KUBS Faculty News (October–December 2025)    1. Professor Min Jung Kim     Professor Min Jung Kim received both the Corporate Strategy Best Paper Prize and the Outstanding Service Award in the Knowledge & Innovation Division at the Strategic Management Society (SMS) Annual Conference 2025, held in October 2025 in San Francisco, USA.    The research awarded the Best Paper Prize, titled “Strategic Responses to Rival Advancements: R&D Project Decisions and Resource Reallocation,” is a collaborative study with Professor Christine Choi (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and Professor Sohyun Park (Stevens Institute of Technology). The study examines how firms decide which existing R&D projects to exit when new growth opportunities—such as technological advancements by competitors—emerge. In particular, it empirically identifies the impact of portfolio-level knowledge externalities on firms’ exit decisions.    In addition, Professor Kim was honored with the Outstanding Service Award in the Knowledge & Innovation Division in recognition of her contributions to fostering research exchange and collaboration within the academic community. The award acknowledges her service as a Representative-at-Large for the SMS Knowledge & Innovation Division.      2. Professor Martin Hemmert      Professor Martin Hemmert was recognized as a co-author of one of the Top 10 Articles of the Past 25 Years selected by the academic journal Asia Business & Management, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Palgrave Macmillan. The list was curated by the journal’s editorial team based on criteria including quality, impact, and contextual insight.    The selected article is as follows:  Hemmert, M., Cross, A. R., Cheng, Y., Kim, J.-J., Kohlbacher, F., Kotosaka, M., Waldenberger, F., & Zheng, L. J. (2019). The distinctiveness and diversity of entrepreneurial ecosystems in China, Japan, and South Korea: An exploratory analysis. Asian Business & Management, 18, 211–247.    This recognition is regarded as further affirmation of the scholarly impact and sustained contribution of KUBS faculty research in the field of Asian business and management studies.      3. Professor Jaehwan Kim    The KU Bayes Colloquium, a regular seminar series designed to promote research exchange among scholars working on Bayesian inference at Korea University, was held again this semester. The colloquium is organized every semester and has traditionally taken place in the Business Building during the spring semester and in the College of Political Science and Economics Building during the fall semester. The seminar is also open to interested graduate students of Korea University Business School.    This semester’s theme was “Bayesian Inference for Econometrics and Marketing,” and the event was held as follows:    Date & Time: December 27 (Saturday), 9:25–12:30  Venue: Room 508, College of Political Science and Economics Building, Korea University  Contact: Professor Jaehwan Kim (jbayes@korea.ac.kr), Professor Kyuho Kang (kyuho@korea.ac.kr)      4. Professor Shijin Yoo      BGS, a band club composed of faculty members and staff from Korea University Business School, held a year-end performance on Monday, December 23, at 6:00 p.m. at Blueraum Anam. Approximately 60 attendees, including family members, friends, faculty, staff, and current and former graduate students, gathered to share a warm and festive year-end atmosphere.    Formed in late 2018, BGS is a faculty–staff band that continues to foster connection and exchange among its members through music. This year’s performance was organized into two thematic parts—Part 1: “The Spark & The Vibe” and Part 2: “The Hope & The Festival”—conveying messages of energy and hope as the year drew to a close.    The performance featured Professors Daeki Kim, Byung Cho Kim, Jongwon Park, Shijin Yoo,  Jongsoo Kim, and Min Jung Kim and along with staff member Minjung Yoon, as performers. The band presented a diverse setlist, including “I Am a Butterfly” (YB), “Drowning” (WOODZ), and “Running Across the Sky” (Huh Gak), engaging closely with the audience throughout the evening. 

