Alumni Stories 게시판목록 | SKK GSB MBA , Sungkyunkwan University ( SKKU )

[PMBA] Christine Seulki Kim (PMBA 2026) – Seegene NEW

“I work in both English and Korean at Seegene. Since I work in both languages, I need a business school that delivers its curriculum in English to further improve my English proficiency. As SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University is the only Korean business school that offers a fully English-taught curriculum, I chose SKK GSB.” Christine Seulki Kim, a Senior Manager in Corporate Strategy at Seegene, a global biotechnology company specializing in in vitro molecular diagnostics, explained one of the reasons she chose the SKK GSB Professional MBA (PMBA) program from the various MBAs in Korea: “Although I couldn't go abroad to study as a working professional, I was eager to gain substantial knowledge and insights from top-tier professors in Korea. Therefore, SKK GSB, with its top-tier faculty, was the right choice for me.” With a background in biology, she found that her role in strategic planning required her to engage with a range of business models and to develop deeper insight into marketing functions. She has already actively applied business theories and concepts from the classroom to her work, particularly in finance and management, strengthening the persuasiveness of her projects. She explains: “I was able to learn how to deal with data and precise calculations in finance classes, and through management courses, I obtained concrete frameworks that helped convince different teams to collaborate on and drive my projects to success.” Even though she needs to spend her weekends doing assignments, Christine emphasizes that she would make the same decision again, highlighting how the frameworks and skill sets she has already gained from the SKK GSB PMBA have been highly valuable in her work: “I am learning core business concepts. If it were not for the MBA, I would not have had these learning opportunities. I have half a year left on my PMBA program, and I firmly believe that my two years at SKK GSB will be fantastic.”
- 작성일 2026-04-02
- 조회수 467
[PMBA] Hyo Bong Kim (PMBA 2024) – Bae, Kim & Lee NEW

Hyo Bong Kim, a lawyer who previously worked at Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service and now works at Bae, Kim & Lee (bkl), is an alumna of SKK GSB’s Professional MBA (PMBA) program. During her 11 years at the Financial Supervisory Service, she contributed to the enactment of the Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset Users. She explains that her decision to study business at SKK GSB stemmed from a clear need: “I needed a strong understanding of finance to interpret and enforce financial regulations. Not having studied finance in a structured way, I felt a strong desire to study finance in depth.” The program’s 100% English‑taught curriculum and the opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse industries were key factors in her decision. She explains: “When I was at SKK GSB, every weekend I worked on team projects with my peers. Working with outstanding peers was highly motivating. Through mingling with them in various industries, I was able to broaden my perspective.” She has benefitted from a variety of classes in her PMBA: “I especially focused on finance and marketing classes at SKK GSB. When I was working at the Financial Supervisory Service, finance classes helped strengthen my professional skills. Now, at bkl, the strategies and consumer psychology I learned in the marketing classes have equipped me to become a leading lawyer,” she emphasizes. Concluding, she advises potential applicants: “I recommend the SKK GSB Professional MBA program to those who have hands‑on experience and feel the need for rigorous learning. Of course, studying at business school while working is quite demanding. After graduation, you will definitely be able to see your growth and accomplishments.”
- 작성일 2026-04-01
- 조회수 275
[FMBA] Jungmin Bae (FMBA 2017) – Samchully

At Samchully, Korea’s largest natural gas company, Jungmin Bae (FMBA 2017) now leads M&A initiatives, drawing directly on the structured business training he received at SKK GSB. He explains that before beginning his Full‑Time MBA (FMBA), he had already handled M&A and felt confident in his solid hands‑on experience and practical knowledge, but that the detailed theories he learned from diverse faculty members revealed clear areas for improvement and helped him to organize his experience more systematically. Today, he especially values how the FMBA helped him identify and strengthen weak points while giving him a more coherent framework for sourcing M&A targets, executing deals, and identifying new growth drivers for the company. Mr Bae chose SKK GSB’s FMBA because he wanted to build global competitiveness by learning business knowledge and skills in English alongside international students, and because of the program’s top global ranking among MBAs in Korea. He also emphasizes the appeal of opportunities to study at leading global institutions such as the Kelley School of Business and the MIT Sloan School of Management, which further broadened his perspective and network. Looking back, he highlights the intensive group projects as some of his most memorable experiences: although teams initially struggled to understand project requirements, they soon embraced the challenges together, and he recalls the periods of shared effort, learning, and camaraderie as being “filled with laughter and enjoyment.” For professionals who already have substantial hands‑on experience, Mr Bae strongly recommends the FMBA at SKK GSB. He believes the program provides a rare opportunity to systematize practical experience through theory, to deepen conceptual understanding, and to acquire practical tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace. This combination of rigorous academics, international exposure, and collaborative learning makes the program an ideal platform for advancing from operational roles into more strategic, leadership‑oriented positions.
- 작성일 2026-03-23
- 조회수 534
[EMBA] Yura Hwang (EMBA 2027) – NAVER Z

