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제 26 호 The cost of Clicking "Agree"

Kicker : SOCIETY The cost of Clicking "Agree" By Soi Lee, Cub-Reporter Leesoi3157@naver.com After the recent SKT USIM hacking incident, interest in personal information and information security has been increasing. However, even if it is not hacking, the terms of use that we casually agree on in our daily lives can lead to serious privacy breaches. ‘If you agree with the above regulations, please apply!’ Have you ever seen that message? Agreeing to regulations is necessary to use an application or website. Also, it’s too complicated and long. That’s why we just pass over this message. However, we don’t know about the risk of agreeing. Nevertheless, what exactly are we agreeing to and what are the risks? What Are We Agreeing to When signing up for a new app or website, users are almost always required to accept the terms of service. These documents often dismissed without a second glance contain legally binding agreements that outline how your data will be used, stored, and sometimes shared. While the length and complexity of these terms make them difficult to understand, the implications of blindly accepting them can be serious. Many terms of service include clauses that allow companies to collect not only basic information like your name and email address, but also more sensitive data such as your location, browsing habits, and even biometric identifiers. Some platforms reserve the right to share this information with third parties, including advertisers or data analytics firms. In many cases, this data is used to create highly personalized user profiles for targeted advertising. For example, popular social media and shopping apps often include vague but broad language such as We may share information with our partners to improve user experience, which can serve as a legal basis for extensive data sharing. Because the wording is intentionally complex, many users are unaware of the full extent of what they’re agreeing to. Understanding what is written in these agreements is the first step toward protecting your personal information. Yet the reality is that very few users take the time to read them or fully grasp what they mean even if they try. The Risks of Blind Consent While terms of service contain critical information about data usage, very few users actually read them. The excessive length, legal terminology, and pressure to quickly access a service often lead people to click agree without hesitation. This behavior has become so normalized that many people are unaware of what they are signing up for. This habit of blind consent has bad consequences. There have been several cases where personal information collected through terms of service was misused or inadequately protected. For example, the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed how a personality quiz app on Facebook harvested data from millions of users most of whom never realized their information could be accessed in this way. Also the 2022 Meta platforms request users real time location information and searching history for giving personalized advertisement. They warned that if users did not agree to the above things by August 9th. Then they would stop users’ accounts. This mention was embroiled in controversy over demanding excessive personal information, eventually Meta deleted those terms of service. In such cases, the problem is not just that data was leaked, but that users had unknowingly consented to its collection in the first place. These examples highlight the importance of critically examining what we agree to before clicking accept. If you don’t do that, you could open the door to surveillance, targeted manipulation, or even identity theft. Why People Don’t Read That The most important reason why people do not read the terms of service is not simply due to laziness, but rather the result of psychological and structural factors that discourage critical engagement. First, there is consent fatigue. With nearly every digital interaction requiring agreement to some form of policy, users become desensitized. The constant exposure to lengthy, difficult to understand documents makes it psychologically exhausting to assess each one carefully. As a result, users develop a habit of clicking agree automatically treating it as just another step in accessing a service. Second, the language and design of most terms of service are deliberately opaque. Legal jargon, vague phrasing, and walls of unbroken text create barriers to comprehension. In some cases, important clauses are buried deep within paragraphs, making it easy to overlook critical information. Moreover, many platforms use dark patterns interface designs that subtly push users toward accepting default settings that benefit the company. Third, there is a lack of meaningful alternatives. Users often feel they have no choice but to agree if they want to use a certain app or service. Declining to accept the terms typically means giving up access entirely. In such situations, the idea of informed consent becomes questionable, as users are pressured to prioritize convenience over control of their data. This combination of psychological overload, legal complexity, and limited options makes it difficult for users to engage with terms of service in a truly informed way. And while responsibility is often placed on individuals, it is increasingly clear that the system itself is designed to discourage informed decision making. What We Can Do about That Understanding the risks of blind consent is only the first step. To truly protect user privacy, action is needed both from individuals and institutions. At the systemic level, stronger regulations are essential. Governments can enforce clearer rules regarding data transparency and user rights. