“120 Years of Legacy, Connecting to the Future”

– Korea University Business School Celebrates Its 120th Anniversary 

On Friday, May 23, Korea University Business School (KUBS) held a commemorative ceremony at SUPEX Hall in the LG-POSCO Hall to celebrate the 120th anniversary of its founding. This meaningful occasion marked both the 120th anniversary of Korea University and the establishment of the Department of Commerce at Bosung College—the predecessor of KUBS—offering an opportunity to reaffirm the school’s pioneering role as the cradle of business education in Korea. 

The ceremony began with student ambassadors Shin Woo-jin (President of KUBE) and Kang Min-ji (Vice President of KUBE) serving as hosts. Following the national anthem and official proceedings, a series of congratulatory remarks were delivered. KU President Dong-One Kim stated, “The 120-year journey of KUBS is not only the history of the growth of business education in Korea, but also a story of challenge and innovation that has contributed to the development of the nation’s economy and society. In this era of great transformation symbolized by AI, I hope KUBS will continue to lead as a hub of future intellect and innovation.” 

Alumni Association President Myung Ho Seung encouraged the students, saying, “KUBS has preserved its traditions while keeping pace with the changing times. I hope every student will rise to the global stage with fiery ambition and unwavering conviction.” Dongseop Lee, President of the KUBS Alumni Association, reflected on the school’s legacy, stating, “The 120-year history of business education has been built on the passion of our professors, the efforts of our students, and the dedication of our alumni.” He went on to highlight the late Sang-il Lee (Class of ’57) as a devoted benefactor, noting his consistent donations and support. “I am deeply grateful to KUBS for laying the foundation that enabled me to grow as an entrepreneur,” he said. He concluded by emphasizing, “Even in a globalized world, KUBS will continue to cultivate outstanding talent and contribute to the advancement of our alma mater, grounded in its traditions and strong alumni bonds.” 

Alumnus Haksoo Lee (Class of ’65) delivered a congratulatory address, offering warm encouragement to the students: “I hope the four years you spend at Korea University Business School will be a great fortune and blessing for the Class of 2025.” He continued, “Today, I was once again reminded of how truly fortunate I was to have entered Korea University 60 years ago.” He went on to say, “When the university celebrates its 180th anniversary in 2085, I hope today’s freshmen will have become distinguished alumni who proudly pass down the traditions of Korea University and its Business School to future generations.”He also expressed his deep affection and gratitude for his alma mater, stating, “Korea University has always been my greatest source of strength and support.” “In return for the many blessings I have received, I have continuously sought to contribute to the university’s growth and development,” he added. 

The event continued with a presentation reflecting on the 120-year legacy of KUBS. Professor Hojung Shin, Chair of the 120th Anniversary Commemorative Committee, gave a briefing on key milestones that have shaped Korea University Business School as a pioneer of business education in Korea, including: △the founding of Bosung College, △the establishment of the Department of Business Administration, △its elevation to an independent college, and △its transformation into a global business school. 

Dean Eonsoo Kim presented an academic and strategic development report, expressing his appreciation by saying, “What began as the humble Department of Plutology has grown into Korea’s leading business school, thanks to the passion and dedication of so many.” He then introduced the school’s forward-looking vision of Next Intelligence, which aims to integrate Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, and announced plans to establish the “3C 4Tech Trading Zone” within the school as a central space to bring this vision to life. 

He emphasized, “A creative convergence space that breaks down the boundaries between technology, business, and art is a vital environment for nurturing the talent of the future,” and added, “This Trading Zone will serve as an open platform where students, companies, startups, and artists can freely interact, experiment, and grow together.” 

The 3C 4Tech Trading Zone will feature the following: 
△ 3C Café, offering refreshments and beverages; △ Transparent Whiteboards that encourage the free flow of ideas; △ Open Theater, presenting cultural content on Friday afternoons; △ Art Sculpture, a fusion of sculptural art and technology; and △ Art-Multimedia Practice Rooms. 

Students from the Business School, College of Engineering, and School of Art and Design will form interdisciplinary teams to identify and carry out projects. These teams will collaborate with startups and companies, ultimately leading to the production of real-world products. The space will be operated as an Experiential Learning Place, where learning is driven by hands-on engagement. Dean Kim declared that through this initiative, Korea University Business School aims to become a central hub for cultivating creative talent grounded in 4Tech, reaffirming his strong commitment to leading innovation in future-oriented education. 

The highlight of the ceremony was the Intergenerational Message Exchange. Alumnus Jaebong Suh (Class of ’65) delivered a heartfelt message to the freshmen of the Class of 2025, which was followed by a hopeful response from Hyunho Lee (Class of ’25), addressed to the incoming students of 2085. This symbolic moment of connection across generations left a lasting impression. 

In his message, Alumnus Suh shared his life journey, including his experience of studying abroad in the United States with his family after graduation and the many challenges he overcame along the way. “I proudly say that I have lived a happy life thanks to the support of many people,” he said, encouraging the younger generation to embrace a spirit of challenge. He continued, “Although today’s youth face a difficult reality, you are students of Korea University Business School—carry the pride and responsibility that come with that name. When opportunities come your way, I hope you won’t hesitate, but step forward with courage.” 

In his message to the Class of 2085, student Hyunho Lee began by saying,  “I feel truly grateful to be here, taking part in the 120th anniversary celebration of Korea University Business School.” He continued, “As I go through my student life, I often realize how fortunate I am to be studying in such an exceptional environment. The thoughtful care and warm atmosphere of the Business School support our growth,” and expressed his hope that this sense of gratitude will carry on into 2085 and beyond. His message to future generations has been sealed in a time capsule—along with a special edition of the Korea University newspaper from 1965 and articles featuring students from the Class of ’65—and is now on display at the KUBS Story exhibition in Hyundai Motor Hall, scheduled to be opened in 2085. 

After the official ceremony concluded, all attendees stood together to sing the school anthem, sharing the emotion of the 120th anniversary. A group photo was then taken in front of SUPEX Hall, followed by a celebratory luncheon. The second part of the event began with a toast from alumnus Kwang Na (Class of ’65), who lifted the mood by proclaiming,  “Let us raise our glasses and shout: ‘Korea University Business School, shine forever, and ever, and ever!’” 

For the past 120 years, Korea University Business School has laid the foundation for business education in Korea. For the next 120 years, it will continue its bold journey of innovation and global leadership.