"I was at a stage where I needed to take on a leadership role, not just a hands‑on role." This realization led AI expert and game‑planner‑turned‑author Yura Hwang to embark on the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) program. After majoring in computer engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, Ms Hwang started her career as a game planner at leading game companies in Korea, where she led end‑to‑end planning of game concepts, themes, and narrative structures. Over time, she felt it was a waste to leave her coding skills unused, so she moved to a private coding academy, teaching learners from children to adults. She later served as a branch manager at a private coding academy, where she worked closely with people from diverse backgrounds. Through those experiences, she was inspired to explore a new field and ultimately transitioned into the IT industry, joining a company that develops creator platforms. Leveraging both her coding skills and planning experience, she took on a new role as a Tech Evangelist at Naver Z. “I completed my BS degree at Sungkyunkwan University, so since I'd paid attention to my university, I knew SKK GSB's reputation. That is why I did not consider other schools' MBA programs as an option,” she explains. The opportunity to complete a dual‑degree MBA within 18 months particularly stood out. “Even though I could strategic planning and had honed my coding skills, I did not know business law, accounting, or finance,” she reflects. “After spending six months at SKK GSB, I knew how to distribute tasks to team members considering costs and Return on Investment [ROI]. I also earned the trust of the company's leadership by reporting my work with a clear focus on cost and other factors when I reported my tasks.” She concludes: “As an AI and digital expert, I believe that people who have insights, know what is needed in the market, and know how to manage people will thrive in the age of AI. I firmly believe an MBA nurtures those talents.”
- 작성일 2026-02-19
- 조회수 987
[EMBA] Borami Sun (EMBA 2026) – H&M Group

“I chose the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA Program since it provides dual degrees—one is the best MBA in Korea; the other is from a prestigious business school in the U.S.” says Borami Sun, a Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) student. Borami Sun, a Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) student, serves as Head of Compliance at H&M Group, overseeing four fashion brands and serving as a Registered Representative Director. As her responsibilities expanded beyond a single market, Borami chose the Kelley–SKK GSB EMBA as a strategic investment to prepare for regional and cross-border leadership. She sought to strengthen her global perspective, strategic judgment, and multi-market decision-making capability—while continuing in her executive role. Throughout the program, she led complex governance functions while building the competencies required for regional leadership. As she now approaches graduation, she reflects that this intentional investment translated into tangible career progression. During the program, she was promoted to Regional Expansion Manager for East Asia, leading regional growth strategy, portfolio development, and long-term investment decisions. This transition marked a pivotal shift from functional leadership to regional business leadership, requiring broader strategic thinking and cross-market coordination. She credits the EMBA with equipping her to navigate this transition by integrating financial, operational, and strategic perspectives in complex decision-making environments. “The program helped me position myself for the next stage of leadership,” she says. “It strengthened my ability to think beyond individual markets and lead at a regional level.” Delivered through an intensive weekend format and taught largely by Kelley faculty in Korea, the program provides the same academic rigor as the U.S. MBA experience—without a career gap. Yet, for her, the EMBA represents far more than an academic credential. “It is not just a degree,” she reflects. “It is a lifelong leadership network.” She describes the EMBA Class of 2026 as a microcosm of Korea’s business ecosystem, bringing together leaders from diverse industries. Through intensive collaboration and team-based projects, the cohort has become a dynamic learning platform where strategic and operational perspectives converge. Returning to her original motivation, she concludes: “I entered the EMBA to prepare for regional leadership. Today, I can confidently say the program has fulfilled that purpose— It strengthened my global perspective, sharpened my strategic judgment, and supported my transition into a broader leadership role.”
- 작성일 2026-02-09
- 조회수 1107
[EMBA] Younggun Kim (EMBA 2026) – EY Korea

Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA student, Younggun Kim is a Partner at EY Korea and leads the Private Equity Sector, advising global private equity clients on M&A, due diligence, and valuation for complex cross-border transactions. He is currently approaching graduation from the EMBA program—an experience that has further strengthened his strategic capabilities and global mindset. At the outset, Mr. Kim questioned whether the EMBA would meaningfully enhance his expertise, given his academic background in economics and his qualifications as a Certified Public Accountant. “At the beginning, I wondered whether the EMBA would dramatically elevate my knowledge and skills,” he recalls. “Looking back over the past year, I now realize that assumption was completely wrong.” He points to the depth and practical relevance of the curriculum, noting that faculty from the Kelley School of Business deliver case-driven lectures grounded in both international and Korean business contexts. These experiences have sharpened his ability to analyze market dynamics and make well-structured strategic decisions. Courses in leadership and organizational management have directly informed his day-to-day work, while executive-focused classes have provided a more systematic framework for strategic problem-solving. “The program offers curated courses designed to prepare us for C-suite roles and delivers thoughtful, actionable insights,” Mr. Kim says. “Equally important, interaction with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds has given me perspectives I had never encountered before.” He also highlights the practical impact of coursework on artificial intelligence. “In the age of AI, the ability to effectively leverage AI tools has become essential in the workplace,” he notes. “The classes covering recent trends and technologies provided frameworks that I actively apply in my professional work.” Beyond the classroom, Mr. Kim values the network built through shared experiences and team-based projects, describing the relationships formed as both professionally and personally meaningful—and likely to endure well beyond graduation. He further cites the Global Immersion Program in Washington, D.C. as a defining experience that deepened his understanding of international affairs, politics, and the global economy, equipping him with a broader perspective as a global leader. Regarding the program’s 100% English-taught format, Mr. Kim notes that while he regularly uses English in his professional role, the EMBA experience further enhanced his proficiency and confidence. “Engaging with faculty from SKK GSB and the Kelley School of Business who bring international business cases into the classroom strengthened my global mindset,” he explains. “For prospective students concerned about language, the faculty are highly mindful of non-native English speakers and deliver lectures in a clear, effective, and engaging manner.”
- 작성일 2026-02-04
- 조회수 1218
[BAMBA] Jumin Kim (BA MBA 2027) – Finance

“If you ask me why I chose the Business Analytics MBA program at SKK GSB, I would say that it was the best choice to complement the skills essential in the AI era.” Jumin Kim (BA MBA 2027), who has worked in the finance industry for over 20 years, says the industry has been undergoing major changes, which he describes as “once in a century.” While Jumin was seeking a prestigious business school with a rigorous curriculum covering Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and programming, SKK GSB stood out to him for its teaching approach. Through in-depth discussions and learning with like-minded peers, he believed he could make a leap to the next stage of his career. Jumin is now deeply engaged in a learning journey that exceeds his expectations. “I can understand how data is generated and the analytical logic behind it. It has made me a professional who can proactively identify potential risks and inefficiencies,” he said, adding that “the BA MBA at SKK GSB does not focus solely on technical skills; rather, it emphasizes interpreting analytical results from a business perspective and linking insights to real-world strategy.” For this reason, he believes the program is highly relevant to financial practice. As data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly critical across the financial industry, Jumin expects this approach will directly support him in performing a more professional and trusted role. He also noted that classes taught entirely in English help deepen understanding of global markets, international regulations, and the global financial environment. Jumin therefore strongly recommends the program to working professionals, as it provides not only an MBA but also an opportunity for fundamental improvement in approaches to work and thinking. As decision-making increasingly relies on data and technology, SKK GSB's rigorous curriculum and teaching approach have already proven valuable in his daily work.
- 작성일 2026-01-19
- 조회수 1759
[EMBA] Yohan Lee (EMBA 2020) – Google Asia-Pacific

