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KUBS Carves Its Name on the Global Stage: 1st Runner-Up at 2025 UW GBCC Students from Korea University Business School (KUBS) demonstrated their outstanding problem-solving and presentation skills on the global stage by securing 1st Runner-Up in the Long Case division at the 2025 Global Business Case Competition (UW GBCC), held at the University of Washington in April. The UW GBCC is a prestigious international business case competition where top business students from around the world are challenged to develop strategic solutions to real-world business problems within a limited time frame. The competition is renowned for testing analytical thinking, strategic creativity, and communication skills under pressure. Representing KUBS were four students: Junhee Park (Class of ’22), Seoyeon Ko (’22), Oscar Javier Castillo Vazquez (’22), and Seokjun Oh (’21). The team was mentored by Professor Tony Garrett, a specialist in marketing. The competition consisted of two parts—a 5-hour Short Case and a 24-hour Long Case. Junhee Park participated individually in the Short Case, clinching first place in a multinational team. For the Long Case, the full KUBS team tackled the challenge of devising a revitalization strategy for Starbucks China. Their proposal included: Implementing a low-cost operational model, Introducing regionally tailored store formats, and Forming strategic partnerships for digital transformation. Their solution was praised by the judging panel for its strategic insight and feasibility. To celebrate the achievement, Dean Eonsoo Kim of KUBS hosted the team on May 13 at the Dean’s Office. Dean Kim congratulated the students for their effort and emphasized the significance of institutional support in creating such learning opportunities. “This achievement is not only a reflection of the students' talent but also the result of the learning environment and opportunities KUBS has consistently nurtured. We will continue to support our students to challenge themselves and grow globally,” said Dean Kim. Professor Tony Garrett commented: “The students delivered a compelling and well-analyzed presentation within the limited time. It was an impressive demonstration of critical thinking and teamwork that resonates on the global stage.” [Reflections from the Team] Junhee Park (Team Leader) “This experience allowed me to grow by transforming business challenges into practical strategies. Leading the team and working on both the storyline and strategic direction was incredibly rewarding. Winning the 5-hour Short Case with an international team was also an unforgettable moment. Although we missed the grand prize, being invited to present again in front of Starbucks executives at their headquarters was a huge honor. I'm truly grateful to KUBS and Professor Garrett.” Seoyeon Ko “Applying what I learned in class to real-world problems was a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Competing with students from various countries was a great stimulus. I focused on validating our strategy through deep analysis, which broadened my industry understanding. I'm deeply thankful to the International Affairs Office and our mentor for making this possible.” Oscar Javier Castillo Vazquez “I’m thrilled that our five weeks of intense preparation with teammates and our professor paid off. Being invited to present to 150 Starbucks executives was an especially meaningful moment. This wasn’t just a competition—it was a learning journey in business strategy and marketing that helped shape my career direction.” Seokjun Oh “My passion for business strategy began with KUBS Challenge in my freshman year and has grown through several competitions. This one stood out—we prepared like it was the real world, often working through the night. The intense preparation and discussions will stay with me long after graduation. I’m truly thankful to the KUBS International Affairs Office and my teammates. Go KUBS!”
2025.05.26국제실
A Heartwarming Gathering Across Generations – KUBS Hosts ‘Faculty Appreciation and Reunion Day’ On Wednesday, May 14, Korea University Business School (KUBS) held the ‘KUBS Faculty Appreciation and Reunion Day’ at Young-Il Ahn Hall on the 6th floor of LG-POSCO Hall. The event was organized to express gratitude to senior faculty members who have devoted themselves to the school’s development over the years and to foster communication and camaraderie among professors across generations. A total of 11 former professors and over 60 current faculty members attended, creating a warm and intergenerational atmosphere. Professors gathered to reconnect, share memories, and reflect on the past, present, and future of KUBS. The attending senior faculty included △ Ho Jin Kang, △ Wan-Soon Kim, △ Ick-Soo Kim, and △ Jang Rho Lee (Global Business), △ Hyoung Koo Moon, △ soosik Shin, and △ Jin Kyu Lee (Management), △ Joon Yong Shin, △ Kwan hee Yoo, △ Manwoo Lee (Accounting), and △ Young-Sup Yun (Finance). In the opening ceremony, Dean Eonsoo Kim stated, “KUBS owes its current standing to the deep dedication and passion of our senior faculty. We are committed to carrying on that spirit and striving for academic and educational advancement.” He also highlighted recent accomplishments, saying, “KUBS has achieved remarkable results in the latest QS rankings, placing in the top 40 globally in ‘Marketing’, ‘Business & Management Studies’, and ‘Accounting & Finance’, and we will continue to work diligently to improve.” Representing the former faculty, Professor Wan-Soon Kim delivered a greeting, stating, “KUBS has continuously evolved, but at the core has always been the devotion of our professors. I am deeply grateful to the junior faculty and KUBS for organizing this event.” He added, “Today, my son is here with me, and my entire family graduated from Korea University. I take great pride in saying Korea University is the best university in Korea.” During the luncheon, Professor soosik Sin offered a toast, wishing for the continued honor and prestige of KUBS, as well as the health and scholarly growth of all attendees. He also presented one of his authored books as a gift to a professor couple, sharing a heartfelt gesture. As the final part of the event, commemorative gifts were presented to the senior professors in appreciation of their service. Following the ceremony, the retired faculty visited the newly established faculty office in Room 525 of LG-POSCO Hall, where they witnessed firsthand the ongoing transformation and advancement of KUBS. KUBS plans to continue expanding opportunities for intergenerational academic bonding and meaningful dialogue among faculty members through similar gatherings in the future.