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict standards for how personal data is collected and used. Similar efforts are beginning to take shape in other countries, including South Korea. Companies should also commit to more user-friendly practices. These include simplifying terms of service, reducing unnecessary data collection, and providing clear options to opt out. At the same time, individual awareness and behavior play a critical role. Users can take several practical steps to protect their privacy. These include using websites like Terms of Service Didn’t Read to understand the most important points in an agreement, adjusting privacy settings regularly, and being cautious when granting access to sensitive data such as location, camera, or contacts. Choosing platforms that value transparency and user rights can also help. We live in a digital world where agreeing to terms has become routine. Yet behind every click of agree lies a set of choices about how much of ourselves we are willing to give away. While it may seem minor, every unchecked box and unread clause adds up to a larger issue of consent, privacy, and power. Understanding what we agree to, and why we do it so easily, is the first step. From there, demanding clearer terms, supporting better policies, and making small, informed choices in our daily online lives can begin to shift the balance. After all, real control over our personal information doesn't come from reading every word it comes from caring enough to ask what those words really mean. It may not be realistic to read every line of every agreement. But we can become more mindful about what we agree to. In a world of constant digital consent, carefully checking the terms of service activity can lead to meaningful change. Sources: Terms of Service; Didn’t Read https://youtube.com/shorts/LlD2hAq6gZs?si=VwR8pXb0gtaLWXvE https://www.pexels.com/ko-kr/photo/60504/

• 작성일 2025-06-09
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제 26 호 South Korea Is Over

Kicker: SOCIETY South Korea Is Over The Future of Korea Shaped by Low Birth Rates By Jung - Hyun Kang, Trainee - Reporter eyesens1262@naver.com There are concerns that Korea's serious low birth rate problem will pose unpredictable challenges to future generations. Experts predict that Korea's future is not positive at all, and at the center of it all is the world's lowest birth rate. Korea, which has achieved economic development known as the “Miracle on the Han River” and has grown into a world-class cultural powerhouse, is recently being perceived by the younger generation as a 'land they want to escape from' rather than a 'land of opportunity'. This change in perception and the low birth rate phenomenon are difficult to perceive at present, but there is a high possibility that it will cause a serious social crisis in the future. When I asked to three young people in their 20s, "Do you plan to get married and have children?", the majority responded that "I am more worried about employment and tuition right now, and I want to enjoy the present rather than get married and have children." This response suggests that the low birth rate problem is closely related to social structural issues beyond simple personal choice. If the current low birth rate trend continues, future generations are expected to face various unexpected social problems. Why It’s a Problem South Korea’s birth rate dropped to a record low of 0.72 in 2024, and Seoul’s rate fell to a staggering 0.55. These figures represent more than just statistics – they reflect a society heading toward irreversible decline. Economically, the labor force is shrinking, threatening pensions and long-term growth. Culturally, younger generations are disappearing, and the creation of new ideas and content is diminishing. Politically, older generations dominate elections, and policies skew heavily toward retirees rather than future parents. The nation’s average age is projected to reach 61 by 2060, with over 50% of the population aged 65 or older. Only 10% will be under 25. This will lead to deserted towns, overpopulated nursing homes, and a collapsing welfare system. These changes will not only affect Korea's economy but will also erode its social and cultural identity. Without new generations to sustain and innovate, the nation's future looks deeply uncertain. How We Got Here Ironically, Korea once fought overpopulation with campaigns like "Have only two children, regardless of gender" in the 1970s and "Even two is too many" in the 1980s. These efforts worked too well. Yet, the reversal came too late. Even as birth rates plunged in the 1990s, comprehensive pro-natalist strategies were absent.Under the Moon Jae-in Administration, the focus shifted from increasing fertility to improving parental quality of life. While this approach brought financial aid and promoted gender equality, it failed to create a supportive environment for family life. Campaigns promoting marriage and parenting disappeared, and some public messages even normalized non-marriage