Please enter a search term.
Online/Offline
Online (Zoom)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
LG-POSCO Hall SUPEX Hall & B3 Lecture Room, Hyundai Motor Hall
MSBA Capstone Final Presentation: Solving Real-World Business Challenges Through Data The final presentation of the MSBA capstone projects, which focus on solving real-world business challenges through data-driven approaches, was held on Friday, January 16. The event was organized to explore the DTB (Data to Business) model through industry–academia collaboration and to share project outcomes that addressed practical challenges faced by companies using data and analytical techniques. Kyung Sam Park, Center Director, and Jeonghyun Kim, Academic Director of the MSBA program, along with representatives from multiple partner organizations, attended the event both online and offline to review the students’ project results. During the presentation, a total of seven teams showcased the outcomes of their capstone projects conducted across various industries and corporate partners. All projects were grounded in a shared guiding question—“How can data be effectively translated into real-world decision-making and execution?”—and focused on designing structures and tools that enable analytical insights to be directly applied in business practice. One team, collaborating with LG CNS, proposed a solution to address the “bottleneck between insight and execution” that arises during business process analysis within the rapidly growing BPM (Business Process Management) market. While process intelligence offers significant potential, the team highlighted its limitations in translating insights into execution. To address this challenge, they aimed to develop a system that systematically stores extensive business process assets and integrates AI agents to generate evidence-based Q&A responses and actionable improvement recommendations. In particular, their process modeling based on BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and agent design drew considerable attention. Another project, conducted in collaboration with LG Household & Health Care, proposed a marketing insight tool leveraging unstructured data. The project focused on enabling faster and more accurate identification of market trends through AI technologies, thereby enhancing decision-making and productivity for marketing practitioners. The team designed an AI agent–based chatbot that allows users to efficiently search for and utilize relevant information within large-scale datasets. A team collaborating with PwC proposed an automated corporate performance analysis system utilizing an ontology-based Graph-RAG architecture. Recognizing that time delays in corporate performance analysis directly translate into opportunity costs, the team pointed out the limitations of general-purpose large language models (LLMs) in fully understanding company-specific contexts. To address this challenge, they proposed a multi-agent–based system that structurally pre-learns corporate information, enabling more reliable analysis and faster decision-making. Another project, conducted in collaboration with Hyundai Department Store, focused on advancing data-driven ordering decisions in the fresh food category, particularly fruits. Using sales data by date, store, and product from top-performing locations—including the Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Store, Trade Center Store, and Pangyo Store—the team built time-series demand forecasting models and presented a proof-of-concept (PoC) decision support model designed to simultaneously minimize waste rates and stockout rates. A key feature of the project was the application of methodologies tailored to data characteristics, ranging from SQL and statistical techniques to machine learning and deep learning. In the Hyundai Motor Blue Members project, the team presented a customized decision-making toolkit designed to strengthen customer retention through promotion- and partner-based strategies. Leveraging integrated Blue Members membership data, the toolkit structures customer status and partner information to identify customers with a high likelihood of behavioral change in the near term, enabling proactive engagement. The system also allows for comparisons of partner commission fees and benefit changes from both performance and risk perspectives. By applying different models based on the depth of available customer information, the toolkit recommends optimal partner offerings in advance, supporting more effective and data-driven decision-making. Another team, collaborating with Hyundai Motor Securities, presented a project focused on enhancing retirement pension product recommendation services to acquire new IRP (Individual Retirement Pension) customers. In an environment of intensifying competition among banks and securities firms, the team designed a recommendation solution that precisely matches retirement pension products with customers’ investment profiles, with a particular emphasis on downside risk. Targeting second-generation baby boomers as the primary segment, the project placed strong emphasis on reliability and explainability. In the project conducted in collaboration with Hyundai Home Shopping, the team proposed a plan to develop recommendation algorithms optimized for Hmall’s business characteristics. By implementing personalized recommendation logic based on customer clustering, the project aimed to increase purchase conversion rates while also designing a structure that considers future expansion into AI-powered shopping agents. During the feedback session that followed the presentations, partner organization representatives offered a series of positive evaluations. A representative from Hyundai Motor Securities commented, “The portfolio design centered on loss thresholds and the personalized reports demonstrate a level of sophistication rarely seen in existing financial services,” adding that “with appropriate legal review, the solution could be applied directly to real-world operations without difficulty.” A representative from Hyundai Home Shopping also noted, “We plan to apply the algorithms developed through this project to Hmall starting in February,” and added that “the project provided practical support in internalizing recommendation systems and expanding AI-based services in the future.” The event concluded with closing remarks from Jeonghyun Kim, Academic Director of the MSBA program. He noted that the students’ sustained efforts over the approximately one-year project period, which began last February, were fully reflected in the final outcomes. He also shared that it was particularly impressive to see how students have become increasingly adept at leveraging more advanced technologies with each successive cohort. He added, “While the final presentation marks the end of this stage, I encourage you to carry the projects through with a strong sense of responsibility so that the deliverables can be meaningfully applied in real business settings,” and expressed his appreciation to the representatives of the partner organizations for their collaboration. The MSBA program is designed around industry–academia collaboration, with a curriculum structured to ensure that data analysis results can be effectively applied in real-world business contexts. The capstone project is a representative example of this approach, in which students define problems based on actual data from partner companies and carry out the full process—from analysis to the design of decision-support tools. The outcomes presented at this final presentation demonstrate that the DTB (Data to Business) education model pursued by the MSBA program is being implemented at a level suitable for practical, real-world application.