Alumnus Yohan Lee, who graduated from the Indiana Kelley – SKK GSB Executive MBA Program at SKK GSB in 2020, is in charge of Corporate Affairs for the Asia-Pacific region in the Government Affairs and Public Policy team for the Platforms and Devices product area at Google's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. He plays a role in communicating Google's activities in collaboration with diverse stakeholders. In this process, he works closely with the legal, communications, engineering, and business departments. Yohan, reflecting on the time when he started his MBA journey, stated that he had concerns about whether pursuing an MBA—which requires a financial investment and 1.5 years during a particularly busy period—would be a valuable asset to his career. Now, five years after his graduation from the EMBA program, he stressed, "I firmly believe that pursuing an Indiana Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA was the best investment I've ever made." "As I accumulated experience in the field and faced increasing challenges, I was able to develop my professional capability by learning theories and cases in a structured way at SKK GSB," he explained. Before starting his career at Google Asia Pacific, he worked at 3M in Korea and was involved in multiple projects in collaboration with the business units. He explained, "Finance was challenging, but through the EMBA courses, I gained financial knowledge and skills, which enabled smoother collaboration with the business units." Furthermore, he said that the knowledge gained from the EMBA program in areas such as marketing, supply chain management, business law, and distribution networks helped him to implement projects. Reminiscing about his time at SKK GSB, he stated, "I gained deep insights into the global trade policy and regulation through the Global Immersion Program in Washington, D.C. Visiting the U.S. State Department, having a discussion with Marc Knapper, former Assistant Secretary (currently U.S Ambassador to Vietnam) was unforgettable." Lectures in the EMBA program have helped his career. Networking with peers from diverse roles across various industries was an experience that broadened his horizons. "Outstanding peers were a great source of inspiration. My peers supported me when I moved to a new company and implemented projects; eventually peers played a significant role in leading me to where I am today in my career," he said. "We continue to support and help each other," he added. Reflecting on the time he spent studying in the EMBA program at SKK GSB five years ago, he said, "I miss studying with peers and having conversations every Friday evening. I also cherish the memory of sharing opinions on various topics with professors over dinner." "The EMBA program allowed me to take a look at my life and career from new perspectives. Through building new relationships with classmates, I was able to gain insights. Not only did I deepen my expertise, but I also developed a managerial perspective, which enables me to understand the overall operations of the company by understanding other departments—a great gain," he explained. "SKK GSB's EMBA program offered me multiple opportunities to grow professionally and network with peers. I recommend that you seize the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and to develop insights," he said.
- 작성일 2025-08-12
- 조회수 148664
[EMBA] Jiyoung Kim (EMBA 2025) – KB Financial Group, KB Bank

From technology expert to business leader Jiyoung Kim (EMBA, Class of 2025), an alumna of SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University, worked as a Software Architect at Samsung Electronics for 18 years, overseeing mobile device management and system development. She then became a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, providing AI and cloud solutions to over 250 firms across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and aviation. She is currently leading the Second Financial AI Center at KB Financial Holding Company, building an AI platform for the first time in the financial industry. In particular, Jiyoung realized that making an impact on business—not just technological innovation—was crucial in her journey toward becoming a tech leader. At AWS, she engaged in conversation with C-level executives, repeatedly discussing the question, "What impact will this technology have on business growth?" She strongly felt the need for strategic thinking and business acumen. Against this backdrop, she chose the Kelley-SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) program at SKK GSB, Sungkyunkwan University. Jiyoung stated that the EMBA program, with its well-structured and practice-oriented curriculum, was the right fit for her. Managing People & Organization class made her rethink her leadership style, providing a new perspective on how to lead an organization. In addition, she was impressed by the faculty, unlike her previous professors in Korea. The faculty of the Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA program didn't just deliver lectures but also exchanged opinions with students as thought partners. The U.S. education system provided her with a new learning experience. After completing the EMBA program, Jiyoung has made the transition from technology expert to business leader. She focused on the value she provided to the organizations and customers rather than on technology itself. Through this transition, Jiyoung has reached a significant turning point. She expressed that her MBA is not just a degree but a starting point for growth and new opportunities. Lastly, she advised prospective MBA students, "It is important to identify your needs and make a decision rather than wait for the perfect timing." She said that the EMBA program was challenging, and through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of business and achieved professional growth. Pursuing an EMBA at SKK GSB has been a pivotal turning point in her career and personal life.
- 작성일 2025-04-28
- 조회수 150094
[EMBA] Yoonjung Choi (EMBA 2025) – Coupang

A Must-Have Choice for Communicating with Global Business Leaders: KELLEY-SKK GSB Executive MBA Leaders who have studied abroad and gained experience in global corporations naturally master business terminology and concepts. To communicate effectively with C-level executives in global companies, one must possess a solid understanding of management and economics, as well as strong English communication skills. Coming from an engineering background and working in a global company, I keenly realized the necessity of this academic foundation. Fortunately, my team leader, who had completed an MBA at the Kelley School, recommended the KELLEY-SKK GSB EMBA program when I brought it up, encouraging me to give it a try. Throughout the 18-month EMBA journey, I learned key concepts behind the complex business terms that had once been difficult to grasp. Now, I use them with confidence, and my communication with executives has become significantly smoother. The KELLEY-SKK GSB EMBA program was more than just an opportunity to acquire knowledge—it was a transformative experience that shaped me into a professional who can thrive on the global business stage. If you are working in a company where many executives have U.S. MBA backgrounds, I strongly recommend considering the Indiana Kelley - SKK GSB EMBA program, which offers a Dual MBA. It will be a powerful choice for those aspiring to build a global career.
- 작성일 2025-03-27
- 조회수 149588

Student & Alumni Stories