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

[EMBA] Jinkyung Kim (EMBA C2027) - Kakao NEW

Expanding a Career — and Asking Bigger Questions Jinkyung Kim, currently responsible for the B2B subscription service Kakao Biz Membership at Kakao, works as a Product Owner designing integrated business solutions that help small business owners operate more efficiently. He describes his role as “Building services that reduce operating costs and support the growth of business owners in Korea.” Having started his career at a global advertising agency, he reflected: “In the beginning, I focused on building brand awareness, but over time, I became more interested in how customers’ businesses actually grow.” After gaining experience in data- and CRM-driven business environments at Salesforce and Kakao, he gradually expanded his career beyond marketing into designing products and business structures. Looking ahead, his goal is to become a leader who can design and execute scalable business models powered by AI and global market opportunities. Why Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA — From Execution to Strategy Although Kim had already built substantial hands-on experience in sales leadership at Kakao, he felt the need to structure that experience within a broader management framework. “I realized I needed a framework that would allow me to clearly explain and persuade others why a particular strategy makes sense.” This led him to choose the Kelley-SKK GSB Executive MBA program. For him, the decision was not simply about earning another degree, but about gaining practical capabilities and a global network that could be directly applied in real business environments. The Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA is a Dual MBA program jointly offered by Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB and the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. One of the program’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to learn directly from Kelley faculty in Korea. Through the program, students systematically develop global management frameworks while also gaining access to Kelley’s worldwide alumni network. Considering the scalability of his current business and future expansion into global markets, he describes the Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA as “the most strategic choice” for his next stage of growth. “Not Intuition, but Logic” — How the MBA Changed His Decision-Making Before entering the program, Kim expected the MBA experience to be heavily theory-driven. In reality, however, he found the courses to be highly practical and immediately applicable to his work. “During the launch of Kakao Biz Membership, I applied break-even point (BEP) analysis and revenue forecasting methods learned in class directly to evaluating the business model. By structurally analyzing factors such as CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) and projected revenue, I was able to assess business viability far more logically and systematically than before.” He explained that while he previously relied largely on experience and intuition when making decisions, he now approaches problems by building hypotheses and validating them with data. He also actively applies strategic thinking frameworks that connect market dynamics, customer value, and revenue structures in order to organize and solve business challenges more effectively. According to Kim, one of the biggest changes has been his ability to redesign business master plans using strategic frameworks, moving away from intuition-based decision-making toward judgments grounded in logic and structure. He also noted that interacting with leaders from diverse industries has helped him view similar business challenges from broader and more structured perspectives. “After taking the course Leading High-Performance Sales Teams, I completely redefined my perspective on sales. In the past, I focused mainly on revenue performance, but now I see customer adoption and retention as far more fundamental indicators.” He added that poorly designed sales activity metrics and incentive structures can actually reduce organizational productivity — another key insight from the program. Going forward, he plans to focus on integrating Product, Sales, and Customer Experience strategies to build a repeatable growth structure rather than pursuing short-term performance alone. Jinkyung Kim is now moving beyond execution toward becoming a leader who evaluates and drives business with clearer logic, structure, and strategic judgment. The Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA continues to sharpen and accelerate that transformation.
- 작성일 2026-05-15
- 조회수 118
[EMBA] Sarah Choi (EMBA 2026) – Boeing NEW

