomplishments and academic contributions in the field of operations management.     Furthermore, Professor Lee’s research paper has been published in esteemed business journals including Management Science, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management.         Associate Dean Janghyuk Lee      Associate Dean Janghyuk Lee, who teaches in marketing, assumed responsibility for the regional session of the GAIC 2023 (Global Alternative Investment Conference) held on May 25th. The conference, titled “Alternative Investments, Rethinking Strategies,” took place at The Plaza Hotel. After a presentation on “Developed Country Investments Beyond Contraction and Stagnation,” Associate Dean Lee proceeded to moderated a panel debate. The panelists included CIO Hoon Lee ofrom KIC, CIO Juhyun Baek from the Government Employees Pension Service, Managing Director Yongsuk Bae from Hanhwa Asset Management, and Partner Robert Browell from PwC.    

  "Target the global market"... Entrepreneurship AcademySpecial lecture by Seoul Robotics CEO, Lee Han-bin    On April 11th, The Entrepreneurship Academy (hereinafter referred to as the lecture) for the 2023-1 semester, hosted by the Startup Research Institute (Director= Moon Jeong-bin) of the KUBS (Dean= Kim Sang-yong), was held at The Stage on the second floor of the KUBS Main Building. The lecture was given by Lee Han-bin, CEO of Seoul Robotics, on "Going to Nasdaq to Solve the Low Birthrate Issue". Seoul Robotics is a tech startup founded in the field of 3D computer vision software that analyzes 3D sensors with machine learning under the vision of "Making Robots Intelligent".       First, CEO Lee Han-bin began the lecture by saying, "I came to Korea University because we don’t have any developers from Korea University in Seoul Robotics." He then revealed the reason why Seoul Robotics entered Nasdaq, which was because they wanted to create a structure where a Korean company serves as the parent company and generates revenue from overseas to bring the revenue back to Korea. He said that many companies that can target the global market are needed for Korea to survive, saying that  “While ESG is drawing attention these days, I wonder what ESG can be more important than this.”  Therefore, CEO Lee Han-bin looked for a startup item that could increase revenue overseas and target the global market. He said, "What I wanted to say is that we should increase revenue overseas to overcome one of Korea's problems, the low birthrate," and added, "The mindset that 'we need to go global for the future of Korea' is still sound."      CEO Lee Han-bin prepared a short lecture and a long Q&A session for students who hope to start a startup. After CEO Lee Han-bin's lecture, students asked questions about startups, employment, and other related topics, and the Q&A session is summarized and introduced below.      Q. From the difficult times you shared today, do you have a memorable pain point?  A. Our latest investment was finalized in September last year, but we started fundraising in January. At the time, the market was good and we received many investment promises. However, as the economy worsened, we were unable to receive any investments and had to finance the company through personal loans. Fortunately, we have now received investment and our company is in a stable situation. Another difficult moment was when a developer who we tried to scout for three months chose to work for a large corporation instead of our startup. I would like to say it was challenging to compete with big companies when attracting competent employees.    Q. After taking Professor Moon Jung-bin's International Management class, it seems challenging to "work together" with team members from diverse countries.  A. Seoul Robotics is located in Korea, and 60% of our employees are Korean. To address this issue, we use English as our common language, which enables us to respect different cultures and create a horizontal organizational culture.      Q. I'm curious about stories of how you acquired technology ahead of others.  A. Firstly, the community is essential. There are many successful startup cases where people get ahead of the trend by meeting others in various communities. Apple, for instance, is a good example of this. It's crucial to meet people in existing communities rather than studying alone. If there are no existing communities, creating one is also important.    Q. What are the marketing techniques that startups can use to attract investments?  A. The most crucial point is to win the game even before the meeting. Investors already know about our company before meeting us. How did we make this possible? This can be achieved through "branding." I believe Seoul Robotics did a great job with branding. It gained a lot of exposure in the media, which created a buzz among investors.      Q. Please explain your ultimate goal in detail.  A. Many people here don't have the desire to get married or have children later in life. The reasons are there's no one to raise children with and it is said to cost nearly one billion won to raise a child. However, Silicon Valley has a relatively high birth rate. Firstly, because of high salaries. With higher salaries, people can utilize various policies to raise children. The US has a strong babysitting culture and has daycare centers that relatively reduce the stress of childcare. I think reducing the stress due to childcare is a way to increase the birth rate.   

