[Interview with Newly Appointed Faculty for Fall 2025] Professor Jae Young Cho — Think Deeply, Act Boldly 

In September 2025, Korea University Business School appointed five new faculty members, each bringing expertise in diverse areas of research: Professor Dae hoon Noh (LSOM), Professor Juyoung Lee (Business Administration), Professor Seunghoo Chung (Business Administration), Professor Jae Young Cho (Strategy), and Professor Angela Aerry Choi (Information Systems). To mark the occasion, KUBS News sat down with the newly appointed professors to introduce their research interests and educational philosophies to our readers. 

Q1. Please introduce yourself.  

Hello, I’m Jae Young Cho. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Bio and Brain Engineering from KAIST. While I was fascinated by technology, I found myself more drawn to the people and organizations behind it, which led me to pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration at Korea University. Wanting to study management from a broader perspective, I later decided to study abroad and completed my PhD in Strategy at the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Q2. What led you to join Korea University Business School, and how do you feel about it? 

Korea University was a major turning point in my life. It was more than just a place to study; it was where I met people from diverse fields and learned to think more broadly. It is truly meaningful and a great joy for me to have joined Korea University Business School. Going forward, I hope to be a researcher and educator who can inspire students to think broadly and explore diverse opportunities. 

Q3. What research area or topics are you currently focusing on? 

I am currently conducting research on corporate strategy in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI represents a fundamentally new form of technology for most firms and individuals, it brings substantial uncertainty and rapid change. As a result, interfirm cooperation — through alliances or mergers and acquisitions — plays a crucial role. From this perspective, I examine firms’ strategic responses to AI. 

Q4. What is your philosophy when teaching and mentoring students? 

Rather than the traditional, linear model of simply teaching, learning, and evaluating, I emphasize continuous communication between professors and students. In particular, I aim to actively integrate AI into my classes, as I hope to explore and learn, together with my students, the many ways this new technology can be used. I strive to create an environment where we learn from each other and grow together. 

Q5. Aside from academic knowledge, what do you think students must learn during their university years? 

I believe it is essential to understand the perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and to work together in taking on new challenges. The knowledge you gain from lectures by outstanding professors is, of course, important, but it is equally important to go beyond that — to apply what you’ve learned and explore new experiences. This process, I believe, is one of the most valuable assets students can gain during their university years. 

Q6. As a new faculty member at the Business School, what goals or visions do you have for the future? 

Above all, my foremost goal is to make meaningful contributions in research and teaching, which are the core responsibilities of a professor. At the same time, as a faculty member of Korea University, I hope to contribute in ways that are directly beneficial to students. Another aspiration of mine is to develop courses informed by my research and, building on that foundation, to write a book. 

Q7. Lastly, any advice and encouragement for Korea University students heading into the world? 

I believe that what you do now does not necessarily determine the rest of your life. So I hope you think deeply, act boldly, and embrace a variety of experiences. At Korea University, you’ll find not only excellent professors but also many others who are dedicated to supporting students in various ways. When you need help, don’t struggle alone — look around and don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you.