Different Places, One Shared Commitment: The First Responses to KUBS 120 MARCH      An alumnus who extended a group donation into a personal contribution, a current student who expressed gratitude to the University even while serving in the military, and a high school student aspiring to study at Korea University Business School—participants who began from different moments and circumstances have come together naturally within a single campaign.   Launched to prepare for the next 120 years of Korea University Business School, the “KUBS 120 MARCH” fundraising campaign aims to raise KRW 12 billion and engage 12,000 participants. Every great march begins with small individual choices, and the three individuals who helped set this campaign in motion took their first steps from a shared desire to connect with the School in ways that felt meaningful to them at this moment in their lives.    To explore these beginnings, this feature brings together three participants in the “KUBS 120 MARCH” campaign to hear what inspired their decision to give and what “participation” means to each of them. Their stories invite us to see giving not as something reserved for a select few, but as a natural choice that can emerge within everyday life. Together, these individual choices form the first steps of a long march toward the next 120 years of Korea University Business School.    “Adding a Sense of Responsibility to 120 Years of History”  Junghee Kim | 17th President, Women Alumni Association, KUBS Executive MBA (E-MBA)    Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you became connected to the E-MBA program?  A1. Hello, my name is Junghee Kim, an alumna of the Korea University Executive MBA program and currently the 17th President of the Women Alumni Association. I work in the IT industry. As I continued my professional career, my desire grew to engage with people from diverse fields and to keep learning. That motivation led me to enroll in the Korea University E-MBA program. Today, I am giving back to the Women Alumni Association, drawing on the energy and inspiration I received from this community.    Q2. After making a group donation, you also chose to contribute under your own name. What inspired that decision?  A2. During the donation ceremony held by the Women Alumni Association, I had the opportunity to meet the Dean in person and hear about the current situation of the School and its future direction. While the group donation expressed our collective commitment, it prompted me to reflect separately on my own personal role. As I learned more about the realities and challenges facing my alma mater, I felt it was important to add a sense of responsibility under my own name as well. I have always practiced giving at the end of each year, regardless of the amount, so this personal donation felt less like a special decision and more like a natural continuation of that habit.    Q3. What has stayed with you most, or what personal change has this donation brought about?  A3. When I was younger, I believed that everything I achieved was solely the result of my own efforts. Over time, however, I have come to realize how much support and good fortune from others played a role in shaping who I am today. Since then, I have become more attentive to those around me and have tried to live with the intention of being a small stepping stone for someone else’s growth whenever I can. This donation, too, is simply a natural extension of that way of life.    Q4. Is there a message you would like to share with students and the Business School?  A4. Rather than creating a dramatic change, I hope this donation reaches students who are doing their best in their own circumstances with the message that they are not alone. I wanted it to serve as a small source of support, so that no one has to give up their studies or dreams for financial reasons. I also hope this act of giving does not end here, but eventually continues as a cycle in which today’s students support the next generation. I wish for Korea University Business School to continue fulfilling its role as a community that connects people to one another.  Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the executive members of the Women Alumni Association, who trusted an imperfect president and quietly stood by me, making this donation possible. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks to Hyung-Woo Kim (Class of the 14th cohort) for his unwavering support and warm encouragement at every event.      “Making a Meaningful Choice as a Student, Even While Serving in the Military”  Junhyuk Jang | Class of 2024, Korea University Business School (Currently in Military Service)    Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself?  A1. Greetings! My name is Junhyuk Jang, a member of the Class of 2024 at Korea University Business School, currently fulfilling my mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Air Force. Although I am temporarily away from campus, I chose to participate in the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign to contribute in a small way after resonating with its purpose.    Q2. What motivated you to make a donation as a student currently serving in the military?  A2. Above all, I wanted to give back, even in a small way, for the experiences I have gained at the Business School. Although my time at KUBS has not been long, I feel that I have learned a great deal through my professors’ lectures and through interactions with fellow students, including both upperclassmen and underclassmen.  KUBS traditions and events, such as the Korea–Yonsei Games, allowed me to naturally experience the strong sense of pride and energy that define the KUBS community. In addition, while preparing for my military enlistment and facing important decisions regarding my unit assignment, I received valuable guidance and support from a KUBS alumnus. Reflecting on these moments, participating in this campaign felt like the most natural way to express my gratitude.    Q3. How did it feel to participate in the campaign through a donation at the occasion of the Business School’s 120th anniversary?  A3. It felt meaningful to know that, in a very small way, I became part of the 120-year history of KUBS. Rather than being simply a student of the past, I felt as though I had become one of the members who will continue to be connected to the School in the years ahead. That sense of responsibility, combined with pride, made the experience especially memorable.    Q4. What does this donation mean to you personally?  A4. To me, making a donation is one way of expressing gratitude. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how the education and environment I have benefited from were made possible through the participation and support of many people. Being able to contribute—however modestly—to that ongoing cycle was deeply meaningful. More than the amount itself, what stayed with me most was the feeling of remaining connected to the School. I see this act as part of the value of KUBS, built over the past 120 years through the dedication of its faculty, the achievements of its alumni across diverse fields, and the shared experiences of students learning and growing together. As a member of the Business School community, I hope to continue fulfilling my role so that this tradition and sense of pride will carry on into the future.      “I May Still Be a High School Student, but My Heart Is Already Reaching the Business School”  Gyeongyong Cho | First-Year Student, Cheonan High School    Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself?  A1. Hello, my name is Gyeongyong Cho, and I am a first-year student at Cheonan High School in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do. I currently lead a team called PACM, which supports young people in planning and carrying out self-directed projects. Through small projects with my peers, I am growing with the goal of becoming someone who can contribute, even in a small way, to making the world a better place.    Q2. What motivated you to donate to the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign, even as a high school student?  A2. I first developed an interest in business when I was in the second grade of elementary school. Over time, I learned that Korea University Business School is regarded as one of the leading business schools in Korea, and I began to hope that I might one day have the opportunity to study there. After entering high school, I was able to participate in a regular campus tour of KUBS through my school. Walking around the campus in person, I found myself thinking, “I want to come here someday,” and “I want to be someone who can contribute in some way.”  As a high school student, there were limited ways for me to act on those feelings. When I learned about the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign, however, I realized that I, too, could participate. Although the amount was small, I decided to donate as a way of turning my respect and admiration into action.    Q3. Was there a particular thought or moment that most influenced your decision to donate?  A3. Whenever I thought about Korea University Business School, I felt a sense of excitement. I cannot be certain whether my academic record will ultimately allow me to study there, but that uncertainty made me want to challenge myself even more. Those feelings had been building over time, and this campaign provided the moment for them to naturally turn into action. For me, making a donation was also a kind of challenge—one that I wanted to take on.    Q4. Is there a message you hoped to convey through this donation?  A4. I did not intend to send a particular message. What I did realize through this experience, however, is that age limits fewer things than we might expect. Many of my peers are unfamiliar with the idea of donating, but I believe that anyone who has the intention can participate in their own way. I hope this donation can serve as a small example of that possibility.      The individuals standing at the starting line of the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign do not share the same background or circumstances. What they do share is a common choice: each thought of the School and decided to participate in the way that was possible for them at this moment.   From a donation initiated in the name of an organization, to a current student’s contribution made while serving in the military, to the participation of a high school student still seated in a classroom but already responding to the future—these stories demonstrate that KUBS 120 MARCH is not confined to a single form of giving. Rather, it is a campaign that embraces diverse ways of participation. As Korea University Business School looks toward its next 120 years, the march of KUBS 120 MARCH continues—here and now—through choices both large and small. 

E-MBA Class of 1 Alumnus Kyungjoo Shin, CEO of Media Gallery Co., Ltd., Donates to “KUBS 120 MARCH” Development Fund      As Korea University Business School continues to build momentum and expand alumni participation through the “KUBS 120 MARCH” campaign, a development fund donation ceremony was held on December 30, 2025, honoring Kyungjoo Shin, an alumnus of the first cohort of the Executive MBA (E-MBA) and CEO of Media Gallery Co., Ltd. During the ceremony, the Business School presented a donation certificate and a plaque of appreciation to express its gratitude for his generous support.    Mr. Shin shared, “What I learned during my graduate studies was immensely helpful in running my business. Although the academic journey was not easy, the experience became a valuable foundation for the work I do today.” He added, “I hope this donation can serve as a spark that encourages fellow alumni to participate in the campaign as part of a much larger wave.”   He also noted, “When I shared the news with my family, they responded by expressing their willingness to support the cause as well, which made me even more grateful.” He continued, “I plan to maintain my interest in the campaign and make additional pledges through May, as the campaign continues.”      Mr. Shin is the CEO of Media Gallery Co., Ltd., where he operates a business specializing in the digitization, restoration, and preservation of analog media. His work involves converting materials that were recorded in the past but have become difficult to view—such as old wedding videos—into digital formats so they can be accessed and appreciated again. A major part of the company’s activities also includes cultural heritage restoration projects, in which records originally captured on projector film are digitized for long-term preservation. In addition, Mr. Shin has carried out projects to restore and preserve historical archives held by corporations.    Mr. Shin noted that the knowledge he gained during his studies proved directly applicable to his professional work, particularly while undertaking projects for public-sector institutions. “I found the lessons extremely helpful in practical, on-the-ground situations,” he said, explaining that his academic experience informed real-world decision-making and problem-solving. He also highlighted the value of the alumni network, adding that it has served as a strong and reliable foundation as he continues to grow his business.      During his remarks at the presentation of the plaque of appreciation, Dean Eonsoo Kim stated, “The support shown through participation in the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign serves as an important driving force as the Business School prepares for its next 120 years.” He added, “Building on this encouragement, we will continue our efforts to cultivate talents who contribute to future society, while advancing innovative research and delivering leading-edge education.”    Meanwhile, just one month after its launch, the “KUBS 120 MARCH” fundraising campaign marked a stable and promising start, securing pledged contributions of KRW 890 million for the Development Fund and approximately KRW 1.11 billion for the Scholarship Fund, for a total of around KRW 2 billion. The campaign will continue through May 2026, and KUBS plans to further broaden participation through ongoing engagement and communication with members of the campus community, alumni, and institutional partners. 