  Dean’s Luncheon for 2022-2 Outstanding Students Held in Success      On April 28th, the KUBS (Dean= Kim Sang-yong) held a Dean's Luncheon event for outstanding students at the LG-POSCO building KUKU Hall. The event was organized to congratulate students who achieved a GPA of 4.5 second semester of the 2022 academic year and to provide an opportunity to communicate while enjoying lunch with the dean and associate dean of the KUBS. The event proceeded in the following order: △Welcoming speech by the Dean and Associate Dean of the Business School △Introduction of attendees △Awarding of certificates △Taking commemorative photos. About 35 people attended the event, including Dean Kim Sang-yong and Associate Dean Kwon Sung-woo, who enjoyed lunch together with the students.      Dean Kim Sang-yong stated, "I am proud of you, who have achieved such a meaningful accomplishment as outstanding students with extraordinary will and passion for your studies," and added, "As the dean, I will spare no effort to support you in pursuing your big dreams." He also gave heartfelt advice, saying, "I hope that achieving a perfect score of 4.5 will remain a happy memory for you," and encouraged students, saying, "A 4.4 or 3.8 score does not hinder your life at all. I hope you continue to pursue your university and social life steadily with pride that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."      Associate Dean Kwon Sung-woo also delivered a speech. He said, "If you continue to obsess over achieving a 4.5 score, you may miss out on other important elements of your life," and encouraged students, saying, "I believe that in line with the educational philosophy of Korea University, you will become excellent students who grow with others, not only through your grades but also through other aspects of your life."      Oh Ju-yeon (Business Administration '22), who attended the event, said, "I had a lot of difficult times last semester trying to focus on my grades, but every time I did, I dreamed of myself as an exchange student in Japan and persevered." She added, "I have applied for the Global Leader for the East Asian Century (GLEAC) interdisciplinary Major this semester, and I will continue to make steady efforts in various fields." Ryu Han-bin (Business Administration '19) expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am truly honored to be invited to such an honorable event," and added, "I will do my best for the remaining two semesters."       In the second semester of the 2022 academic year, a total of 57 students achieved a perfect GPA. Ten students who achieved a perfect GPA for two consecutive semesters since the first semester of 2022, received the President's Award, while 47 students who achieved a perfect GPA only in the second semester of 2022 received the Dean’s Award.   

"In hope of shining a page in the history of KUBS"... KUBE 16th termination ceremony and 18th launching ceremony held   On April 3, the 16th termination ceremony and 18th termination ceremony of KUBS (Dean=Sang Yong Kim) student ambassadors were held in the LG-POSCO Kuku hall. KUBE has been selecting new terms every semester since 2014 and has been enhancing the reputation of KUBS both internally and externally. KUBE has actively engaged in activities by planning and assisting various events in KUBS over the past 10 years. The newly selected 18th term members were selected through a series of rigorous evaluations, which not only included school spirit and passion, but also document screenings, competency interviews, foreign language speaking skills, and social media content production abilities. The ceremony was attended by Sang Yong Kim, Dean of KUBS, Kwon Seungwoo, Associate Dean, and 16th, 17th, 18th KUBE members.      First, KUBE thoroughly reviewed the past activities conducted in 2022 and introduced plans for the first semester of 2023. Last semester's KUBE main activities included △ regular campus tours △ promotion activities △ protocol activities at various KUBS events △ 14th youth mentoring day △ “KUBE-Man-Sa” (meaning “People that KUBE met”) interviews and content production △ operating club fair booths. Especially, it stepped up its promotional activities in expanding opportunities to interact with prospective KU students.    In the first semester of 2023, various activities such as △ regular campus tours △ May 20, KUBS youth meeting day △ the Daedongje booth operation on May △ July 29, 15th youth mentoring day △ “KUBE-Man-Sa” content production △ campus tour video production △ protocol activities will take place.   Dean Sang Yong Kim opened his congratulatory speech by expressing his appreciation, saying “Thank you for serving as student ambassadors of KUBS, which has the longest history in KU.” He also added “I look forward to you conducting meaningful promotional activities, serving as a bridge between current students and alumni,” encouraging the future actions of the members. To the 18th new members, he expressed his hope saying “While there were significant limitations to having in-person activities over the past 3 years due to COVID-19, there will be more diverse in-person activities this year.” He said, “I hope the 17th and 18th members of KUBE will shine a page in the 120-year-long history of KUBS as they cooperate to carry out various activities.”     