Debut Stage for Rookie Entrepreneurs – 2025 Spring CHOO CHOO Day Successfully Held The 2025 Spring CHOO CHOO Day, a student startup demo day hosted by the Korea University Business School Startup Station, was held on Friday, May 9, in the Global Conference Hall on B1 of the Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall. The event took the form of a demo day, where five rookie startup teams currently participating in the Startup Institute’s incubation program presented their progress, and shared the vision and potential of their ventures. Each team introduced their business ideas, go-to-market strategies, and future plans, gaining valuable, hands-on feedback from the audience. The following five teams participated in Choo Choo Day , each showcasing their innovative startup idea: △ MARKWORKS: An AI-powered patent filing solution designed for patent attorneys, offering product similarity assessment and proactive search capabilities. △ NAWA: ‘CUPGGIRI’, a smart cup solution that automatically washes, dries, compresses, and collects cups, △ ATLO: ‘Ditto’, a personalized AI companion you can talk to anytime, anywhere, △ Live-Lively: ‘NoriCare’, a healthcare solution for managing chronic conditions in seniors, △ PEEKABOOLABS: ‘Carve’, an on-device AI solution that automatically optimizes system performance. The event began with opening remarks by Youngkyung Kim, Director of the Iljin Center for Startup Incubation, who noted, “Today marks the moment when these well-prepared graduating startups declare their readiness to take off like rockets,” emphasizing the significance of CHOO CHOO Day. Dae Il Nam, Vice Dean of Korea University Business School, delivered a welcome address, stating, “Today is not merely a presentation, but a stage to demonstrate your potential for the future.” He went on to encourage the participants, saying, “The journey of challenge, failure, and rising again will make each of you stronger.” During the Open Mic session, Kwangsik Yoon, CEO of DONGJOO., that operates ‘SPINNOFF’—an AI-based team-building solution for creating novel comics—shared advice, saying, “If you have the reason why you started, a good grasp of market trends, and trustworthy teammates, your startup’s direction will naturally form.” The event continued with five-minute pitches and eight-minute Q&A sessions for each team. The panelists included Eunwoo Park (Partner, MASHUP VENTURES), Ino Jung (Team Lead, POSTECH HOLDINGS), Hakyeong Kim (CEO, ZDVC), Ukjin Kwon (Principal, PRIMER SAZZE), and Minhong Jang (Advisor, BASS VENTURES), who offered sharp questions and practical advice while carefully evaluating the teams' potential. The event concluded with closing remarks by Joon Ho Hwang, Director of the Startup Station, who said, “I could truly feel the spirit of youth, innovation, and challenge today,” adding, “I hope CHOO CHOO Day continues to support the growth of innovative startups and serves as a catalyst for revitalizing the economy.” Korea University Business School’s Startup Station organizes CHOO CHOO Day each semester to provide young entrepreneurs with real startup experience and opportunities for network building. The institute plans to continue expanding various programs to support the growth of startups with innovative ideas and execution capabilities.