“KUBS 120 MARCH” Fundraising Campaign Marks a Successful Start.. Approximately KRW 2 Billion Pledged in December Alone Campaign Gains Momentum as Preparations Begin for Educational and Cultural Spaces During Winter Break    Korea University Business School (KUBS) has achieved a strong early milestone in its fundraising campaign, “KUBS 120 MARCH,” launched to commemorate the University’s 120th anniversary. In December 2025 alone, the campaign secured approximately KRW 2 billion in pledged donations.     Of the total pledged amount, KRW 890 million was committed to the Development Fund and approximately KRW 1.11 billion to the Scholarship Fund, signaling a stable and promising start to the campaign. Contributions have come not only from corporate partners such as Samyang Trading and SJG Holdings, but also from alumni class groups including the Class of ’79, ’81, and ’98, as well as the Executive MBA Alumni Association, the Women Alumni Association, and individual alumni donors.    Participation has continued to expand, with contributions from faculty members, staff, faculty research groups, current students, and even high school students, underscoring the campaign’s inclusive and open nature beyond any single group or constituency.    More than a celebration of the past 120 years, “KUBS 120 MARCH” is a forward-looking fundraising initiative designed to prepare KUBS for the next 120 years. Funds raised through the campaign will be used to expand scholarship support, enhance educational and research infrastructure, and develop integrated spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange, ensuring the Business School’s sustainable growth and future development.    | Full-Scale Implementation of the 4Tech Strategy... Investing in the Development of Future-Ready Business Leaders    Building on the momentum of the campaign, Korea University Business School is actively advancing its 4Tech strategy, supported by the funds raised through the initiative, to respond proactively to rapid changes in future industries and the technological landscape. The 4Tech strategy identifies artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and robotics as the School’s core strategic focus areas and aims to cultivate future-ready business leaders equipped with the ability to understand and leverage advanced technologies.     KUBS has already developed a dedicated AI track and a 4Tech Microdegree curriculum, and is moving forward with expanding related courses and research while strengthening its faculty. In particular, the number of full-time faculty members is expected to exceed 100 for the first time in the School’s history by 2026, reflecting a strategic expansion designed to structurally enhance educational and research competitiveness in the 4Tech fields. Through the 4Tech strategy, KUBS seeks to broaden students’ understanding of technology and further extend that understanding into inquiry, collaboration, and practice through the 3C Trading Zone, creating an integrated ecosystem for learning and innovation.    | Development of the Hyundai Motor Hall “3C Trading Zone (Working Title): A Space Where the Essence of Business Education Is Experienced in Everyday Life   Supported by the funds raised through the “KUBS 120 MARCH” fundraising campaign, Korea University Business School plans to establish the “3C Trading Zone (working title)” on the basement level of the Hyundai Motor Hall. The space is designed to allow students and members of the KUBS community to directly experience the School’s core values—3C: Curiosity, Collaboration, and Contribution—in their daily academic lives. Beyond the traditional classroom setting, the initiative seeks to create an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of people and society can be cultivated organically. Construction of the space is scheduled to take place during the academic break.   △ Proposed Plan for the Development of the 3C Trading Zone   The 3C Trading Zone is conceived as a place where the essence of business education—examining assumptions, asking questions, and forming the rationale behind decisions—can be experienced naturally in everyday contexts. Students from diverse academic backgrounds, together with faculty, staff, and external partners such as industry professionals, will engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives, and collaborate to transform ideas into outcomes that contribute meaningfully to society.    The Zone will include an Art & Culture Room, featuring the artwork “The Trunkless Elephant” by artist Jeong Soon Oum. While each element of the space serves an independent function, together they contribute to bringing the principles of 3C to life within a shared environment.     △ (From left) Rendering of the Art & Culture Room and a Proposed Plan for Installing "The Trunkless Elephant"   The Art & Culture Room serves as the starting point of Curiosity, providing a venue where questions are shared and ideas are explored through music, dance, and other forms of expression. By articulating their perspectives and encountering those of others, students and community members will experience how curiosity naturally evolves into collaboration.    “The Trunkless Elephant,” which begins with the question, “What if an elephant lacked the trunk that is essential to its existence?”, challenges familiar assumptions and stimulates curiosity. By provoking numerous questions and inviting diverse interpretations and dialogue, the artwork encourages students and members of the community to view problems from new and unconventional perspectives.    Through the 3C Trading Zone, students will engage in dynamic, real-world learning while reflecting on their career paths, while companies will benefit from opportunities to address real challenges and connect early with top talent—creating a mutually reinforcing ecosystem of education, collaboration, and social contribution.    | Installation of an LED Display in the Lobby of the LG–POSCO Hall   An LED display is scheduled to be installed in the lobby of the LG–POSCO Hall. The display will serve as a communication platform for sharing updates on donor participation in the “KUBS 120 MARCH” campaign and will become a focal point where visitors can gain an at-a-glance overview of the Business School’s present achievements and future vision.      | Comprehensive Recognition and Appreciation for Donors    Korea University Business School will also implement a range of donor recognition initiatives for participants in the “KUBS 120 MARCH” campaign. Depending on the purpose and scale of each contribution, these initiatives will include dedication ceremonies, letters of appreciation and donation certificates, public acknowledgment through on-campus and online platforms, and invitations to major events and programs, among other forms of recognition.    