Solidarity and Giving Across Generations… Korea University Business School Alumni Night Celebrates 120 Years of Legacy 

Korea University Business School maintains active engagement and networking through its alumni association, composed primarily of graduates. The “43rd Alumni Night,” a signature event celebrating this spirit of connection, was held on Thursday, December 4, at the Grand Ballroom on the fifth floor of the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. This year’s event was particularly meaningful as it took place during the 120th anniversary of the Business School’s founding, bringing together intergenerational exchange and philanthropic engagement. The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a pre-opening performance, an opening declaration and ceremonial entrance of the flags, the introduction of distinguished guests, greetings and congratulatory remarks by alumni association leaders, academic reports, scholarship presentations and award ceremonies, a toast and dinner, and celebratory performances. A large number of alumni, university officials, and current students attended, filling the venue. 

Opening and Introduction of Distinguished Guests 

The opening ceremony was hosted by alumni Jong-wook Ahn (Business ’89) and Ina Jung (Home Economics Education ’08). The Korean national flag, the Business School flag, and the Alumni Association flag were carried in by alumni Seung-hyun Shin, Kyung-tae Kim, and Kyung-sun Han from the Class of 1998. Notably, Kyung-sun Han carried the Alumni Association flag as the female alumni representative, adding special significance to the moment. This was followed by the national anthem and the introduction of distinguished guests. Applause filled the hall as the names of symbolic figures, including the oldest alumnus, were announced.

Greetings and Congratulatory Remarks 

In his welcoming remarks, Dong-Seop Lee, President of the Business School Alumni Association, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the participation of many alumni from across generations in the various events organized by the Alumni Association this year, we were able to continue fostering opportunities for communication and exchange.” He added, “I hope today’s gathering will be a meaningful occasion for all alumni.” 

In the congratulatory remarks that followed, Myung-Ho Seung, President of the Korea University Alumni Association, said, “Since its first event in 1982, Alumni Night has served as a forum for sharing the traditions and pride of the Business School,” adding that “the experiences and achievements of senior alumni have also become a benchmark for younger generations.” 

In a video message, Korea University President Dong-One Kim stated, “As we celebrate the University’s 120th anniversary, we have been carrying out commemorative initiatives across education, research, and infrastructure,” and expressed his hope that “the Business School will continue to play a vital role as a central pillar of the University in the years ahead.” 

Presentation of the Business School’s Achievements and Vision 

Dean Eonsoo Kim shared the Business School’s major achievements and outlined its future vision. He highlighted a range of accomplishments, including ranking first nationwide in the number of successful Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinees and maintaining the highest number for ten consecutive years; achieving an average global ranking in the top 40 across major fields in the QS World University Rankings; ranking 4th globally in the QS Master’s in Management (CEMS MIM) program; and placing 61st worldwide in the Financial Times Executive MBA rankings. He also reported the continued maintenance of AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, sustained membership in CEMS, and a cumulative enterprise value of KRW 274.5 billion generated by companies housed in the Startup Research Institute. 

This was followed by an overview of the faculty profile and an introduction of newly appointed faculty members for the 2025 academic year, along with a detailed report on scholarships established through alumni donations and their disbursement. The presentation also covered internationalization outcomes, including exchange student programs, and concluded with an introduction to the KUBS 120 MARCH campaign and guidance on participation in giving initiatives. 

Dean Kim stated, “Building on our current QS global ranking in the top 40, we aim to reach the global top 30 by 2030,” adding that “we will pursue further growth centered on the 3C and 4Tech strategies.” He continued, “Your participation plays a vital role in nurturing outstanding management talent and in laying a strong foundation for national and social development,” and called for active engagement. 

Alumnus of the Year and Special Awards 

The Alumnus of the Year Awards were presented to Yong-hoon Lee, Chief Executive Officer of InTimes Inc. (Business ’84); Hyung-geun Bae, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Securities (Business ’84); and Ji-young Choi, Director-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Business ’89). Each recipient was recognized for outstanding achievements in global education, corporate finance and ESG management, and international finance, respectively. 

In addition, the Class of 1979 Alumni Group received a Special Award in recognition of its contribution to upholding a meaningful tradition between senior and junior alumni by pledging annual scholarship donations of KRW 35 million beginning in 2024, totaling KRW 175 million. This symbolic moment demonstrated Korea University’s long-standing traditions of devotion to one’s alma mater and classmate solidarity, as 46 years of deep friendship among classmates were extended to support current students. 

A Special Donation by the Class of ’98 That Illuminated the 120th Anniversary 

The collective donation made by the entire Class of 1998 stood out as one of the most symbolic moments of this year’s Alumni Night. A total of 126 classmates took part, raising approximately KRW 79 million, which was formally presented at the event. This initiative was voluntarily carried out by the entire class and was particularly meaningful in that many alumni participated wholeheartedly despite their busy professional lives. 

The donation will be used to support scholarships for younger students and to enhance the educational environment of the Business School, with particular emphasis on programs designed to strengthen students’ global competencies. Reflecting on the contribution, the Class of 1998 Alumni Group stated, “We all shared the belief that the learning and friendships we gained at Korea University formed an important foundation in our lives, and we wished to pass those precious experiences on to future generations.” This donation has been recorded as the collective footprint of an entire generation that joined the Business School on its 120-year journey. 

At the End of a Night Where Tradition Met the Future 

Following the presentation of special awards, the event drew to a close with a celebratory toast, dinner, performances, and the singing of the university anthem. This year’s Alumni Night went beyond a simple social gathering, serving as an occasion for alumni to collectively reflect on the 120-year history of Korea University Business School and to reaffirm its vision for the next 120 years. 

Warm solidarity connecting generations, unwavering pride in the alma mater, and wholehearted support for younger generations came together to once again reinforce the stature of the Business School. It is hoped that the warmth and shared commitments of this night will continue to serve as a driving force in further advancing the Business School’s development and strengthening the bonds of its alumni community.