【Introduction】
Hong-joo Ryu, the Student Council President of the MBA Program, majored in business administration at Carnegie Mellon University and worked at the JP Morgan Seoul Office as a foreign exchange dealer for ten years, during which he generated profit by trading Korean won and global currencies. He made currency rate predictions by analyzing macroeconomic indicators, such as interest rate policies and economic growth rates of various countries, trading approximately two trillion Korean won daily. He received commendation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of Korea for his contributions to the market. He now serves as the President of the 19th MBA Student Council, leading 120 fellow students.

【Interview】
1. Why did you decide to join the MBA program? Was there a reason you chose to earn your MBA at the SNU Business School?
I worked as a foreign exchange trader at an international bank for ten years. Because I worked for the same company doing the same job, I often encountered the same people within the industry and felt that my knowledge was limited to what I did at work. Thinking that I might have become "a frog in a well," I decided to take a one-year break and experience and learn about new things while interacting with people from various backgrounds.
I chose Seoul National University because I completed my undergraduate degree in the United States and wanted to study at Korea's top university. I also wanted to learn from distinguished professors at SNU Business School. Additionally, I selected this program because I can earn my MBA in one year, which helps minimize my career break.

2. What has changed the most in your career goals or perspectives before and after coming to SNU?
Just as ChatGPT now produces results for various tasks like drafting documents, searching, and coding, using algorithmic trading or Application Programming Interface (API) and enabling machines to make trading decisions has become a trend in the finance sector as well. Even before starting the MBA program, I pondered what humans can add to this value in this era and what I can do better than AI. I think the courses in the MBA program helped me generate new ideas, shift my way of thinking, and realize how I can have an edge over AIs being human.

3. Please introduce us to your most memorable course or professor during your MBA program.
The most memorable course would be Professor Namgyoo Park's Creativity and Innovation. Why do Koreans prefer to buy iPhones over Samsung phones? What exactly is innovation? I had time to reflect on questions like these. I believe Professor Park broke us free from our frames of thought and stereotypes.


4. What insights or lessons did you gain from interacting with fellow students from various backgrounds?
There is so much to learn from my classmates in the SNU MBA program because each member has exceptional expertise and many strengths. I have learned about fields I previously knew nothing about, and I was also able to share my experience and knowledge.

5. What inspired you to become the President of the Student Council, and what activities have you led so far?
I will soon assume a directorial role where I will oversee my team members in my company, and in a few years, I may have to lead a large organization, so I wanted to learn more about becoming an effective leader and enhance my leadership skills during the MBA program. Serving as the Student Council President gave me early experience in leadership. I also applied for this position to interact freely with my 120 classmates and create memories we can cherish for a lifetime.
Regarding activities, we held a New Year's event with our professors last December at the Walkerhill Hotel, and this spring, we had various volunteering activities, such as helping abandoned dogs, volunteering at the Suseo Welfare Center, and planting trees in Noeul Park. We also traveled to Yangyang for Membership Training (MT).

6. What were your most rewarding and challenging moments as a representative of the MBA students?
The most rewarding moment was when my classmates thanked me and cheered me on while working and preparing for projects. I believe it feels the most meaningful when my classmates come together. The most challenging moment came when everyone wanted something different, and I had to make the final decision as the leader. Every decision has people who agree and those who disagree, so I put a lot of thought into choosing the best option.


7. What are your principles or philosophy for leadership?
I found that communication is crucial in leadership. I think it's important to reach out to as many people as possible for their opinions and to revise your thoughts and decisions as a leader. Leaders often fall into the trap of thinking, "I am always right, so you should simply follow my decisions," but I believe the higher your position as a leader, the more important it becomes to listen to your team members' opinions. I always try to learn what my classmates want and consider how I can help.

8. What is the goal you want to achieve or the legacy you want to leave as the Student Council President of the MBA program?
The greatest asset you gain from the MBA program is the people you meet here. I hope the 120 classmates can cherish the wonderful memories and networks we built throughout the year. I hope we can continue to connect and keep our strong relationship for many years after graduation.

9. Can you share any current or future career goals you have?
I plan to resume my role as a foreign exchange dealer at the international bank. I will begin working at the forefront of the financial market by leading many team members as the Director of the Finance Market Division.

10. How has the MBA program helped you reach your career goal?
I think I was able to diversify my knowledge by learning more about finance.

11. Do you have any advice for students thinking about pursuing an MBA?
I believe you won't gain much if you only take the courses in the MBA program. You have to work hard to earn something, like networks or knowledge, and you can only reap what you have sown. With dedication, the program will be a valuable time when you can learn and acquire many things in just one year.

12. How has the MBA program changed you personally and your perspective on life?
While interacting with my cohort, I became humbler as I realized how many different industries and roles exist in this world and how much I was unaware of them. I learned a lot from my classmates, who have far more strengths than I do, and I realized how much I still have to grow. I think my biggest growth is not judging people too quickly and understanding that there is something to learn from everyone.


13. What values or beliefs are important to you in your life?
As a college student, my goal was to get good grades and find a job; at work, it was to excel in my role and earn promotions. I was entirely focused on achieving these goals, and in the process, I think I may have neglected the people around me. I believe it's important to remember to slow down, even if you are busy, look around, and take care of the people in your life. I hope you will stop and ask yourself whether you are so immersed in reaching your goals that you are missing something even more critical.

14. What are your tips or routines for relieving stress during your busy schedule?
Because of the stress that comes with my job, I believe managing stress has also become part of my responsibilities. First, I think about the root cause of my stress, and if it can be fixed with effort, I try to fix it. On the other hand, if it is pointless to stress over, I try to get it out of my mind. After work, I go to the gym and try to quickly get rid of any negative thoughts.

15. Lastly, what would you like to say to the students at the SNU Business School?
I cannot thank them enough. I think I received more help than I gave to other students as the President of the Student Council, and I want to thank each and every member of our 120-person cohort. We will be busier again after graduation and returning to our roles, but I hope we will see each other often and continue to support one another throughout our lives.