and non-parenthood.Younger Koreans, particularly women in their 20s and 30s, now question whether they want children at all. A 2021 survey showed only 30% of women in their 20s believed having children was necessary. The reasons? Crushing housing prices, intense work hours, low wages, and societal expectations that women sacrifice their careers for motherhood. The state’s attempts to address the problem feel like too little, too late.Boring as it may sound, even these repetitive explanations matter. The most important thing is that most people should be concerned about this. South Korea is currently more developed and prosperous than ever before. If you are worried about the future 30 years from now, it is enough to perceive this negatively. How to Fix It Fixing Korea’s birth rate problem is not about encouraging more births overnight. It requires rebuilding trust in the future. First, job and housing stability must be addressed. The gap between income and cost of living is too wide. South Korea’s wages are 12% lower and living costs 55% higher than the OECD average. Urban centralization, especially around Seoul, worsens the problem, increasing pressure on families and draining rural regions. Second, the government must reframe parenthood and marriage as valuable choices, not burdens. Public campaigns should promote shared parenting, not just motherhood. Male participation in domestic labor must rise from its currently low levels. Education policies must also shift from competition-driven models to child-focused values. Third, regional policies need to balance development. With Busan losing over 7,000 residents in just one quarter, there must be stronger incentives for population dispersion. University admission systems, job opportunities, and public services need to be more evenly distributed. Despite dire projections, hope remains. Recent reports show that Korea’s birth numbers rose 11.6% compared to the previous year. Though the increase is modest, it shows that change is possible.Other countries, like France and Sweden, have demonstrated that coordinated policy, social support, and value shifts can stabilize population trends. Korea’s highly educated and tech-savvy youth could drive innovation if they believe in a future worth investing in.The core message shouldn’t be to scare, but to awaken. We must revive the value of love, family, and connection. A society that encourages meaningful life over relentless competition can reverse course. As the saying goes, "It ain’t over till it’s over."South Korea is not finished. But the window to act is closing fast. Sources: https://kosis.kr/statHtml/statHtml.do?sso=ok&returnurl=https%3A%2F%2Fkosis.kr%3A443%2FstatHtml%2FstatHtml.do%3FtblId%3DDT_1B8000F%26orgId%3D101%26 https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/economy_general/1130689.html https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/korea-s-unborn-future_005ce8f7-en.html https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68402139 https://youtu.be/Ufmu1WD2TSk?feature=shared https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw-ZQ46rLSA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZoinlQAuXw

• 작성일 2025-06-09
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제 25 호 Four-Day Working Week: Is it Possible to be Introduced in Korea?

Kicker: SOCIETY Four-Day Working Week: Is it Possible to be Introduced in Korea? By Ye-Dam Hwang, Reporter hwangyedam1108@naver.com Have you heard about a “four-day working week”? In general, in addition to weekends, it is operated in the form of an additional day off by designating one of Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. In other words, as the word itself indicates, it means a work system in the form of working four days a week and taking three days off. Though some foreign countries and some companies already executed or introduced four-day working week, still the legal working hours of Korea have been established as working five days a week, since the introduction of the Kim Dae-jung government's five-day (40 hours) working week system in 2000 and the pilot introduction of the five-day working week system in 2004. However, these days, the discussion of “working-four-days- a-week” is taking place actively and even the president candidates of this election chose this issue about working hours as a pledge to fight the election. Thus, we should be aware of considerations about the introduction of a four-day working week as Koreans and further think deeply about deciding legal working hours. The History of Legal Working Hours of Korea South Korea currently has a five-day work week system and it feels familiar, but South Korea was originally a country that used to have a six-day work week system. South Korea's legal working hours have been reduced little by little since the introduction of the eight-hour, six-day week (48 hours a week) in 1953 into the Labor Standards Act. The legal working hours were shortened to 44 hours a week in 1989 after democratization, and in 2000, the Kim Dae-jung government began introducing the five-day (40 hours) working week system in earnest. After the IMF financial crisis, the Labor Standards Act was revised in 2003 to implement the five-day week system in stages, and the current legal working hours were established with the introduction of a pilot system in 2004. As times have changed, legal working hours have been gradually decreasing, and