Sogang University Graduate School of Business (Dean Kim Dosung) announced on the 27th (Fri) the launch of the ‘Sogang Internal Audit Research Association,’ the first of its kind in Korea, centered on internal audit practitioners from corporations, financial institutions, and public agencies.

▲ Group photo from the inaugural general meeting of the Sogang Internal Audit Research Association

The Sogang Internal Audit Research Association is a research organization composed of alumni who have completed the Internal Audit Professional Program at Sogang University Graduate School of Business—the only professional education course in Korea focused on internal audit practitioners. Its primary goals include:

●     ▲ Vitalizing the domestic internal audit market

●     ▲ Sharing practical audit case studies and information

●     ▲ Tracking trends in audit systems, policies, and environmental changes

●     ▲ Building a pool of professional internal audit talent.

The launch of this research association is highly significant as it systematically expands the research and exchange activities of internal audit professionals under academic leadership. While it is estimated that fewer than 20,000 individuals are currently engaged in management diagnosis and internal audit roles—tasks that involve preemptively identifying major business risks—the demand for internal audit functions is continuously expanding due to the recent advancement of corporate governance and the strengthening of internal controls. Consequently, the necessity for professional internal audit personnel with high-level expertise is steadily increasing.

Sogang University Graduate School of Business noted that formal platforms for internal audit practitioners to discuss the audit industry and share practical experiences have been limited. By launching the nation's first internal audit research association, the school plans to focus on establishing a communication hub based on job expertise among practitioners.

▲ Park Sangyeon, Advisory Member of the Internal Audit Professional Program (Management Diagnosis Executive at CJ ENM)

Park Sangyeon (Advisory Member of the Internal Audit Professional Program and graduate of the 18th cohort) stated, "The research association will serve as a collaborative platform where practitioners from corporations and public agencies can continuously communicate even after completing the Sogang program, engaging in in-depth discussions on the essence and practice of the auditing profession." He added, "By accumulating and sharing experience and expertise, we expect to contribute not only to the competitiveness of the Sogang Internal Audit Professional Program but also to the overall development of the domestic internal audit ecosystem."

Sogang Graduate School of Business intends to gradually expand seminars, research activities, and practical exchange programs centered on the association. It also plans to increase the membership size, focusing on alumni and instructors of the Sogang Internal Audit Professional Program.

Meanwhile, the Sogang Internal Audit Professional Program has been Korea's only practitioner-centered professional course since its establishment in 2009. It has systematically fostered audit experts by cultivating global-level internal audit capabilities to enhance management transparency while supporting the expansion of professional human networks. Sogang University is currently preparing for the admission of the 35th cohort of the Internal Audit Professional Program in March 2026.