Notably, the campaign places greater emphasis on the act of participation itself rather than the size of the donation. Designed to lower barriers to entry, the initiative encourages individuals to contribute in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them, ensuring that every act of participation becomes part of the collective record commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Business School.    Dean Eonsoo Kim emphasized, “The pledges made over the course of December represent the collective commitment and goodwill of each member of our community. We hope that many more individuals will join us, each in their own way, on this journey to prepare for the next 120 years of the Business School.”    The “KUBS 120 MARCH” campaign will continue through November 2026, and KUBS plans to further expand participation through ongoing engagement and communication with faculty, students, alumni, and institutional partners.    Total Pledged Amount (Dec. 1–31, 2025): KRW 2,096,997,231    *List of donors to be announced (to be continued) *   [KUBS 120 MARCH] Make a Donation ▶ Make a Donation

Transforming Educational Environments, Innovating Systems — 2026 KUBS Startup Station New Resident Startup Interviews      On Friday, December 5, in Room 432 at Korea University’s LG-POSCO Hall, presentations by startup teams participating in the 2025 Startup Express Winter Season, hosted by the KUBS Startup Station, provided a broad overview of their ideas and strategies. However, these presentations left little room to fully capture the processes behind their projects or the challenges they confronted along the way. In response, this publication met with two teams with different approaches following the competitive PT session to hear their stories in greater depth. One team seeks to change the “environment” of education by reducing repetitive administrative burdens in special education settings, while the other takes an engineering-driven approach to problem-solving through technology. Although their fields differ, both teams share a common starting point—“inconvenience in the field”—and a commitment to developing practical, executable solutions. Below is a Q&A with the representatives of the two teams.      Reducing Administrative Burdens for Special Education Teachers  Interview with ‘Peering,’ a New Resident Startup at the KUBS Startup Station    Q1. What kind of service is ‘Peering’?  A1. Peering is an administrative support platform designed for special education teachers. It was launched to ease the heavy administrative burden faced by teachers, who process more than 200 documents each year and often have to manage paperwork even during class. The platform aims to create an environment in which teachers can focus on education rather than administration by offering standardized forms for special education, digitizing handwritten tasks, and providing AI-based sentence recommendations and analysis.    Q2. What led you to start this idea?  A2. I was first introduced to special education settings while participating in a project that supported the school lives of children with hearing impairments. As I learned about concepts such as inclusive education and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), I came to realize how critical the “environment” is for children with disabilities to settle into educational settings, and how essential teachers are in shaping that environment. However, the reality faced by special education teachers was far from easy. As these concerns grew, the Incheon special education teacher death incident became a catalyst that prompted us to seriously explore solutions to reduce teachers’ workloads.    Q3. If you had to choose one sentence that best represents Peering, what would it be?  A3. “Lighten the desks of special education teachers, deepen the lives of children with disabilities.” Special education still relies heavily on individual capability and dedication rather than on systems, but we believe that quality education cannot be sustained if it depends on one person alone. Our role is to cut down on unnecessary administrative time so that teachers’ attention and effort—where they truly want to invest them—are not drained by paperwork, but can return to the classroom.    Q4. What features are you currently developing?  A4. The core features fall into three areas. First, we provide supplementary document templates that are frequently used in the field but poorly organized, and use AI to suggest phrasing tailored to each document’s purpose. Second is an automatic timetable generation function. Because special education teachers often cannot directly input schedules into NEIS, they typically collect individual timetables from general education teachers and manually compile them. Peering allows users to upload students’ schedules and automatically generate a complete timetable by simply selecting subject filters. Third, we help teachers easily create observation logs—often abandoned when handwritten—through keyword-based input, and offer a dashboard that analyzes behavioral patterns based on accumulated records.    Q5. As a new resident startup at the KUBS Startup Station, what kind of support do you expect?  A5. Above all, we are most excited about having a proper office space. Until now, we have worked while moving between cafés, so having a space of our own will be a major source of motivation. We also expect meaningful support through the incubation program, particularly advisory services in legal, tax, and financial areas, which are major concerns at the early stages of a startup. Throughout the startup process, we have faced challenges in preparing and implementing complex issues such as intellectual property rights, privacy policies, and MOUs. With the support of the Station’s faculty members and expert network, we hope to grow Peering to the next level.    Q6. What are your goals for the next year, and what kind of change does Peering hope to create?  A6. Over the next year, we plan to focus on securing paid users and expanding partnerships with institutions such as schools and local governments as we move toward full-scale commercialization. While teachers are our primary users, connections with institutions are essential for adoption and broader implementation. In the long term, we hope that Peering will complement existing systems in the field, create tangible changes in the work of special education teachers, and demonstrate that the special education sector can also be a viable and sustainable startup field.          Automating Process Design  Interview with ‘SnapScale,’ a New Resident Startup at the KUBS Startup Station    Q1. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you briefly introduce yourself and SnapScale’s business as a new resident startup at the KUBS Startup Station?  