2026.01.27국제실
THE 2026 Business and Economics Rankings : Korea University Ranks No. 57 Worldwide, No. 1 in Korea Korea University Business School has once again demonstrated its global competitiveness in the field of business and economics. In the Business and Economics University Rankings 2026, released on the 21st by the UK-based higher education ranking organization Times Higher Education (THE), Korea University ranked 57th worldwide, placing first among universities in Korea. The THE Business and Economics Rankings assess universities’ performance in business and economics worldwide based on five key indicators: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality (Citations), International Outlook, and Industry Income. This year, Korea University recorded a total score of 62.7, marking a significant improvement compared to the previous year. In particular, the Teaching category—which reflects faculty reputation and the learning environment—scored 59.0, an increase of 13.3 points from last year’s 45.7. The Research Environment category, which evaluates research reputation and conditions, also rose by 12.4 points year-on-year to 56.2. As both indicators are derived from surveys of faculty members at peer institutions in Korea and abroad, the results highlight a substantial rise in international and domestic academic recognition of Korea University Business School’s excellence in education and research. In addition, Korea University demonstrated strong competitiveness in industry–academia collaboration and practical research outcomes by recording a near-perfect score of 99.9 in the Industry Income category. The university also earned 82.2 points in International Outlook, underscoring its performance in international collaborative research and global networking. While Korea University had previously been placed in the 101–125 range in last year’s rankings, it re-entered the global top 100 this year, marking a clear upward trajectory. To be included in the THE rankings, universities must meet stringent criteria, including the publication of at least 200 papers in relevant fields over the past five years and the maintenance of a minimum number of full-time faculty members. This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects how Korea University Business School’s sustained efforts in educational innovation and strengthening research competitiveness have translated into international recognition. The balanced growth across both educational and research environments demonstrates that Korea University Business School is firmly establishing itself as a global institution for business education, extending its presence beyond the domestic stage. This achievement is significant not merely as a single ranking result, but also as evidence of Korea University Business School’s sustained competitiveness across a range of global benchmarks. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Korea University ranked 28th in Marketing, 42nd in Business & Management Studies, and 50th in Accounting & Finance, placing the school among the world’s leading institutions across key disciplinary areas. In addition, Korea University’s Executive MBA program ranked 61st worldwide in the Financial Times (FT) Executive MBA Ranking 2025, and was recognized as the only program in Korea included in the global Top 100. In terms of educational quality, Korea University became the first institution in Korea to obtain AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation for all degree programs in 2005, and successfully achieved its fifth consecutive accreditation in 2025. This track record demonstrates the school’s continued commitment to maintaining an educational system that meets rigorous international accreditation standards. Eonsoo Kim, Dean of Korea University Business School, commented on the achievement, saying, “This result reflects the consistent, long-term strategies pursued by all members of our community across both education and research. Achieving first place domestically is a significant milestone that reaffirms our global competitiveness.” He added, “We will continue to advance educational innovation to enhance students’ learning experiences, strengthen our research competitiveness, and expand international collaboration, ensuring that Korea University Business School continues to earn recognition on the global stage.” Contact: Korea University Business School Public Relations Team(02-3290-1688, kubs@korea.ac.kr)
2026.01.26국제실
