[2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Minjae Koo – What Am I Most Excited About? Engaging with Outstanding Korea University Students and Connecting Through Various Events Like the Ko-Yon Games 

[2025 Spring Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Minjae Koo 

Korea University Business School (KUBS, Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed three new faculty members as of March 2025: Professor Kyung Sung Jung (IS), Professor Minjae Koo (Accounting), and Professor Mengjin Gao. To introduce them to our readers, KU Business JOURNAL conducted interviews to share their aspirations and perspectives. 

Q1. Please introduce yourself. 

A. Hello, I am Minjae Koo, a newly appointed faculty member at KUBS. During my undergraduate years, I majored in German Language and Literature, but out of curiosity, I took an accounting course and quickly became fascinated by the subject, leading me to pursue a dual degree in Business Administration. After completing a master’s degree in accounting, I earned my PhD from the University of Houston. Before joining Korea University, I worked as an assistant professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for two and a half years. 

Q2. What are your primary areas of teaching and research? 

A. During my PhD studies, I focused primarily on the quality of corporate disclosures, particularly examining how insurance companies inflate the fair value of financial instruments. While in Hong Kong, I was exposed to a wide range of research topics and recently, I have been focusing on alternative data sources, such as social media and mobile apps. In particular, I am currently analyzing the impact of financial YouTubers on the market. 

Q3. What excites you the most about joining KUBS? 

A. What excites me the most is the opportunity to engage with outstanding Korea University students. Beyond lectures, I look forward to actively communicating with students through various events, listening to their concerns and interests. 

Q4. What are your plans for your first semester? 

In my first semester, I will be teaching a Management Accounting course, so I expect to spend a significant amount of time preparing for lectures. Even though I have taught Management Accounting for several years, every new class brings a fresh and exciting experience. Additionally, I plan to continue my research activities, aiming to present my work once or twice a month. Outside of teaching and research, I would also like to attend the Korea-Yonsei Games (Ko-Yon Games). 

Q5. As a new faculty member at KUBS, what are your goals and aspirations? 

A. With a focus on companies' use of alternative data in the digital environment, I aim to guide students in developing a broad understanding of both traditional accounting concepts and the latest data analysis techniques and industry trends. Furthermore, through both research and education, I hope to grow into a faculty member who integrates academic excellence with practical insights, ultimately providing real value to students. 

Q6. Lastly, do you have any messages for the KUBS community? 

A. I am truly delighted to be a part of Korea University Business School, and I look forward to learning and growing together. I hope to actively communicate and collaborate with all members, contributing to meaningful research and education at KUBS.