A1. Hello, I am Sangyun Kim, CEO of SnapScale. I am currently a student in the Department of Computer Science at POSTECH, and I am developing an AI-based plant design automation solution that covers the entire design lifecycle, driven by a strong sense of urgency about addressing the climate crisis. SnapScale’s AutoFlow uses AI to automate the design processes of complex systems such as oil refineries and gas plants. Because plant design allows no room for error, it requires a high level of precision and extensive repetition. Our goal is to replace time-consuming yet repetitive tasks with AI, thereby improving efficiency across the industry. In the long term, we aim to reduce unnecessary costs and inefficiencies in large-scale projects.    Q2. What problem does the SnapScale team see as the core issue?  A2. We believe that inefficiencies in plant design do not simply stem from a lack of manpower, but from the accumulation of repetitive tasks and knowledge that are not properly structured within the design process. While the field requires highly specialized judgment, it also involves many repetitive tasks governed by clear rules and patterns. By automating these repetitive parts, we aim to help engineers focus on more critical decision-making and verification.    Q3. We hear that ‘Vertical LLM’ is SnapScale’s core technology. What is the key point of differentiation compared to general-purpose LLMs?  A3. In domain-specific AI, we believe that deeply understanding the context of the field is more important than the technology alone. To achieve this, we conducted in-depth interviews with 75 engineers both in Korea and internationally, identifying patterns embedded in the relationships between inputs, outputs, and processes in design work. While general-purpose LLMs are trained on broad language patterns, SnapScale’s Vertical LLM operates on the structure, context, and specialized knowledge of the plant design domain. This domain-level understanding is our most significant differentiator.    Q4. SnapScale emphasizes that ‘structuring data is more important than collecting it.’ How is this perspective reflected in your product development?  A4. There is a common perception that plant companies use entirely different design methods, but through repeated interviews we found that, in practice, many standardized elements and shared stages exist. Rather than simply collecting large volumes of data, we focused on understanding the dozens of steps involved in design and structuring the relationships and context between them. As a result, we were able to build an integrated knowledge database encompassing design inputs, outputs, and intermediate processes, and to map various AI-driven automation functions onto design tasks based on this foundation. In other words, our belief that structure and context matter more than the sheer volume of data has become a core principle guiding the overall product design.    Q5. Why did you choose the Korea University Business School KUBS Startup Station, and what kind of support do you expect after moving in?  A5. After winning the grand prize in the preliminary startup track of the Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition, where our technology and market potential were recognized, we considered several incubators. Through that process, we concluded that the business expertise and networking opportunities offered by the KUBS Startup Station were essential for a technology-driven team like ours. While we are strong in technical development, we see room to strengthen our capabilities in enterprise B2B sales and business strategy. As a resident startup, we hope to receive practical mentoring in areas such as building a B2B sales pipeline, negotiating with large corporate clients, and developing IR capabilities for fundraising. Above all, as an organization under a business school, the Station offers access to a close-knit network of senior founders, experts, and fellow resident startups who share similar challenges. We expect to quickly gain feedback from industry and market perspectives through networking, and to reflect that feedback directly in our product and business strategies. We also look forward to broadening our perspective through exchanges with startups from diverse fields, and exploring collaboration opportunities, including joint projects with teams interested in the manufacturing and energy sectors.    Q6. Could you briefly describe your current stage and future goals?  A6. Within one year of preparing for our startup, we have grown to the point of conducting a proof of concept (PoC) with a construction company of approximately 300 employees, and we have since established a corporation to pursue full-scale business operations. In the short term, we are focusing on building an integrated knowledge database that enables AI to understand and utilize Korea’s highly sophisticated chemical plant domain knowledge. In the long term, our goal is to lead standardization in the field of process engineering and plant design, and to grow into a globally competitive technology company.        The two teams share a common goal: reducing “repetition in the field.” Peering aims to return teachers’ time from administrative work to the classroom, while SnapScale introduces automation that allows engineers to focus on verification and decision-making rather than repetitive tasks. While their approaches differ, both ultimately seek to enable people to concentrate on work that truly requires human judgment.    As Peering and SnapScale begin their residency in January, the Korea University Business School Startup Station plans to support the advancement of their businesses through the office space support and entrepreneurship education and mentoring systems it has long provided to resident companies. This includes office space support, such as co-working spaces and dedicated resident offices, as well as one-on-one expert mentoring and external advisory and network connections in practical areas where early-stage teams face the greatest challenges—such as legal affairs, tax and accounting, labor, intellectual property (IP), investment, and marketing. In addition, regular seminars and networking events will expand opportunities for engagement with fellow resident startups and stakeholders across the startup ecosystem. Furthermore, as the Station has continued to create opportunities for interaction with investors through events such as its demo day, CHOO CHOO DAY, the two teams are expected to receive ongoing, practical support tailored to their stages of product and service validation and growth, including strengthening IR capabilities and facilitating follow-up partnerships. Ultimately, attention will be drawn not only to how quickly these two teams validate their hypotheses and move on to the next stage, but also to the broader trajectories of the newly joined resident startups that have come together through this Winter Season. 

