“Giving Back to Our Alma Mater… Hoping to Be a Guiding Light for Future Generations” 

Interview with Bae Hong-gi, CEO of PKF Seohyun Accounting Corporation, 

who is Representative Donor of the Class of 1981 for the KUBS 120 MARCH Campaign 

[Photo] From left: Song Jaehyun (alumnus), Bae Hong-gi (alumnus), Dean Kim Eonsoo, Kim Young-min (alumnus), Hong Heung-seok (alumnus) 

As Korea University Business School celebrates its historic 120th anniversary, it is embarking on a new chapter toward the future. At the heart of this milestone is the Class of 1981 alumni group, who made a collective donation totaling KRW 1 billion out of their deep affection for their alma mater. We met Bae Hong-gi, CEO of PKF Seohyun Accounting Corporation and representative donor of the Class of 1981, who played a key role in facilitating this collective contribution and embodied the spirit of giving. In our conversation, he shared candid reflections on the future the Class of 1981 envisions for the Business School and the meaning behind their donation. 

Q1. Thank you for taking the time for this interview despite your busy schedule. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers? 
A. I am a member of the Class of 1981 at Korea University Business School. While still a student, I passed the Certified Public Accountant examination and have since spent my entire career in accounting firms. After working at Samjong Accounting Corporation, I am currently serving as the CEO of PKF Seohyun Accounting Corporation. Following my undergraduate studies, I earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Korea University and completed the doctoral program coursework. I later received my PhD from Dongguk University in February 2018. Maintaining my connection with my alma mater, I have been serving as a Non-Executive Auditor of Korea Central Academy since August 2020, supporting the continued development of the university. 

Q2. What led the Class of 1981 to decide to participate together in KUBS 120 MARCH? 
A. The turning point came on May 22, 2025, when I was invited by Dean Eonsoo Kim to deliver a special lecture titled “Global CEO Talk” for Business School students. I was deeply impressed by the passion I saw in the students that day. The depth of their questions and their academic enthusiasm moved me greatly. After the lecture, during a conversation with the dean, he suggested that the Class of 1981 take a leading role in supporting the 120th anniversary campaign. Having received so much from my alma mater and serving as an executive member of the university foundation, I felt it was a meaningful opportunity to give back. I readily accepted the proposal. 

Q3. We’re also curious how you encouraged your classmates to participate. 

A. I was able to reach about 150 classmates. From the outset, we set an ambitious goal—KRW 1 billion. To achieve it, I first invited around 25 classmates to join a group chat and briefly shared the purpose of the campaign. We then arranged a dinner gathering where I explained the initiative in person and worked to rally support. Participation requires financial capacity, but ultimately, I believe it also requires generosity of spirit. What left a particularly deep impression on me was that some classmates pledged their support—regardless of the amount—even while battling serious illness. Another classmate even said, “If we’re doing this, let’s reach one billion,” and contributed additional funds to help us achieve the goal. We hoped that the KRW 1 billion raised by the Class of 1981 would serve as a catalyst for further participation and inspire others to join the campaign. 

Q4. What kind of memories does the Business School hold for the Class of 1981? 
A. More than 40 years ago, many of us chose the school based on entrance exam results and other practical considerations at the time. However, once we began our professional careers, we experienced firsthand the credibility and trust associated with the name “Korea University Business School.” At the time, newly appointed professors who had completed their studies abroad introduced us to the latest global trends. That experience was a great source of inspiration for me and greatly supported my preparation for the CPA examination. Even after graduation, I remained connected to the school through various alumni and outreach activities, taking on different leadership roles over the years. Each time, Korea University has been a tremendous source of pride for me. Even today, the Business School remains the proud foundation of who I am. 

Q5. Where do you hope this donation will be used, and what kind of changes do you expect?  

A. I believe the true purpose of giving is to support the school’s strategic priorities. As alumni, we are not always fully aware of the school’s internal circumstances. Therefore, I believe the most meaningful approach is to support Dean Kim’s vision for the school’s development. I understand that he is placing particular emphasis on enhancing the research environment for faculty and strengthening educational support. I firmly believe that outstanding research achievements will ultimately elevate the school’s reputation and translate into high-quality education for future generations of students. In addition, I hope that the example set by Dean Kim—who personally donated KRW 100 million—will inspire and spread throughout the entire university community. 

Q6. Is there a message you would like to share with other alumni? 

A. I believe the strength of Korea University lies in the unity and active participation of its members. The university’s reputation is sustained when its community remains actively engaged, and for the Business School to continue its stable growth, ongoing support is essential. I have recently heard that participation in certain events and fundraising efforts is not as active as it once was. I hope younger alumni will take a greater interest in the school. That said, what matters most is not the amount, but the willingness to take part. If you feel that graduating from Korea University has positively shaped your life and career, then contributing sincerely—according to your circumstances—is more than enough. I hope the 120th anniversary serves as an opportunity for everyone to participate comfortably and in their own way. When organizing events such as “Business School Night,” the school may also consider innovative approaches that help bridge generational gaps within the alumni community. I sincerely hope that younger alumni will take pride in the strong foundation and network of KUBS and pursue their dreams with confidence. Above all, I hope they never lose their pride in the name Korea University Business School. 

Q7. Finally, could you share a message for alumni who are considering joining the campaign? 

The reason we are able to live confidently and fulfill our roles in society today is because of the education and opportunities provided by our alma mater. As the university marks the historic milestone of its 120th anniversary, I hope this moment encourages many to reflect on that foundation. What matters is not the amount, but the willingness to participate. I hope each person will join joyfully, according to their circumstances, guided simply by their affection for the university. When those heartfelt contributions come together, the future of Korea University Business School will shine even brighter. 

The KRW 1 billion donation from the Class of 1981 is expected to play a pivotal role in the 120th anniversary fundraising campaign, extending beyond the significance of a single contribution. In particular, this act of giving—initiated through the special bond shared among classmates, including Dean Eonsoo Kim—was made possible by the collective commitment of the entire Class of 1981. It is our hope that their example will serve as a catalyst that inspires other classes and alumni to participate, becoming the starting point of a meaningful ripple effect.