labor unions and civic groups have argued that the introduction of a four-day week (36 hours a week) is necessary to solve various complex social problems such as worker health problems, low birth rate, and climate crisis caused by long hours of work. In addition, voices complaining of difficulties such as nuclear familyization and the resulting balance between work and family have grown, and the need for the introduction of a four-day week system has gradually begun, based on the fact that working hours are still long compared to advanced countries abroad. Pros and Cons of “Four-Day Working Week” Then, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the four-day week system, which is a hot topic of discussion? If you look at the advantages first, the first advantages are maintaining and increasing productivity. This means that shorter working hours contribute to creativity and productivity, and labor productivity experts also emphasize that productivity can be improved through shorter runs and breaks rather than longer runs. The second advantage is to secure work-life balance, thereby increasing employee job and corporate satisfaction, and focusing more on working hours. Environmental protection can be cited as the next advantage. A study was conducted in Sweden that proved that 1% increase in working hours also increases greenhouse gas emissions by 0.65% to 0.67% and a research team at the University of Massachusetts also revealed that carbon emissions could be reduced by 30% per year when the four-day week system is fully implemented, adding to the possibility of an eco-friendly transition to the four-day week system. In addition, companies can attract potential employees. "Every company that provides a four-day work week system has a competitive advantage," said Shade, an industrial psychologist. In fact, according to a survey on the 4.5-day week system conducted by Catch, a recruitment platform, of 1,630 job seekers in Generation Z, 84% of the respondents said that the introduction of the system "affects the decision to join the company." This means that the four-day week system can secure an advantage in hiring new workers, which can lower the unemployment rate when introducing the four-day week system. Among the shortcomings of the four-day week system, the first is increased work stress. With the difficulty in measuring productivity, the psychological pressure and burden of solving a given task in a reduced time can increase workers' work stress. Second, the four-day week can deepen the conflict between labor and management over wages. If workers want to cut wages, which are important to them, because of the four-day week system, this can intensify the conflict between labor and management over wages. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Hankook Research in 2021, half of all respondents said they agreed to the four-day week system, but 44% of those who agreed said they would not work four days a week if wages decreased. The third disadvantage is the occurrence of an equity problem between occupations. Depending on the job type or industry group, the four-day workweek may not be appropriate in some areas. In addition, schedules in some industries can be challenges to the four-day workweek, which will be more difficult to implement if there are essential workers who cannot rest with ordinary workers, such as in nursing, security services, or working for transportation companies. The Present Situation of Countries which Introduced a Four-Day Working Week Although South Korea is still in discussion about introducing the four-day workweek, its introduction and pilot operations are spreading throughout the world. One country that has shown positive results about the four-day workweek is Iceland. Iceland successfully completed a 35-36-hour four-day trial between 2015 and 2019, with about 86% of all workers currently working four-day weeks. At this time, overall output did not drop mostly at work, with some found to have improved, while workers maintaining or improving productivity while stress was reduced. The U.K. conducted a large-scale trial in 2022, with 61 companies participating, with 92% of them deciding to continue the four-day workweek, and employees reporting higher productivity and satisfaction. Belgium legally introduced the four-day workweek in 2022, giving employees the option to reduce the five-day workweek to four days a week. However, the total number of working hours per week remains the same, and 40 hours are divided into four days. In Japan, Microsoft reported a 40% productivity increase as a result of piloting the four-day week system, but it has not yet spread nationwide. Ireland conducted a four-day week trial involving 33 companies and 900 employees in 2022, with employees showing very high satisfaction and companies also reporting improved work efficiency. In the U.S. state of California, attempts are underway to legally introduce a 32-hour work week, and several companies are piloting the four-day week system. In San Juan County, Washington, there have already been cases where the 32-hour work week has been adopted. In New Zealand, several companies, including Unilever, piloted the four-day week system in 2021, and many companies have successfully maintained the system. Portugal began a six-month trial run of a four-day week in 2023, involving 39 companies. In particular, attention is being paid to how this experiment