Korea University Business School Holds Early Admission Orientation Attended by 144 Admitted Students and Parents      The 2026 Early Admission Orientation for admitted students to Korea University Business School was held on Sunday, December 14, at Supex Hall and Ahn Young-Il Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. A total of 144 admitted students and parents attended the event, along with Eonsoo Kim, Dean of the Business School; Hyun Seung Na, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Dae Il Nam, Associate Dean for Research; and Byung Cho Kim, Associate Dean for Planning.    The event was hosted by Hyo-won Ahn (Business ’24) and Da-jin Kim (Business ’25), members of KUBE, the official promotional ambassadors of Korea University Business School. The program began with a promotional video screening, followed by △an introduction to the history of the Business School and campus life △a presentation on the School’s vision by Dean Eonsoo Kim △student experience-sharing sessions △a Business School campus tour △a reception. Rather than serving as a simple welcome event, the orientation was designed to provide admitted students and parents with answers in one place to the questions they are most curious about prior to enrollment.      Curriculum, Tracks, Scholarships, and Career Paths: Designed to Answer “Pre-Admission Questions”  The introduction to the academic system was presented by integrating the curriculum and student support systems into a single, coherent framework. The Business School explained that it offers a wide range of academic fields, with approximately 68% of courses taught in English, along with diverse learning opportunities such as lectures by globally renowned scholars. Students can broaden their academic interests through nine areas of concentration, including Management, Finance, and Strategy. Options such as a combined bachelor’s–master’s program and a planned bachelor’s–master’s–doctoral program were also introduced.    In addition, the Business School operates five concentration tracks: △Business Analytics △Entrepreneurship and Innovation △Social Value and Sustainable in Business △Financial Analysis and Investment △AI and Business. It was also explained that students in the Department of Business Administration who meet the requirements for completing a concentration track are awarded an additional certificate alongside their degree.    The scholarship system was explained by covering national scholarships, university-wide scholarships, and scholarships unique to the Business School. Support is provided in three forms—tuition support, living expense scholarships, and program scholarships—and it was emphasized that various types are operated depending on students’ circumstances and needs. Regarding career support, programs such as alumni mentoring through the Career Development Center, domestic internships, career fairs, and referral-based recruitment were introduced. In addition, entrepreneurship competency enhancement programs, startup competitions, startup networks and space support offered by the Startup Station, as we as well as the operation of exam-preparation classes, were also explained.      Dean Eonsoo Kim: “Creating Value Through Business… Cultivating Talent Centered on the 3Cs and 4Tech”  Dean Eonsoo Kim delivered congratulatory remarks and outlined the School’s direction. Emphasizing the essence of management, he stated, “Profit is merely the result of management activities, not the ultimate purpose. The purpose of management is to create value.” He added, “Learning how to make money simply by cutting costs is not the right approach to management.”    He also shared insights into the scale and composition of the Business School. Korea University Business School currently has 93 full-time faculty members, with a goal of expanding to 101 by this time next year, and reported that international students make up approximately 26% of the student body. Amid expectations of even more rapid change, he remarked, “No matter how much the world changes, we will nurture talent that embodies values that do not change.”    Dean Kim presented the School’s ideal talent profile as the 3Cs—Curiosity, Collaboration, and Contribution—and the 4Tech areas of Robotics, AI, Energy, and Semiconductors. In this context, he announced plans to establish an AI concentration track and a 4Tech micro-degree program, and introduced plans to create an ‘Art & Culture Zone’ in the basement level of Hyundai Motor Hall to foster interdisciplinary talent. Concluding his remarks, Dean Kim stated, “Even if all business schools in the world were to disappear, Korea University Business School must endure to the very end.”      Seniors Share “Post-Admission Options”: Exchange Programs, Academic Societies, Startups, Professional Certifications, and Law School  The seniors’ experience-sharing session offered the most concrete picture of what students can pursue after enrollment. A wide range of pathways—including exchange programs, academic clubs, startups, preparation for professional certifications, and law school—were shared in a single session, illustrating how learning, experience, and career development are interconnected at the Business School.    