Another Perspective on Korea: CUHK’s Time in Anam 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) visited Korea University from November 17 to 21 for a study tour. The opening ceremony took place on Monday, November 17, in Room 301 of Hyundai Motor Hall. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu of the Business School welcomed the participants and kicked off the event. Professor Kyungtae Kim of CUHK followed by saying, “Welcome to Korea,” and highlighted the depth and completeness of the program prepared by KUBS. Professor Ji-Woong Chung, the program director, also extended his congratulations, expressing his hope that the week would be a meaningful experience for everyone. 

The day’s first lecture was delivered by Professor Jihoon Park from the School of Media on the topic “Cultural Branding: The Global Rise of K-pop,” marking the start of the academic program. Professor Park briefly outlined the development of the K-pop industry from the 1990s to the present and explained the structural factors behind its global expansion. He emphasized key features of K-pop—such as the trainee system, the fandom economy, visual and musical identity, and international appeal—while also addressing structural challenges, including the zero-tolerance culture within fandoms and the high human-capital risks in the industry. Questions about potential shifts in fandom culture, the psychological pressures faced by artists, and legal disputes in the entertainment sector prompted a lively discussion, reflecting strong interest from the participants. 

That evening, a welcome dinner for the participants was held in Ahn Young-Il Hall at the LG-POSCO Hall. In his welcoming remarks, Associate Dean Ryu highlighted Korea University’s 120th anniversary and emphasized that the Business School has shared in the university’s long history since its founding. He also noted that the Business School has consistently produced highly capable graduates through its strong networks, excellent educational system, and advanced programs such as the MBA and DBA. His speech conveyed a strong sense of pride as a member of the Business School, and he warmly welcomed the participants as new members of the Korea University family. 

The dinner further enhanced the atmosphere. Participants moved freely around the venue, sharing food and makgeolli, exchanging business cards, and engaging in lively conversations. The event naturally evolved into a comfortable yet energetic space for networking. 

Throughout the week, CUHK students attended eight lectures under the theme of “Innovations and Cultural Business” and broadened their perspectives through site visits to Korean companies such as Samyang Foods’ Wonju Factory, Naver Health, SM Entertainment, Bundang Doosan Tower, Hyundai Motor, and Kakao Mobility. The lectures covered high-level topics including “South Korea’s Fintech Revolution,” “Management and Strategies of Korean Start-ups,” “Korea’s Unique Business Ecosystems Through a Cultural Lens,” “Platform Business in the Age of AI,” “Transformation of DOOSAN,” “Digital Transformation Strategies,” and “Entrepreneurship: Finding Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Building Business Models.” Through these sessions, students explored, from a management perspective, the unique strengths that enable Korean industries to expand globally. 

On the final day, Friday, a farewell dinner and completion ceremony brought the week-long program to a grand close. Before the dinner, Professor Ji-Woong Jeong delivered warm farewell remarks, noting the participants’ strong interest, active questions, and enthusiastic engagement throughout the program. Associate Dean Ryu then quoted the phrase, “Once a Korea University person, always a Korea University person,” expressing his hope that the visit would remain a lasting and special memory for everyone. 

During the completion ceremony, each participant was called individually to receive their certificate. The room buzzed with excitement as participants chanted one another’s names and posed for commemorative photos. The CUHK participants reflected on their week-long journey through brief closing remarks. One student mentioned the “Three S’s”—adapting to spicy food, teamwork strong enough to capture hundreds of selfies, and smiles that lasted until the very end—as their core memories of the program. Another participant expressed gratitude to the staff who spent six months preparing the program and said, “It was my first time in Korea, but above all, the time spent with my colleagues was the most precious.” 

At the farewell dinner, participants also had the opportunity to meet and network with Executive MBA (E-MBA) and Global MBA (G-MBA) students from Korea University Business School. The E-MBA and G-MBA students deepened their connections with the attendees by reflecting together on the learning and experiences shared throughout the week. Across the tables, conversations naturally emerged about insights gained from the program and possibilities for future collaboration, filling the venue with a warm atmosphere of mutual encouragement. 

Participants prepared to return home with strengthened bonds, and the Study Tour became a meaningful milestone in enhancing the exchange between Korea University and CUHK. KUBS plans to continue expanding its collaborative programs with global partner universities, offering students ongoing opportunities to explore business and culture from an international perspective.