Korea University Business School and CEMS Redefine the Standard for Future Leadership Education CEMS – The Global Alliance in Management Education, of which Korea University Business School is the sole academic member in Korea, recently released a global corporate research report forecasting that successful leaders of the future will need new competencies that go beyond technical expertise and business acumen. Based on a survey of 20 corporate partners (CPs) within the CEMS Alliance, the study outlines the key skills and leadership traits that will be essential beyond 2030. In particular, it emphasizes that in addition to digital and analytical capabilities, qualities such as human-centered thinking, cultural agility, and a strong ethical mindset are emerging as vital components of future leadership. Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, stated, “Future leaders will be expected to possess a broad and deep skill set that transcends traditional competencies, including creative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven leadership, and cultural intelligence.” She added, “Leadership education must also evolve to foster these next-generation capabilities.” The report places particular emphasis on the importance of Human-Centered Leadership. It argues that in an era increasingly shaped by technology and data-driven decision-making, human qualities such as resilience, emotional intelligence, empathy, and a commitment to sustainability will become the essence of effective leadership. Companies are increasingly incorporating these leadership qualities into their ideal talent profiles. The Lufthansa Group has identified ambition, a sense of responsibility, and empathy as core competencies, while BNP Paribas Portugal has highlighted flexibility, a global mindset, and collaborative skills as key attributes they value in future leaders. As the only academic member of CEMS in Korea, Korea University Business School is actively incorporating the findings of this study into its curriculum and global leadership development strategies. The five core competencies for future leaders identified by CEMS—△Analytical rigour combined with creativity, △An entrepreneurial mindset, △Cultural intelligence,(CQ) △Specialisation meets managent expertise, and △Digital fluency—are deeply aligned with KUBS’s educational philosophy. KUBS operates a wide range of practice-based programs such as △the CEMS Global MIM Program, △KUBS Global Business Project, △G-MBA Business Practicum Workshop, △global internships, and △social value-based business practicums. Going forward, Korea University Business School will continue to support students in becoming authentic, globally recognized leaders through a comprehensive leadership education that spans AI, ESG, multicultural management, and human-centered design.
Understanding Startup Investment Contracts from the Other Side – Entrepreneurship Academy Lecture by Attorney Joongil Cho The Entrepreneurship Academy lecture hosted by the Korea University Business School Startup ㄴStation was held on Tuesday, May 13, in the KOLON Lecture Room (Room B307) of Hyundai Motor Hall. The lecture, titled “Startup Investment Contracts – Understanding from the Other Side,” was delivered by Joongil Cho, a partner attorney at SHIN & KIM LLC and an expert in corporate law and transaction structure design. He also serves as a member of the Venture and Startup Legal Support Special Committee of the Korean Bar Association. The lecture was based on real-life advisory cases, focusing on the key aspects of investment contract structures that entrepreneurs must understand and how to approach contracts from an investor’s perspective. “Why is the investor asking for this clause? You must be able to ask yourself that question.” said Cho, emphasizing throughout his talk that understanding ‘the investor’s logic’ is the foundation of any negotiation. He cited common clauses frequently found in investment contracts—such as △non-compete agreements, △stock option restrictions, △limitations on the issuance of new shares, and △mandatory dividend provisions—emphasizing that “understanding the structure and underlying logic of the contract is more important than the specific wording.” Cho also pointed out that “When founders are overly focused on securing investment, they tend to overlook important details,” and stressed the importance of thorough due diligence prior to signing. He advised entrepreneurs to examine whether △trade secrets are sufficiently protected, △the terms violate any existing agreements, △the founder is being exposed to excessive personal liability, and △the investor’s commitment to the deal is genuine. Drawing on his extensive advisory experience—from M&A cases involving major Korean platform companies such as Kakao, Netmarble, and NAVER to early-stage startups like SEMIFIVE and B GARAGE—Cho outlined common pitfalls that founding teams often overlook in investment contracts. He concluded the lecture by emphasizing, “It’s critical to clearly and convincingly communicate to investors what you want—and why you need it.” A student currently preparing to launch a startup shared their thoughts, saying, “It was a valuable opportunity to revisit the contract process from the investor’s perspective, rather than solely from the standpoint of a startup.” The student added, “It gave me a clearer sense of which elements need to be negotiated in real investment discussions.” The Entrepreneurship Academy is a special lecture series planned and operated by the Startup Institute of Korea University Business School. It aims to provide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with practical insights by inviting seasoned founders and industry experts with hands-on experience. Korea University Business School will continue to support the growth of student entrepreneurs and enhance its connection with the startup ecosystem through a variety of ongoing programs.