Korea University–ESADE Expand Exchange in Tech-Based Marketing Education The 2026 ESADE International Study Tour: Technology-Driven Marketing, hosted by the Executive Education Center (EEC) of Korea University Business School, began on January 5 at the Hyundai Motor Hall. On the first day, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu welcomed the participants with opening remarks delivered in Spanish, saying, “I hope the five-day journey we will share together will be both valuable and enjoyable.” He then introduced the faculty members leading the program, as well as the EEC staff supporting its operation, and proceeded with the orientation. Following the orientation, participants attended the first lecture and officially began the program. Students actively followed the lecture, promptly organizing the material as it was presented. During the Q&A session, questions focused on the applicability of the cases discussed. Some students drew comparisons with examples from their home markets, while others raised detailed questions about how Korean companies utilize data and navigate digital transformation processes. Even after the lecture concluded, participants continued their discussions—asking questions at the front of the lecture hall and comparing notes with one another during breaks. On the evening of the same day, a welcome dinner was held at Ahn Young-Il Hall on the sixth floor of the LG–POSCO Hall. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Professor Weon Sang Yoo, and Associate Dean Byung Cho Kim attended the dinner. Participants gathered around tables to enjoy their meal and conversation, and many exchanged questions about the different types and names of makgeolli and soju prepared at each table. Associate Dean Ryu and the faculty members moved from table to table, continuing conversations with participants while explaining the brewing process of makgeolli and how to pronounce its name. After the dinner, Associate Dean Ryu gave a brief introduction to Korea University Business School. He remarked, “Once you complete this program, you will also become members of the Korea University alumni community,” and went on to introduce the school’s scale, major degree programs, and global alumni network. He concluded the first day’s schedule by adding, “I hope today has helped you gain a better understanding of the school and the program.” The program consisted of 76 lectures on Technology-Driven Marketing, two visits to Korean companies, and one cultural experience, with approximately 4,450 master’s students from ESADE Business School participating. The five-day program ran from January 5 to January 9 and was held in Room 303301 of the Hyundai Motor Hall. Participants who successfully completed the full program were awarded a certificate of completion issued under the name of the Dean of Korea University Business School. Lecture topics included: △ Platform Growth and Market Strategy △ Digital Transformation and Data Literacy △ Korea’s Economic Development Strategy △ The Impact of Generative AI on the Marketing Industry and Practices △ Digital Customer Engagement △ AI and Creativity: At the Frontier of Everything △ Customer Satisfaction: Creating Firm Value Through Customer Value △ Digital Customer Engagement: Framework and Cases △ AI Business Solutions: Trends and Insights △ Data-Driven Decision Making in Marketing △ Algorithm Literacy for Marketing Success △ Digital Transformation: Theory and Practice △ Data-Driven Customer Satisfaction: Creating Firm Value Through Customer Value. For each lecture, students applied the presented frameworks to real-world cases and organized their analyses accordingly. During discussion sessions, they examined key issues in teams and built upon one another’s perspectives. Throughout the classes, participants frequently asked detailed questions—such as clarifications on terminology and data interpretation methods—and after lectures, many continued the discussion by approaching faculty members to further explore the topics covered. At the graduation ceremony on the final day, each student’s name was called, and certificates of completion were presented. Applause and cheers filled the venue as participants wrapped up the program by taking group photos and exchanging farewells. In his closing remarks, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu expressed his hope that the time spent at Korea University would remain a pleasant and meaningful learning experience, once again highlighting the university’s alumni network. He also emphasized that, through this program, ESADE students had become part of the Korea University community and expressed his hope that they would continue to serve as ambassadors for the university after returning home. On the evening of the graduation ceremony, an off-campus farewell dinner was held. The lead professors commended the participants for their commitment over the five-day program and extended their gratitude to the EEC staff who supported the event. Participants gathered to share a final meal and exchange parting words. Conducted over five days, this ESADE International Study Tour successfully combined academic instruction with meaningful exchange and concluded by reaffirming the potential for future collaboration between Korea University and ESADE. Meanwhile, the EEC plans to further expand academic exchanges and will host another International Study Tour from January 26 to January 30 through an additional visit by ESADE Business School master’s students. This upcoming program will feature a different group of participants and will focus on the theme of “Digital Transformation,” with lectures and exchange activities scheduled accordingly.
