Graduate School of Business Partners with LIFE Asset Management to Foster Women Leaders in Corporate Governance N
- Date2026.06.18
- 329
Collaboration to Identify and Develop a Pipeline of Female Independent Director Candidates
Expanding Women’s Participation on Corporate Boards
(From left) Kim Bong-jin, Dean of the Graduate School of Business at Ewha Womans University, and Lee Chae-won, Chairman of LIFE Asset Management
The Graduate School of Business (Dean Kim Bong-jin) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LIFE Asset Management (Chairman Lee Chae-won) on June 15 at Ewha Shinsegae Hall to cultivate female professionals in the field of corporate governance.
The agreement was established to identify women business leaders and foster female professionals who can play pivotal roles in corporate governance. Through this partnership, the two institutions will work together to expand women’s participation in corporate governance and board activities.
Specifically, the partners agreed to exchange knowledge, technologies, and other information to develop and operate high-quality educational programs. They will also collaborate to secure faculty members, identify field practicum opportunities, and create domestic and international engagement opportunities to support the development of women governance professionals.
In addition, the two organizations pledged to cooperate across a wide range of areas, including research on business practices and academic curricula, providing consultation and recommendations, supporting participation in related initiatives, and co-hosting special events.
In particular, the Graduate School of Business will provide LIFE Asset Management with information on candidates for independent director positions. In turn, LIFE Asset Management will give priority consideration—subject to applicable laws and internal procedures—to graduates of the Graduate School of Business’sWomen Independent Directors Programwhen appointing independent directors.
This collaboration is expected to establish a practical pathway for qualified female professionals to advance into corporate boardrooms.
As Korea’s first institution to offer master’s and doctoral degrees in business administration for women, the Graduate School of Business at Ewha Womans University has long been committed to cultivating women leaders. In response to growing social demand for greater diversity and expertise on corporate boards, the school launched theWomen Independent Directors Program.
The program provides systematic training in the core competencies required of independent directors, including corporate management, ESG, accounting and finance, law, and governance, while supporting women professionals in their pursuit of board positions.
Dean Kim Bong-jin stated, “This agreement marks a meaningful starting point for expanding women leaders’ participation in corporate decision-making and establishing sound corporate governance. Through close collaboration between our two institutions, we will continue to cultivate highly qualified female independent directors with the expertise and capabilities needed to lead.”
Since its establishment in July 2021, LIFE Asset Management has grown into Korea’s largest engagement fund manager, with assets under management exceeding KRW 5.1 trillion as of June 12, according to the Korea Financial Investment Association. The firm has actively promoted shareholder engagement to improve corporate governance. Earlier this January, it attracted significant market attention by facilitating the adoption of a shareholder-recommended outside director system at BNK Financial Group.
Chairman Lee Chae-won of LIFE Asset Management remarked, “Establishing sound corporate governance requires securing board members who possess both independence and expertise. Through our partnership with the Graduate School of Business at Ewha Womans University, we will identify a strong pipeline of qualified female independent director candidates and contribute to improving corporate governance in the capital markets.”
(From left) Professor Choi Seung-ho, Professor Lee Jang-wook, Associate Dean Kwon Se-won, Dean Kim Bong-jin of the Graduate School of Business, Chairman Lee Chae-won of LIFE Asset Management, Senior Manager Park Joo-hong, and Manager Lee Min-ho