As the 2022-23 Sheth Distinguished International Alumni Award recipient, Woo Taek Kim 90MBA says he is honored to receive such recognition. Established by a generous gift from Madhu and Jagdish Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing, the Sheth award is given annually to a Goizueta Business School alum who is highly distinguished in their business, profession, or life’s work, and who has made significant contributions to humanity, science, art, or human welfare. 

Kim is the founder and CEO of global media content company Next Entertainment World (NEW) and has executively produced more than 63 movies and 13 dramas, including popular Korean hits “Train to Busan,” “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” and “Descendants of The Sun.” Kim and his wife Mimi, also an Emory alum, continue to be actively engaged with the university. 

“This award serves as a strong motivator for me to continue contributing to the global cultural landscape by creating entertaining yet meaningful content,” Kim says.

Emory has a strong history of producing mission-focused leaders across both the public and private sectors, and this award strengthens my sense of conviction to continue contributing to this long-standing history as a proud alumnus of Emory.

Woo Taek Kim 90MBA

Katie Busch, executive director of International Advancement, nominated Kim for the award.  

“It’s the work that [Woo Taek and Mimi] have done with so much integrity, they are incredibly generous both with their time and their treasure,” Busch says.

We have alumni globally who are making amazing impacts in every sector of society, creating businesses and changing people’s lives.

Katie Busch, executive director of International Advancement

Philip Wainwright, vice provost for Global Strategy and Initiatives, says the award highlights the impact that Goizueta has beyond the borders of the United States. 

“It’s a wonderful recognition of the excellence of our international students,” Wainwright says.

In the case of Woo Taek, he’s had a tremendous impact in a very important field as Korea is a center for the entertainment industry. He has made a tremendous contribution there.

Philip Wainwright, vice provost for Global Strategy and Initiatives

Goizueta has been a true home away from him for Kim and has continued to push him to pursue new adventures throughout his life and career.  

“Prior to Emory, I had never left my home country of Korea,” Kim says. “To say that I was scared when arriving in Emory for the first time would be an understatement. However, during my two years at Emory, my friends, professors, mentors, and most importantly, my wife (whom I met at Emory) encouraged me to challenge myself to pursue new challenges and take risks. These values and memories have served as a compass as I navigated the highs and lows of my career.” 

Learn more about the Sheth Distinguished International Alumni Award, established through a generous gift from Madhu and Jagdish Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at Goizueta Business School.