[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Jongsoo Kim – Returning to My Alma Mater After 20 Years

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Jongsoo Kim

Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers. 

Q: Can you introduce your journey so far? 

A: I am Jongsoo Kim, appointed to the Strategy area at Korea University Business School as of September 1, 2024. Before returning to my alma mater, I worked as a professor in Hong Kong for six years. As a member of Korea University's Class of 2001, I feel honored to return and teach my juniors. 

Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating? 

A: Like many, I faced dilemmas in my late twenties as I approached graduation. Some of my friends were securing jobs at large corporations, while others were preparing for civil service exams or studying abroad. I was double majoring in Chinese Language and Literature and Business Administration, with a vague desire to do business in the Chinese market. I wanted to study Chinese economics and business further, which led me to pursue graduate studies under Professor Ick-Soo Kim, an expert in the Chinese market. 

Q: What led you to join Korea University Business School? 

A: After completing my PhD in the U.S., I started as an assistant professor in Hong Kong. While the working conditions were excellent, I sometimes felt lonely as a foreign professor. When I recognized limitations in my role, I was fortunate to return to my alma mater with the recommendations and support of several teachers. 

Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing? 

A: During my time as a graduate student and as a professor abroad, I met many professors. What stands out about Korea University Business School is the deep affection the faculty members have for the school and their exceptional dedication to the students—something unmatched by other universities. This passion, coupled with the high caliber of the students, is what makes Korea University Business School a leading institution. 

Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member? 

A: My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fundamentals and simplifying complex concepts. I strive to explain theories and phenomena in ways that even elementary school students can understand. 

Q: Can you introduce the courses you are currently teaching? 

A: In the Fall 2024 semester, I'm teaching undergraduate Management Strategy, and in the Spring 2025 semester, I'll offer a graduate-level Research Methodology course. I approach Management Strategy from a foundational perspective tailored to undergraduates, while the Research Methodology course is designed to provide practical guidance for students writing theses, not just theoretical insights. 

Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School? 

A: My primary research areas are Human Capital and Corporate-Level Strategy within Management Strategy. I’m conducting studies on special human resources, particularly Star Performers. From a corporate strategy perspective, I’m researching factors influencing innovation success and failure in acquired companies, using data from the medical device industry. My goal is to produce research that is not only accessible to business specialists but also helpful to the general public. 

Q: If you were to describe Korea University Business School in one word, what would it be? 

A: I would say “Circle.” A circle represents being well-rounded, without sharp edges. I believe our students at Korea University are adaptable and harmonious, able to thrive in any situation. While skills are essential, I hope they also cultivate well-rounded personalities. 

Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor? 

A: I also aspire to be a “rounded” person for my students. I want to be a professor who is approachable and easy to talk to, someone students feel comfortable coming to. That’s the kind of professor I will strive to be. Thank you.