Korea University Business School to Host ‘CEMS Annual Events 2026 in Korea’ — First Ever in Asia 

Korea University Business School will host ‘CEMS Annual Events 2026’, the largest annual gathering of the global alliance in management education, CEMS, in Seoul, South Korea. This event is particularly significant as it marks the first time the Annual Events will be held in Asia in CEMS history. 

The event will take place over four days, from November 25 to 28, bringing together representatives and alumni from CEMS member schools worldwide. As a flagship event hosted on a rotating basis by member schools each year, the Annual Events serve as a key platform for discussing the future of global business education, strengthening collaboration, and strengthening the CEMS community. 

During the event period, from November 25 to 27, various committee meetings and operational discussions involving representatives from member schools will be held at Korea University Business School, along with official networking dinners. On November 27, a pre-graduation party for graduating students will take place, followed by the CEMS MIM (Master’s in International Management) graduation ceremony on November 28. 

Beyond logistical preparations, Korea University Business School has gone further by developing symbolic content that reflects both Korean values and the philosophy of CEMS. One of the key outcomes of this effort is the official logo for the Annual Events. The logo is designed to capture both the nature of the event and the identity of its host location by incorporating elements that blend traditional and modern aspects of Korea. 

The central motif of the logo, the Eosahwa—a traditional flower awarded to those who passed the state examination during the Joseon Dynasty—symbolically represents graduation and celebrates the achievements of outstanding graduates. The roofline of a traditional Korean palace symbolizes graduates stepping into society and taking on meaningful roles. The Taegeuk symbol, inspired by the Korean national flag, represents harmony and balance—core virtues expected of future leaders—while further reinforcing Korean identity throughout the design. 

At the base of the logo, traditional cultural heritage elements such as Bangasayusang, Seokgatap, and Bosingak are integrated with modern Seoul landmarks including Namsan Tower, the 63 Building, and the Han River. This juxtaposition illustrates the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korea. At the center, Korea University is depicted as a bridge connecting the past and the present, highlighting the pivotal role of education in driving societal change and progress. The background incorporates text from the preface to the Hunminjeongeum, reflecting the original purpose of Hangul—to enable accessible learning and communication for all—while also emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and action among graduates. 

Korea University Business School has also created an official promotional video for the Annual Events. The video features a butterfly symbolizing the 33 member schools, traveling across various locations in Korea over the course of a day, tracing the daily lives of graduates while simultaneously depicting Korea’s transformation from past to present. The video begins with scenes of traditional temples, serene natural landscapes, and tea culture, before moving along fortress walls to the Korea University campus, illustrating how tradition and modernity are connected through education. The narrative then continues through spaces that showcase Korean cultural identity—such as traditional markets, hanbok experiences, and Gyeongbokgung Palace—before expanding into modern cityscapes, including Namsan Tower, urban environments, and contemporary lifestyle hubs such as Seongsu and Gangnam. 

As the video progresses, the number of graduates on screen gradually increases, illustrating growing interaction and connection. This reflects the formation of a unified global network of CEMS members in Korea. This sense of collective engagement is further brought to life through Korea University’s cheering culture and K-pop performances. In the final scene, butterflies representing the 33 member schools rise into the sky and spread out like stars, symbolizing a shared moment of celebration and the bright future that lies ahead. The video was created using a combination of AI-generated imagery and live-action footage, offering an experimental and innovative approach to portraying Korea’s diverse landscapes and the CEMS message. 

▶ CEMS Annual Events 2026 Korea [Watch Official Video] ◀ 

Dean Eonsoo Kim of Korea University Business School stated, “It is a great honor to host the 2026 CEMS Annual Events in Korea. It is especially meaningful that Korea University Business School will be the first institution in Asia to host this event.” He added, “Today, Korea is actively engaging with the world through K-pop, cultural arts, and innovative industries. We hope this event will provide an opportunity to showcase Korea’s culture and education, as well as the creative and artistic appeal of our campus.” 

Meanwhile, approximately 1,000 alumni and representatives attended the 2025 CEMS Annual Events held in Brazil, and the 2026 event in Korea is also expected to attract a large global audience. Hosting the event in Korea is expected to reaffirm Korea University Business School’s central role within the global network, while also serving as a turning point for expanding CEMS geographically and culturally as its first host institution in Asia. More details can be found on the official CEMS Annual Events website (https://annualevents.cems.org/).