CHOO CHOO Cohort 20 Signals the Start of a New Startup Journey The orientation for new resident companies of CHOO CHOO Cohort 20 was held on Tuesday, January 6, at The STAGE (Room 201) in the KUBS Main Building. The orientation brought together nine teams newly joining Startup Station, who received an overview of the residency program and guidance on startup life at the station. The nine teams selected through the 2025 Startup Express Winter Season include: △Pearing, an AI- and SaaS-based platform that improves special education administration; △ SnapScale, a vertical LLM–based chemical process design automation solution; △ Jo & An, an AI-powered end-to-end (E2E) self-guided travel solution; △ Playlab, an AI-based service that automates the entire seeding marketing process; △ Daily Compound, an AI-powered self-guided tour service; △ Hintefe (Humanproof), a mobile bespoke jewelry workshop powered by AI tutors; △ Machinery Republic, an AX-based industrial machinery trading service; △ Lococo, a global K-beauty retail platform operating both online and offline; and △ Achiva, a social networking platform for sharing personal achievements. These teams will move forward together with Startup Station as members of CHOO CHOO Cohort 20. The event opened with a welcome address by Joon Ho Hwang, Director of the KUBS Startup Station. Director Hwang remarked, “Entrepreneurship is a journey that is difficult to undertake alone,” adding, “I hope that everyone gathered here will share their experiences and challenges, grow together, and create meaningful outcomes.” This was followed by a session in which representatives of each resident company introduced their teams and shared their impressions of joining the station. The representatives expressed their expectations for the residency and their desire to build a community that fosters positive synergy through collaboration and networking. A representative from Daily Compound shared their aspirations, stating, “As our service is an enterprise B2B tool, there is much we hope to learn by exchanging ideas with others. We look forward to growing together by supporting one another.” A representative from Machinery Republic also commented, “It is an honor to be alongside such outstanding teams. I hope to learn a great deal from the other teams.” This was followed by Young Kyung Kim, Director of the Iljin Center for Startup Incubation, who outlined the mentoring framework for resident companies. Director Kim remarked, “Warren Buffett once described his relationship with Benjamin Graham as one of companions who grow together,” adding, “I hope our resident companies will also build relationships with their mentors in which they can grow together.” He continued, “We will provide practical support in establishing essential systems, including contract drafting and financial management.” The mentoring program consists of Station Meetings, where resident companies present their business progress on a bimonthly basis, and On-Demand Mentoring, which can be requested whenever assistance is needed. Director Kim emphasized, “We aim to foster a mentoring environment where participants can communicate openly and engage in free discussion.” Following the orientation, teams were assigned seating within the Iljin Center for Startup Incubation. The event concluded with a luncheon meeting, providing an opportunity for team members and Startup Station staff to connect and exchange ideas. KUBS Startup Station supports young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in realizing entrepreneurship and innovation through sharing and collaboration. Teams selected through the Startup Station residency program, Startup Express, are eligible for six months of rent-free residency at the Iljin Center for Startup Incubation. Resident companies also receive practical, hands-on training that spans both theory and application through Startup Essential, an onboarding education program for newly admitted teams, delivered by startup and industry experts. Through this orientation, the CHOO CHOO Cohort 20 teams officially began their journey at KUBS Startup Station, fully prepared to take on new challenges ahead.
Korea University Business School MSBA Holds Information Session for 2026 Spring BA Admits The Center for Digital Transformation and Business (CDTB) at Korea University Business School held an information session on January 6 for students admitted to the 2026 Spring BA intake. The event was organized to support admitted students in making informed enrollment decisions and featured an overview of the program, a discussion with current students, and a Q&A session. The session opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Jeunghyun Kim, Academic Director of the MSBA program. Congratulating the admitted students, Professor Kim stated, “This session is designed to provide a realistic overview of the MSBA program and the academic environment students can expect to experience.” This was followed by an introduction to the MSBA program. The MSBA is a master’s program offered by the Graduate School ,of Korea University Business School, featuring a practice-oriented curriculum focused on developing Business Analytics capabilities. A distinguishing feature of the program is that, in place of a traditional academic thesis, students fulfill graduation requirements through a company-collaborative capstone project. The program follows an intensive structure in which two years’ worth of coursework is completed within one year. In the first semester, foundational and required courses in data analysis and business problem-solving are offered in a concentrated format. In subsequent semesters, students engage fully in the capstone project. Some courses may be taken during the summer term, allowing students to better balance their academic workload across semesters. In the latter part of the session, a discussion was held with current students from the sixth cohort of the MSBA program. Drawing on their firsthand experiences, the students shared insights into the program’s academic rigor and learning environment. One student remarked, “With classes, assignments, and team projects running concurrently, the perceived level of difficulty is quite high,” adding that “it is important to secure an environment conducive to focusing on one’s studies.” Further explanations were also provided regarding the capstone project. Another student noted, “By conducting analyses based on real corporate data, we gain experience with the entire process—from problem definition to deriving results,” explaining that “the project outcomes can be used as a portfolio for employment or career exploration after graduation.” The student also emphasized that “differences in outcomes depend largely on individual engagement and effort rather than on the program itself.” During the Q&A session, participants raised questions regarding academic workload, English proficiency requirements, graduation criteria, and career pathways. The session concluded with additional Q&A exchanges between admitted students and current students, followed by closing remarks from Center Director Kyung Sam Park. CDTB stated that it plans to continue providing information and opportunities for communication so that admitted students can fully understand the program before deciding whether to enroll.
