Eunmi Ko

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“Challenging tradition in Korea’s steel industry while forging a sustainable, inclusive path forward with heart.”

Hometown: Yeongju, South Korea

Fun Fact About Yourself: I majored in Korean history and am a certified Korean tour guide. I love introducing Korea’s culture and stories, both fun and scholarly. Also, I shipped eight boxes from Korea to Durham before arriving, and somehow, all of them went missing. I’ve been tracing them across the East and West Coasts of the U.S. ever since.

Undergraduate School and Major: Seoul National University, B.A. in Korean History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: POSCO, Manager in Hot Rolled Steel Marketing (formerly Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO)

I oversee production planning and sales strategies for 8.5 million tons of hot-rolled steel annually. I coordinate with 12 sales groups and two steelworks and lead pricing negotiations for Korea’s largest re-roller, managing over 1 million tons of annual sales to Korea’s largest re-roller.

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? Supportive Ambition has been the driving force in my career. Steel is more than just a product; it supports industries like construction and automotive that shape national growth. I take pride in helping clients succeed, and I believe that sharing knowledge and value is how we build a better world.

Fuqua’s philosophy of growing together, not alone, is what drew me to Fuqua. Just before arriving in Durham, I lost all my belongings during an international move. Yet my classmates, many of whom I had just met, offered clothes, shopping help, and heartfelt support. In that moment, I felt deeply welcomed and understood what it truly means to be part of the Fuqua community.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Fuqua’s Energy & Environment concentration was a decisive factor. As someone working in one of the world’s highest-emission industries, I’m eager to lead carbon-neutral change at my industry. Courses like Climate, Sustainability and Corporate Governance, and the EDGE Seminar (offered by Fuqua’s Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment) will equip me with the insights and practical tools needed to drive real transformation.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? Volunteering has shaped my life from early on, from building children’s libraries to launching a Braille book club at work. I’m especially looking forward to the MBA Games in support of the Special Olympics of North Carolina. It’s the perfect combination of service, energy, and community.

As a woman who built her career in a male-dominated industry, I’m also excited to engage with the Association of Women in Business. I hope to learn from inspiring alumnae and share my own journey to support the next generation of women leaders.

What do you like most about North Carolina so far? The bright sun and clear skies have made a lasting first impression. This is my first time in the U.S., and being surrounded by trees and open sky after years in a concrete office tower is a joy. It feels like I’m on a mini field trip every day. I also love how people smile and greet each other; it makes everything feel warm and welcoming.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career? When our largest client faced a motor breakdown that halted operations, I led a company-wide response to deliver emergency steel within three days, reducing the usual 16-day lead time by more than 80 percent. As a result, we prevented a 40 percent production loss, secured an additional 30,000-ton order, and increased market share with this key client by 3 percentage points.

This experience reaffirmed how rewarding it is to unite a team around a clear objective and work collaboratively toward the success of our customer. I was reminded that the most meaningful achievements come not just from delivering results, but from doing so through shared commitment, urgency, and a deep sense of purpose.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? The steel industry is under pressure to reinvent itself for a low-carbon future. I want to lead that transformation by combining my industry experience with strategic and sustainability-focused leadership.

More personally, I hope to grow through meaningful connections, academic challenges, and stepping far outside my comfort zone. If I can look back and say I’ve grown professionally, academically, and as a global citizen, that’s success!

DON’T MISS: MEET DUKE FUQUA’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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