will affect Portugal, which has a large number of workers working more than 40 hours. Brazil began experimenting with a four-day week trial involving 20 companies in September 2023. It is the first four-day week trial in Latin America, and it is attracting attention. In addition, several countries are considering the introduction of a four-day week or piloting it, and most of them are reporting positive results. As the society and people’s thought change, the discussion of introducing a four-day working week is proceeding actively globally today. Especially in Korea, it is now a controversial subject regarding the promises made by the presidential candidates. Korean legal working hours have been decreasing historically, but we need to have sufficient discussion of introducing a four-day working week because the advantages (maintaining and increasing productivity, to secure work-life balance, environmental protection) and the disadvantages (increased work stress, deepening the conflict between labor and management over wages, occurrence of an equity problem between occupations) of a four-day working week are clear. Since it is a matter that is connect with real life that we can face as Korean people in the future, I hope you will think about this more deeply. Sources: https://www.laborplus.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=34383 https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0003133586&CMPT_CD=P0010&utm_source=naver&utm_medium=newsearch&utm_campaign=naver_news https://www.munhwa.com/article/11507743?ref=naver https://www.bbc.com/korean/international-60819175 https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202505171000001 https://www.sisamagazine.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=507221 https://www.silvernetnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=42507 https://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/news/MYH20211229003900038?did=1825m https://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2025042902101858094001&ref=naver https://www.g-enews.com/ko-kr/news/article/news_all/202109171334278024e8b8a793f7_1/article.html https://www.digitaltoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=475807

• 작성일 2025-06-02
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제 25 호 Catchphrase Trademark Protection

Kicker: SOCIETY Catchphrase Trademark Protection by Sumin Lee , Reporter minnida_@naver.com In last November when the biggest event for students was approaching, have you ever heard of the topic created by a product called "Lucky Bikimochi," which was released as a cheering gift for students the famous ice cream brand Baskin Robbins? The reason this product became a problem was that it was not directly dealt with by using the word Lucky Vicky, a combination of Jang Wonyoung's popular word with her English name(nickname), without asking for consent to use it. Do you know that buzzwords familiar to us are legally protected, and commercial use is punished by copyright law? As of 2025, when technology is developing and the Internet society is highly deepening, various new legal systems and the right to protection are proposed one by one, and let's take a look at how we can use it and what we should pay attention to when using new buzzwords and words. The news report of the right of publicity https://www.dailymotion.com/ytnnews24 What is the “The right of Publicity”? First of all, the so called buzzword property right, which is the topic of discussion in this phenomenon, refers to the right of the right holder to exclusively control and use factors with property values representing individual characteristics such as names, portraits, and voices. This term is similar to the right of portrait rights to own portraits, but it has a difference in emphasizing the right as a property right that is more likely to be used for profit. This right cannot be transferred to another person, but may be used for profit by another person if permitted by the party. However, contrary to the beliefs and values of the owner of the publicity right, withdrawal may be required if others use personality indications. History of the law The reason why this right came into existence was in 1953, a long time ago. It was first acknowledged as the "Haelan Laboratories, Inc. V. Topps Chewing Gum, Inc." Incident. It is an incident in which a gum manufacturer signed an exclusive contract with famous professional baseball players for advertising using their photos, but a rival company filed a lawsuit to double-sign and ban the same advertising contract. The defendant, rival company claimed that the right to use the photo was based on the right to privacy, which cannot be transferred as a personality right, also the exclusive property right cannot be obtained through a photo use contract. However, since the Court of Appeals judged that it could file a lawsuit against a third party who infringed on it if it was transferred separately from the right to privacy, it is also a case in which the court recognizes that filming and reporting the performance of celebrities in the 1970s is a serious violation of economic value. The legal character is divided into the view that it is a kind of privacy right that takes on the characteristic of personality rights and the view that it is a kind of intellectual property right that takes on the characteristic of property rights. If you look at it as a type of privacy right, you