Cultivating Leaders Who Drive the Growth of People and Organizations, Korea University CHRO Program 

Korea University’s Chief Human Resources Officer Program (CHRO) Program Completes Its First Cohort, Opens Enrollment for the Second  

Korea University Business School has launched the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program to redefine the role of human resource management in an era of rapidly changing business environments. Amid rapid technological advancement, generational shifts, and the expansion of ESG-driven management, HR is no longer viewed merely as a support function but has emerged as a core element of organizational strategy. In response to these changes, the CHRO Program was designed to systematically cultivate the expertise and strategic thinking required of HR leaders, reflecting the practical needs of today’s business landscape. 

Over approximately seven months, the CHRO Program addressed key topics in human resources and organizational management in a balanced manner, including talent management strategy, organizational culture, leadership, performance management, global HR trends, People Analytics, M&A and PMI, and digital transformation. During the summer, an overseas training program was offered, enabling participants to examine HR issues from an international perspective. Courses were delivered jointly by academic experts and industry practitioners, ensuring both theoretical depth and practical applicability. A key outcome of the program was the formation of a strong professional network, as HR leaders from diverse industries came together in a single cohort to share experiences and challenges. 

The commencement ceremony for the first CHRO cohort, held on October 31, marked the conclusion of the seven-month program and provided an opportunity to reflect on its achievements. In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Eonsoo Kim commended the graduates for completing the program while balancing work and study, emphasizing that “Commencement” represents not merely an end, but a new beginning. He added that “the challenging journey undertaken by the inaugural cohort will serve as an important benchmark for the future development of the program.” Program Director Kwanghyun Kim also shared his reflections, noting that “the participation and feedback of the first cohort became the foundation for the program’s continued growth.” 

Graduates have described the CHRO Program as a “practice-oriented curriculum that delivers insights readily applicable to the workplace.” Many noted that the program not only broadened their understanding of paradigm shifts in HR, but also expanded their strategic thinking across overall organizational management. Below are testimonials shared directly by graduates of the first CHRO cohort. 

Testimonials from Graduates of the First CHRO Cohort 

Noh ○○ | Hyundai Movex 
“For over 20 years, I have worked in HR, and through repetitive routines, I began to feel that I was becoming stagnant. At that point, I realized I needed a new opportunity for growth, and that was when I learned about Korea University’s Chief Human Resources Officer Program. After reviewing the curriculum, I decided to enroll without hesitation. The wide-ranging lectures on talent management and labor relations, as well as digital transformation, AI, and the global economy, significantly broadened my perspective as an HR professional. In particular, the Global HR course was an invaluable experience, providing practical direction as I was grappling with challenges related to overseas subsidiaries and workforce management. I would confidently recommend this program to anyone who is deeply committed to the sustainable growth of people and organizations.” 

Yoon ○○ | CJ CheilJedang 

“As an HR professional, one of the most challenging aspects of my role was developing HR strategies and articulating a clear vision for growth. Immersed in day-to-day operations, I found myself focused primarily on addressing short-term issues, only to later realize that my own thinking was falling behind the pace of change. The CHRO Program became a valuable source of knowledge and ideas, enabling me to approach issues from a more multidimensional perspective. My exchange with peers from the first cohort was also a tremendous source of support and inspiration. Even the opportunity to step away from the field, albeit briefly, to reflect on theory and emerging trends makes this program highly worthwhile. I would strongly recommend it to those considering the next step in their journey as HR leaders.” 

Kwak ○○ | Samsung Card 

“My time at Korea University, an institution rich in history and tradition, was a meaningful journey in my growth as an HR leader. The CHRO Program offered a valuable forum for sharing broad insights through in-depth lectures and discussions led by an outstanding faculty and seasoned industry experts. The strategic HR curriculum—reflecting the future business environment, including AI, digital transformation, and M&A strategies—was particularly impressive. In addition, the overseas training program and workshops enabled me to expand my network with diverse HR leaders, an experience that remains a lasting asset. I would confidently recommend this program to HR leaders who are committed to driving both corporate growth and organizational culture transformation.” 

Preparing for the Next Stage of HR Strategy: Applications Open for the Second CHRO Cohort 

Based on the successful outcomes of its inaugural cohort, Korea University Business School plans to operate the second cohort of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program for approximately seven months, from April to October 2026. Applications for the second cohort will open on Monday, January 12, 2026, and will close early once the program reaches capacity. 

Korea University has built extensive educational capabilities that bridge academia and industry, supported by one of the largest full-time faculty bodies in Korea. In addition to its 93 full-time professors, distinguished domestic and international experts from various fields participate in the program, further enhancing its academic depth. The Business School’s dedicated facilities—including the Korea University Business School Main Building, Hyundai Motor Business Hall, and LG–POSCO Business Hall—are equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, lounges, and learning spaces. Designed to naturally facilitate lectures, discussions, and professional exchange, this educational infrastructure provides an environment that supports a healthy balance between learning and reflection. Furthermore, Korea University continues to be recognized for its global competitiveness. It was the first university in Korea to join the CEMS Global Alliance and holds prestigious international accreditations from AACSB and EQUIS, while also earning strong positions in the QS World University Rankings. 

The second CHRO cohort is designed for corporate HR executives and HR leaders, with a focus on reinterpreting HR and organizational issues from a strategic perspective and strengthening decision-making capabilities. Moving beyond a theory-driven approach, the program examines how organizational strategy and talent management are interconnected through real-world corporate cases and discussion-based learning. Faculty members from both academia and industry participate to provide actionable insights and practical guidance that can be immediately applied in the field. 

Overseas training is also one of the program’s key features. Through this component, participants gain an international perspective on HR issues while expanding their global networks. In addition, domestic workshops and company visit programs hosted by cohort members encourage interaction across industries and professional backgrounds, creating opportunities to share hands-on experiences from the field. The fact that HR leaders from diverse industries come together in a single cohort and continue meaningful exchange and collaboration is widely regarded as a core strength of the CHRO Program. 

Through the CHRO Program, Korea University Business School plans to further strengthen its practice-oriented education, empowering HR to play a more proactive role at the center of organizational strategy. In an ever-changing business environment, the second CHRO cohort is expected to be a meaningful choice for HR leaders who seek to advance the growth of both people and organizations and prepare for the next stage of their professional journey. 

Contact 
Korea University Business School EEC 
☎ 02-3290-2707 | ✉ kubseec@korea.ac.kr