[Interview] A Simulation Strategy to Reduce Judicial Delays in India – Professor Jeunghyun Kim Publishes SK Tier 1 Paper Q1. Congratulations on publishing a paper in an SK Tier 1 journal. How do you feel about this achievement? I am truly honored and grateful to have my paper published in an SK Tier 1 journal. There were numerous challenges and iterations throughout the research process, but it is deeply rewarding to see these efforts culminate in publication in a prestigious international journal. What feels especially meaningful is that the findings were finalized at the right time and shared through such a respected platform. I hope to continue conducting research that offers genuine academic value. Q2. Could you briefly introduce the main focus and background of your paper? This study focuses on addressing the severe judicial delays experienced by the Supreme Court of India by proposing an operations strategy. Known globally for its chronic case backlogs, the Indian Supreme Court presented an opportunity to analyze a complex real-world issue from a service operations perspective. I collected actual case data from the Court’s official website and developed a simulation model that incorporates various operational scenarios. Importantly, the model reflects the Court’s real-world operational structure, including both regular and holiday work schedules. Rather than suggesting a simple increase in personnel, the research demonstrates how improvements in operational methods alone can significantly reduce trial delays. Q3. What motivated you to pursue this research? This research didn’t originate from a particular social mission. I’ve always found fulfillment in solving complex problems—and if that process happens to benefit society, all the better. This project followed that same spirit. Judicial delays in the Supreme Court of India extend far beyond legal concerns; they represent systemic inefficiencies that affect the broader society. In India’s labor-intensive economy, a delayed ruling can halt or disrupt economic activity. Some individuals are unable to start jobs due to unresolved legal issues, and contractual disputes may take anywhere from 300 days to three, or even ten years to resolve. Recognizing these structural inefficiencies, I set out to analyze the problem quantitatively and explore actionable improvements. Q4. What potential impact do you think this research could have on society or industry? This study highlights how optimizing the operational aspects of judicial systems can bring broad societal and economic benefits. Legal delays lead to postponed decision-making and stalled activity at every level—individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Our simulation results show that, with the adoption of appropriate operational strategies, average trial delay times can be reduced by as much as one-third. Although the exact economic impact has not been quantified, a reduction of that magnitude would likely produce meaningful improvements across society. I believe enhancing judicial efficiency is a critical task that advances both fairness and productivity. Q5. Could you share your future research plans or areas of interest? Many business research projects are inspired by real-world developments. For example, the emergence of Uber spurred numerous studies on matching algorithms and pricing strategies. My approach differs slightly: rather than beginning with a specific application, I ask which kinds of problems can be addressed using a given analytical method. Going forward, I plan to continue exploring the practical relevance of my methodological tools. My work is method-driven rather than problem-driven—but if the method proves effective in solving real-world challenges, I consider that a meaningful academic contribution. Q6. Do you have any advice for junior researchers or students? Above all, I encourage you to broaden your perspective. The world is full of compelling, high-impact problems—but without a wide field of view, you may never discover them. Staying attuned to what’s happening beyond your immediate environment is essential. Also, don’t avoid difficult challenges. Each problem requires its own suitable set of tools—its own methodology. If you stick only to what you’re comfortable with, you may miss opportunities to solve important issues. I recommend that students step outside the business school and engage with courses in mathematics, industrial engineering, economics, and beyond. You don’t need to master every subject. Sometimes just knowing that a certain method exists can completely change the way you understand a problem and dramatically expand the scope of your research. I firmly believe that a broad intellectual curiosity and a balanced learning approach are the foundation of impactful research. Summary of Professor Jeunghyun Kim’s Paper “Service Operations for Justice-on-Time: A Data-Driven Queueing Approach” A lack of resources in judicial systems can lead to trial delays, hinder economic growth, and ultimately erode access to justice. This study examines the Supreme Court of India through the lens of service operations and proposes realistic strategies for improvement. The Indian Supreme Court operates under a structure where the same judge repeatedly reviews a single case—a system that can be modeled as a case management queue. Based on actual case data, the research team developed a simulation model that realistically represents the two-phase judicial process: pre-admission and post-admission. The model reflects actual conditions, including shared judicial capacity across phases and non-working days such as holidays. The study found that inefficiencies arise from misalignment between case scheduling and judicial capacity, as well as from rigid calendaring systems. However, by introducing more flexible scheduling, average trial delays could potentially be reduced by up to 65%. This research offers a data-driven and operationally feasible alternative for enhancing judicial system performance and delivering more timely and equitable legal services.
