Korea University Business School Holds Retirement Ceremony for Professors Jongwon Park and Gil S. Bae

Celebrating the next chapter of two professors after decades of dedication to research and teaching

Korea University Business School held a retirement ceremony for Professors Jongwon Park and Gil.S Bae, providing an opportunity to reflect on the distinguished careers of two scholars who have long contributed to the school and the academic community. Colleagues and former students expressed their deep gratitude and warm congratulations to the professors, who devoted decades to teaching, research, and mentoring future generations.

The ceremony began with opening remarks by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Hyunseung Na. This was followed by presentations highlighting the retiring professors’ careers by Professors Song Oh Yoon and G-Song Yoo, area chairs of marketing and accounting, who reflected on the depth and impact of the professors’ contributions to the Business School. Dean Eonsoo Kim then delivered a commemorative address, followed by the presentation of plaques of appreciation, gold medals, and bouquets in recognition of the professors’ long-standing dedication.

At the heart of the event were the retirement remarks delivered by the two professors. While their tones differed, both reflected on their years with a shared sense of gratitude. Their words conveyed sincere appreciation for colleagues with whom they collaborated and engaged in scholarly discussions, students who supported them over the years, and the academic community they were part of.

Professor Jongwon Park described his years at the university as “a great honor and a stroke of luck,” expressing deep affection for the time spent in research and teaching alongside colleagues and students. He added that although he is stepping down from his formal role, his passion for research will continue—reflecting his unwavering commitment to scholarship.

Professor Gil S. Bae calmly reflected on the past 30 years in a composed tone, speaking about finding meaning in one’s work and the importance of relationships. His remark that he realized it was time to move on when time in the classroom began to feel unusually slow carried a quiet yet profound resonance—one that could only come from someone who has devoted many years to a single place. 

Following the retirement remarks, a group photo session was held, and during the subsequent dinner and congratulatory speeches, warm wishes were shared for the professors’ future endeavors. After the formal closing, a farewell gathering continued in the hallway of Ahn Young Il Hall, where attendees saw the professors off with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet farewell.

The years built by a generation that has steadfastly held its place become part of an institution’s history. This retirement ceremony was not only a tribute to the academic journeys and educational dedication of the two professors, but also a moment to celebrate and support their new beginnings. Korea University Business School expressed its deep gratitude to the professors, who have long been part of the institution, and wished them continued fulfillment and peace in the years ahead. 

The following are the full texts of the retirement speeches delivered by the two professors.

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to be here today, despite it being the academic break. 

As I prepared this retirement speech, I gave much thought to what I should say. In the process, I was deeply moved by a remark from a senior professor who once said, “It has been a great honor and a stroke of luck to spend my entire career at Korea University.” I stand here today with the very same sentiment. 

I joined the Business School in 1992 at the age of 31 and have served here for 33 and a half years. Looking back, I lived a diligent and fulfilling life—and I was truly happy. I was able to conduct research freely and to my heart’s content, and I had the privilege of receiving the Seok-Top Excellence in Teaching Award while teaching courses I was passionate about. I trained many doctoral students and contributed to the development of the Business School through various administrative roles. Above all, I was able to enjoy a deeply rewarding professional life through meaningful interactions and a strong sense of camaraderie with my colleagues. 

However, I believe that none of this was due solely to my own abilities, but rather to the exceptional environment provided by Korea University Business School. Simply having had the opportunity to work here—and to retire here—is, in itself, a great honor and a stroke of luck. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude. 

First, I would like to thank the many senior professors who guided, supported, and encouraged me over the years. In particular, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my late mentor, Professor Dong Ki Kim. I also extend my sincere thanks to former Dean Sang Koo Nam and former Dean Hasung Jang. 

I am also grateful to my colleagues in the marketing field, with whom I shared challenges and worked through them together—including Professor Song Oh Yoon, the area chair, and all faculty members in marketing. In addition, I would like to thank the many colleagues across the school with whom I shared both professional collaboration and personal camaraderie—especially Professor Kwangtae Park of PJP, the “Four Rebels,” the “Four Wagol,” and the “BGS Band Seven.” Every moment I spent with you is a cherished memory, and thanks to you, my time here was always filled with joy. 

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my beloved students, with whom I formed lasting academic bonds and who have devoted themselves to research—especially the members of the B.E.S.T. group. It is because of you that I am able to stand here today. 

In particular, I would like to extend special thanks to Professor Jinyong Lee of Chung-Ang University, who is with us here today. Despite being at another institution, he has shared a deep passion for research and has attended my Weekly BEST Seminar almost every Friday for the past 30 years, with remarkable consistency. Together, we discussed research, mentored graduate students, and led the B.E.S.T. group. We also co-authored two SK-level papers. 

Finally, I would like to express my love and gratitude to my lifelong partner, my wife Seoyoung, who has always believed in and supported me throughout my journey. Although we lived apart for some time while she pursued her doctoral studies in New Zealand and later served as a faculty member there, she continued to support me wholeheartedly. 

What I enjoyed most as a professor was discussing research topics with my students and colleagues. The process of developing ideas, constructing theoretical models and hypotheses, conducting experiments, and working through challenges—often with more discarded experiments than successful ones—was itself a great source of joy. As novelist Han Kang once said about writing fiction, research too often begins with uncertainty and can take unexpected turns. Yet the joy of finally reaching completion after a long journey is indescribable. 

Although I am now leaving Korea University, my passion for research remains as strong as ever. If we consider the limit of research capability to be around the age of 70, I still have about five years ahead of me. During this time, I hope to complete the projects currently in my pipeline, as well as new research, and publish at least three or four SK-level papers. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey at a university abroad, where I will be working alongside my wife as fellow faculty members—making this next chapter all the more meaningful. 

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the proud Korea University Business School and my dear colleagues. I sincerely wish for the continued growth and success of the school and all of you. 

Thank you. 

Thank you very much for being here today to celebrate this occasion. 

As I reflect on the past 30 years I have spent at Korea University, many thoughts come to mind. It would be nice if life were filled only with good things, but that is not how the world works. Over the years, I too have experienced both good moments and difficult ones—as a professor and, more broadly, as an individual. Many of you shared in my joys during good times and offered comfort and support during more difficult ones. I believe it is because of that support that I have been able to come this far. I sincerely thank those who have already left the university, as well as those who are here today. 

Professors do not have bosses. Of course, there is a dean, but the dean does not directly intervene in our work. As such, how well a professor performs is entirely their own responsibility. Since our primary duties are teaching and research, I cannot say that I have no regrets about not having worked harder. 

When you spend a long time in a stable environment, you tend not to think about what comes next when it all comes to an end. I was advised to make plans, but how can one plan for something that has not yet arrived? So for the time being, I think I will spend my time working on a few papers I have yet to complete. 

I was asked to share some advice for junior faculty, but nothing particularly special comes to mind. If I were to offer one thought, it would be advice I once received from a senior colleague: “Find value in your primary work.” No matter how well one performs outside of their main field, it is difficult to move beyond a secondary level, and it is hard to create meaningful value or contribute to society in that way. And as we all know, we tend to reap what we sow—an obvious principle, yet one we often forget. 

At some point, time in the classroom began to feel unusually slow, and I came to realize that it was time to leave. It is only natural that one generation steps aside as another takes its place. My time at Korea University was enjoyable, but it was also not without its challenges. And so, I feel a certain lightness in knowing that the journey allotted to me has come to an end. 

I would like to thank everyone who shared both the joys and hardships with me. I sincerely wish that all of you here today will be blessed with continued happiness and good fortune. 

Thank you.