Sarah Choi, an alumna of the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA), works in the defense sector at Boeing in the U.S. and is currently on an overseas expat assignment in Korea. "I work closely with the Korean government, the Ministry of National Defense, and military aerospace and defense programs. My role sits at the intersection of global business, government relations, and international negotiations," she said. "The biggest reason I chose the SKK GSB EMBA was the global structure of the program. Obviously, my work is very international, so I didn't want an MBA that only covered the Korean market or only had a domestic perspective. In contrast, the SKK GSB EMBA combines a top U.S. business school with one of the best business schools in Korea. In particular, professors from Indiana University Kelley School of Business fly over from the U.S. and provide their exceptional insights," she highlighted. Reflecting on her time at SKK GSB, Sarah shared: "Of course, after a week of hard work, we had to go straight to school on Friday, and then we got a few hours of sleep before dedicating our entire Saturday to classes. But that actually made us feel a great sense of accomplishment. We didn't have our weekends for 18 months, but at the same time, we came out with 2 degrees and lifelong friendships." She also emphasized the strong relationships built during the program: "I would never have met these friends if I had stayed in the U.S. or not come here. We all understood the challenges of balancing work, life, and study. In the process, we developed a strong sense of camaraderie. It truly felt like a family, and that's something you can't buy with money." Sarah also noted how the program transformed her professional perspective: "The greatest change for me is that I now look at business problems in a more holistic way. Before the EMBA program, my work was highly specialized in contracts and negotiations, but through the program, I gained broader exposure to strategy, finance, innovation, AI, and leadership." Sarah also shared some tips for prospective students: "My advice is simple: definitely go for it. This was one of the best decisions I've made in my professional career. And make sure you truly engage in the experience beyond the classroom. Participate in activities with your classmates—whether it’s golfing, winery trips, or other social events. Those shared experiences and memories are what will truly define the program long after graduation. So enjoy the journey, and make the most of it."
- 작성일 2026-05-15
- 조회수 343
[EMBA] Gunho Chae (EMBA 2026) – Samsung Electronics NEW

"I realized I needed to broaden my perspective beyond design and become someone who could lead projects and teams from a broader business standpoint." This realization led Samsung Electronics Principal Designer Gunho Chae to pursue the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) program. He works at Samsung Electronics' Corporate Design Office (CDO). Although he had extensive experience in hands-on creative work, he felt he lacked a deeper understanding of business strategy, finance, and management. “The EMBA became an opportunity to expand the perspective I had been confined to for years," he explained. One of the key reasons he chose the program was its global structure and intensive format. The opportunity to complete a dual-degree MBA within a relatively short period particularly appealed to him. Beyond the curriculum itself, he said the program’s international environment exceeded his expectations. His cohort included classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, while professors from a various countries brought extensive global business experience into the classroom. "The insights I gained from classmates and professors with diverse backgrounds were incredibly valuable," he noted. "Visiting Indiana University Bloomington truly made us feel part of the IU Kelley community and participating in the Global Immersion Program in Washington, D.C. allowed us to experience global business and policy issues firsthand. Especially as tariff issues under the Trump administration were becoming a major topic, hearing directly from policy experts on-site helped us gain a deeper understanding of global trade and policy dynamics. Although balancing work and study was challenging, he highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie among classmates helped everyone move forward together. "We spent nearly every weekend together for a year and a half," he recalled. "At some point, they stopped feeling like a professional network and started feeling like real friends. That sense of connection became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience." The program also gave him confidence to step outside his comfort zone professionally. Coming from a design background, he initially felt unfamiliar with subjects such as accounting and finance. However, repeatedly learning new disciplines helped him overcome his fear of unfamiliar challenges. "After going through the program, I became much more confident about taking on new projects and responsibilities," he explained. "I realized that even if something feels unfamiliar at first, I can learn it and adapt." He also believes the program’s fully English environment became an unexpected opportunity for growth. "Of course, it was challenging at first, but constantly listening to and using English helped all of us improve English naturally," he noted. "More importantly, I learned how to communicate my ideas clearly." He concludes: "Many people hesitate because they worry the program will be too difficult. But once you become part of the program, your classmates support each other and move forward together. If you are willing to commit yourself, you will grow far more than you expect."
- 작성일 2026-05-11
- 조회수 542
[PMBA] Christine Seulki Kim (PMBA 2026) – Seegene

“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.” “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 1716
[PMBA] Hyo Bong Kim (PMBA 2024) – Bae, Kim & Lee

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 989
[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 1074
[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 1604
[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 1703
[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 1795
[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 2378

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