2026.01.23국제실
See You in 2026 at Korea University: 2025 CEMS Annual Events, Rio In early December, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—host city of the 2025 CEMS Annual Events organized by FGV-EAESP (FGV School of Business Administration)—became a venue where celebration and preparation unfolded simultaneously. While a graduation ceremony was taking place on stage, delegations from the next host institution were conducting site inspections and engaging in detailed discussions behind the scenes. The baton was officially passed, with the destination confirmed as Seoul in November 2026—Korea University Business School. CEMS (Global Alliance in Management Education) is a global alliance of leading business schools operating under the principle of “one country, one school.” Because only one institution may represent each country, CEMS is clearly distinguished from conventional exchange agreements or other international accreditations. The term “national representative” is no exaggeration, as membership entails responsibilities commensurate with its prestige. In Korea, Korea University Business School is the sole member institution. The CEMS MIM (Master in International Management) is the only degree program offered by CEMS. Students complete the common CEMS curriculum alongside distinctive courses and academic offerings provided by each member school. In the case of Korea University’s CEMS Global MIM program, students earn a master’s degree from Korea University in addition to the CEMS MIM certificate. In other words, the CEMS MIM is not a program operated independently by a single institution, but an educational framework jointly developed by member schools and implemented individually by each—an approach that closely aligns with the guiding principle of “Think Globally, Act Locally.” The CEMS Annual Events serve both as a celebration of student achievement and as a forum where the CEMS headquarters and member schools come together to exchange ideas and engage in rigorous, productive discussions for the continuous development of the alliance. Over the course of two days, Program Directors from member schools collaborated to enhance academic systems and curriculum development, while program managers discussed strategies to strengthen student-centered administrative services. During representative meetings and the General Assembly, major policies were reviewed and key decisions were made, and a range of networking events took place in the evenings. On the final day, the highlight of the events—the graduation ceremony—was held. This year’s graduation in Rio welcomed more than 400 graduates from around the world, along with approximately 800 family members and guests. In addition to the conferral of diplomas, the ceremony featured inspiring congratulatory remarks and performances unique to Brazil, creating a rich and memorable celebration. With Korea University confirmed as the host for 2026, this year’s Annual Events also served as an opportunity for the next host institution to conduct on-site inspections and carry out the operational handover. Accordingly, a five-member delegation from Korea University—Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Academic Director Tony C. Garrett, Professor Kayryung Koo, Team Head Bina Ok, and staff member Song Hee Chung—participated in the events and formally received the baton from FGV at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony. During the AE period, the delegation held handover meetings with FGV representatives to review plans and operational details, while also consulting with the CEMS headquarters on related matters. At the General Assembly, they unveiled a promotional video prepared for the 2026 events and shared updates on the preparation progress. In nearly 40 years of CEMS history, Korea University’s hosting of the Annual Events in 2026 will mark the first time the events are held in Asia. Korea University, which has played a pioneering role in the history of management education in Korea, will use this occasion to establish a new milestone for the region. In particular, given that institutions such as the National University of Singapore and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology joined CEMS earlier than Korea University, the decision to designate Korea University as the host reflects the institution’s demonstrated pride and spirit of challenge. ▶ Watch the promotional video From November 26 to 28, 2026, the CEMS community will gather at Korea University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The upcoming Annual Events hosted by Korea University will be meticulously prepared to ensure they leave a lasting impression on CEMS members and serve as a model of best practice for future host institutions. The event’s core visual element, the logo, was designed around eosahwa—a traditional flower symbolizing and celebrating graduates’ achievements—together with various motifs representing Korea’s past, present, and future. The traditional roof tile of Korean architecture symbolizes cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and an aesthetic refined over time, while the Taegeuk emblem represents harmony and balance, further strengthening the connection to Korean identity. The promotional video was produced in line with the same visual concept, conveying the message that participants from around the world are brought together through K-culture and history, K-beauty, K-food, K-pop, and Korea University. The invitation extended by Korea University through this logo and video is simple: to meet in Seoul on November 26, 2026. Korea University Business School continues its steady preparations to welcome the CEMS community and to deliver, in Seoul, a week worthy of that invitation.