can claim damages for personal and mental damage, but if you look at it as a type of intellectual property right, you can take remedies for infringement of property rights. How is it reflected in Korea Let's see how these rights work in Korea. In Korea, no explicit Supreme Court ruling on publicity rights has been made, and some lower-ranking judges ruled that most countries cannot recognize this right due to legalism, but others ruled that infringement of identity is illegal under civil law and that independent economic values are worth protecting themselves. Although there was no basis under the actual law, the act of infringing on other people's economic interests was newly established as a type of unfair competition by unauthorized use of other people's names, portraits, voices, and signatures, which are widely recognized in Korea. The scope of this Act must be for transactions with specific targets, and it is defined as a protected thing that is electronically managed, accumulated and subject to disclosure with economic value. Similar cases and current responses In addition to the recent proposal, there was another controversy centered on these rights. The development of AI technology was also active, and it was about "AI cover songs" that appear in many communities. If you look into this concept briefly, this is a song that uses advanced AI technology to make songs and release them to the public in the voice of other singers who are not the original singers. Even if you don't use the original singer's voice, you can create the same song as other singers, and it has become a new method of content production. If you look at why this technology became the center of controversy, you can see in many voices that it is urgent to create legal protective devices because it negatively affects the image of the original author in the process of being copyrighted and released to the public quickly.The people at the center of these rights disputes can easily see that there are many externally known celebrities such as faces and voices. People are constantly arguing with two opinions over various sentencing cases that have continued since the past. People who are positive about the need for rights are said to be celebrities, but they are also divided into opinions that it is not right to use them for profit without permission and opinions that celebrities should accept the need for rights, and some say that active use of various buzzwords is not a big problem. As of the 21st century, trends are changing really fast, and influencers have changed and increased the number of words people use, which is also actively used for commercial activities. However, now that individuals' rights to intangible assets have been strengthened, society has become a society that needs to have an attitude to use buzzwords after considering various perspectives. What do you think about this social controversy? How will the scope of property rights change in the future, and in what direction will the future judgment of property rights on the buzzwords that have become the center of this article proceed? Sources: https://www.sisunnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=17420 https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?docId=2118209&cid=40942&categoryId=31693 https://www.kocca.kr/n_content/vol24/subp/issue_hotTrend3.html

• 작성일 2025-03-01
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제 25 호 The New Economic Trend :The GG (Grand Generation)

Kicker: SOCIETY The New Economic Trend : The GG (Grand Generation) by Sumin Lee , Reporter minnida_@naver.com In Korea, which has been greatly affected by the social phenomenon of low birth rate and aging, an issue that has been continuously emerging for a long time, the number of registered residents aged 65 or older exceeded 10 million in July last year. This is the same as saying that Korea has entered a super-aged society similar to the flow of the world's population. In line with this trend of population change, the University Chamber of Commerce and Industry released a report on the GG (Grand Generation) market on January 30, 2025, providing new services and product proposals tailored to the Grand Generation generation, which is gradually replacing the MZ generation as major consumers. In this article, I would like to talk about the Grand Generation generation, which has become such a target audience in many industries and is changing the brand's image. What is the “GG”? Grand Generation People enjoying their life https://v.daum.net/v/20240611093828392 First, GG stands for grand generation. This generation consists of middle-aged and elderly people in their 50s and 70s born between 1950 and 1971, who are about to retire or continue their economic and social leisure activities even after retirement. In the past, this age group was classified as the elderly, but today's GG generation has a difference from traditional seniors. The most notable part is that people of this age continue to engage in vigorous economic activities and social participation and exercise strong influence in the consumer market. In addition, there is a strong tendency to live at the so called "sensitivity age" that feels more than 10 years younger than the biological age, and even people in their 60s consume products and services based on their individuality and interest in the form of consumption in their early 50s. It is also noteworthy that they