The ceremony was continued with Associate Dean Kwon Seungwoo's congratulatory speech. He recalled how KUBE members put in much effort and contributed to last December's explanatory session for accepted students, despite the final exam period. He said, "The relationship with KUBE is very special to me as the Associate Dean." He continued, "It's especially impressive that KUBE members not only gather on event days but also put their best efforts behind the scenes, for example, having meetings every Monday." He also said, "Experiencing collaboration and organizational skills through KUBE is a great opportunity, and I hope you take pride in your KUBE activities and confidently live your life in the future as well."     Dean Sang Yong Kim awarded a total of five members of the 16th term: △ Kwon Min-seo (Business administration 22), △ Kim Sung-min (Business administration 21), △ Kim Seung-woo (Business administration 22), △ Nam Soo-bin (Business administration 21), and △ Jung Jae-kyung (Business administration 22), who completed their one-year of service.       Following the 18th launching ceremony, Dean Sang Yong Kim presented appointment awards and scholarship certificates to a total of seven members of the 18th term: △ Park Se-yeon (Business administration 21), △ Uhm Jung-won (Business administration 23), △ Yoon Joon-seo (Business administration 22), △ Jang Yoon (Business administration 20), △ Choo Min-kyu (Business administration 22), and △ Ham Soo-mi (Business administration 23).   Finally, scholarship certificates were awarded to members of the 17th term, who will be leading this year’s KUBE activities in continuation of last year: △ Kim Dam-hee (Business administration 19) △ Kim Hyun-bin (Business administration 20) △ Jeon Won-mo (Business administration 22) △ Cho Yoo-bin (Business administration 21) △ Choi Hyun-jung (Business administration 19).        

The Country’s Top Leaders Gather Together… The 95th Admission Ceremony of AMP   KUBS (Dean=Sang Yong Kim) Executive Education Programs (Advanced Management Program, known as AMP) welcomed 58 new students to the 95th AMP class on March 13. The 95th Admission Ceremony of AMP was held at the Supex Hall in LG POSCO Building with Dean Kim Sang Yong, Associate Dean Lee Janghyuk, Academic Director of AMP Kim Seokkyun, and more making their warm presence.      In 1975, Korea University founded the first AMP in Korea and produced more than 5,000 graduates in 48 years with its long history and tradition. It provides the newest management techniques and learning opportunities for top leaders in various industries and allows a wide variety of networks. The 95th AMP ceremony started with the greetings of Dean Kim, followed by a congratulatory speech from the Alumni President Lee Dong Suk, the singing of the school hymn, taking a commemorative photo, and ending with a campus tour.   During Dean Kim’s greetings, he introduced the long history and tradition of Korea University’s AMP course and congratulated the new students on their admission. He also cheered for their future which will be filled with endless development. He claimed, “The students of the 95th AMP class were all carefully selected under the systematic screening of the school,” and continued, “we are happy to welcome students who not only have outstanding leadership, but also have constructed the best environment for business.” He went on with his speech by hoping that “you will exercise the spirit of freedom, which is a symbol of Korea University, and independently explore new paths that are yet to be seen. Lastly, he affirmed, “When lies and shallow knowledge lead the society towards the wrong direction, I hope you will choose the right way with the guidance of the truth.”     The next speaker, Alumni President Lee Dong Suk, started, “I can feel the fluttering emotions that I felt when I started AMP about 20 years ago.” He said, “Korea University’s AMP holds a long history of 48 years and stands out as the best AMP program in Korea. The KUBS faculty who placed effort for the innovative development and funding, and the outstanding operating system of the AMP Alumni are the fruit.”     After the congratulatory speech, everyone sang the school hymn and took a commemorative photo to show the spirit of KUBS and to applaud the newly admitted students. Following the 95th AMP ceremony, the Student Ambassadors of KUBS (KUBE) led the tour to the KUBS buildings. After visiting the Hyundai Motor Hall, LG POSCO building, and the Business School Main Hall, the students had their first AMP class with their Academic Director Kim Seokkyun and showed their enthusiasm for academia and business.