Je Jung-won (Business ’23) first shared her experience participating in an exchange program at the University of Cologne in Germany. After taking five courses, she explained that she made use of the flexible semester system by focusing on classes during the first three months and on experiences and travel during the latter three months. She summed up the transformation she gained through the exchange program with the phrase, “A different place, a clearer me.”    Byun Ji-seok (Business ’20) then spoke about how he clarified his career path through his activities with KUVIC, a value-investing club. Key activities included writing corporate valuation-based reports, managing an internal fund, alumni lectures, internal competitions, homecoming events, and “Meet the Alumni” sessions. He emphasized that connections with seniors often led to practical advice and real support, highlighting the advantage of being able to engage with peers who share similar interests while also learning from alumni working in the industry. He also noted that, in addition to KUVIC, the Business School has 19 academic clubs.    Yoon Geon-jae (Business ’19) shared his startup experience with Kairos, explaining that the company builds proprietary assets based on artificial intelligence and content IP. He also spoke about the motivation behind choosing entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of turning shortcomings into strengths and crises into opportunities. He added that the Business School serves as a platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds can collaborate and connect. Toward the end of his presentation, he quoted a question posed by Kim Han-kook, CEO of Gentle Monster, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking reflection on “what truly motivates you to take action.”    Nam Taek-hoon (Business ’21) introduced the preparation process and support systems for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, focusing on the operation of the CPA preparation program. He explained that CPAs work in areas such as auditing, taxation, financial advisory, and accounting consulting, playing a key role in building corporate trust and supporting decision-making. He then outlined the structured mock exams, academic management, and mentoring provided by the CPA preparation program “Jeongjincho,” along with benefits such as subsidies for external preparatory courses, mentor–mentee programs, and shared academic resources. He added that students selected through faculty interviews may also receive living expense scholarships, and concluded his presentation with the advice, “Try many experiences before you begin.”    Kim Eun-su (Business ’19), an alumnus currently enrolled in the 16th cohort of Korea University Law School, shared insights into the law school admission process and how to prepare during undergraduate studies. She explained that law school follows a three-year, six-semester structure characterized by an intensive academic workload and multiple examinations throughout the program. The selection process, she noted, considers both quantitative factors—such as LEET and English scores—and qualitative factors, including personal statements, document evaluations, and interviews. She added that the broad academic exposure she gained at the Business School, including coursework in marketing and international business, was helpful in pursuing career paths such as corporate law, and highlighted the breadth of learning experiences and the network as key strengths of the Business School.      Q&A Based on Pre-Submitted Questions  The Q&A session focused on questions submitted in advance by attendees and was moderated by Hyun Seung Na, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Topics included the unique strengths of Korea University’s Department of Business Administration, the double major system, the exchange student application process and selection timeline, club activities, career paths after graduation, law school admission rates, the major curriculum, and recommended professional certifications. Associate Dean Na and the senior students who had presented earlier provided detailed responses, addressing the admitted students’ questions and concerns.      “A Time to See and Ask in Person”—Campus Tours in 12 Groups and a Reception  After the event at SUPEX Hall concluded, admitted students and parents were divided into 12 groups to participate in campus tours of the Business School’s three buildings. Despite the cold weather, excitement was evident on the faces of the admitted students, while parents watched on with calm and warm expressions. Following the tours, a reception was held at Ahn Young-Il Hall, where KUBE members sat at each table to facilitate question-and-answer discussions. Ahn Hyo-won (Business ’24) shared that conversations covered “practical topics such as senior–junior campus culture, varsity jackets, clubs, academic societies, and dormitory life.” Kim Ye-eun, an early admission student who was seated at the same table, remarked, “As someone from outside the Seoul area, I rarely had opportunities to explore the city. It was great to actually visit the campus instead of just viewing it online, and to learn concretely what we study through seniors’ explanations. Things I had only imagined before now feel real and tangible.”