consume for themselves rather than for their families and actively utilize various digital services such as FinTech and SNS. Finally, it can be seen that the consumption of the surrounding people is greatly affected by the consumption of the role model, and that the number of single person households in their 60s and older is increasing, and that there is a lot of consumption that tries to relieve loneliness. Changes in the Market with the advent of the GG generation Senior Models of the department store Culture Club https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20190926106100013 In line with these changes, industries in various fields are creating a market that combines the GG generation, which is competitively the center of current consumption. For the GG generation who invests for their individuality and interests, the market related to learning and hobbies is growing, and services related to culture and hobbies are increasing. In addition, a new trend has emerged to pursue nature suitable for the age of "proaging," and digital health and nursing services are also deepening, such as the increase in AI-based health monitoring services and personalized medical services. As a representative example, in the medical/beauty industry, tools that GG generation can easily use to improve skin, develop high functionality and convenience, and provide products that adjust the font size of the product to make it visible in large letters. In addition, the department store cultural center is expanding opportunities to learn more by providing model classes for seniors and premium services such as yoga/golf. It is also enhanced and offers more customized services. It provides services such as those that can relieve the loneliness of single-person households through custom-made shared housing models, and various hobby life activities support services through hobby/community facilities in shared spaces, and provides flexible residential services through a won-based rental system that is slightly different from a Silver Town. A view of changes in the market Now that so many industrial changes are taking place, how should new branding be done for the GG generation? For the GG generation, who have financial leeway and are interested in investing in improving their quality of life, they need to develop premium experiences such as luxury tours, advanced services, and silver line products. In addition, for those who are gradually getting used to digital devices, we can optimize app design to minimize inconvenience, increase convenience, and help them access the deepening digital environment more easily. In addition, it can be recognized that the changes in the market are still changing, such as providing community services for those who have enough time to enjoy hobby activities such as golf and mountain climbing so that easier encounters and hobbies can be shared. However, there is also an opinion that it is dangerous to see the GG generation only as a major consumer. There are many people who still make up this generation who are struggling to adapt to digital devices and the environment, and there is a negative opinion that not all generations of members are financially rich, so they can accelerate hierarchical division. It is also necessary to propose and develop points of consultation between these opinions. Companies that need to change in line with the continuous change in the consumption oriented generation and those who are preparing to become members of such companies need to worry about what subjectivity to approach this trend, and why don't you take a neutral view of this situation and think about the opportunities it may offer? Sources: https://www.ktnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=135314 https://www.econovill.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=683295 https://www.pharmnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=246049 https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202501301536011

• 작성일 2025-03-01
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제 24 호 The Number of Young Unemployed Exceeds 700,000

Kicker: SOCIETY The Number of Young Unemployed Exceeds 700,000 by Ji-Won Choi, Reporter support0321@naver.com The number of young South Koreans who are unemployed has recently surpassed 700,000. According to the Korea National Statistical Office, 680,000 young people in their 20s and 30s reported that they were simply "resting" without any specific reasons such as illness or disability. This is the highest number since the relevant statistics were first compiled in 2003 and represents a 20,000-increase compared to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The fact that the youth, the future of our society, are unable to find jobs is a serious issue. So, what are the reasons behind this growing trend? Why Young People Are Resting A survey conducted by the Statistics Korea showed that the main reasons why young people are unemployed are: 'difficulty in finding a job that meets their expectations,' 'taking a break to prepare for the next job,' 'poor health,' and 'lack of jobs,' in that order. The primary reason for these responses is economic. South Korea's economic growth rate was only 1% in 2023. In such a low-growth environment, job instability and a shortage of jobs are inevitable. Due to the lack of jobs, the number of good jobs is limited, leading to fierce competition for high-paying positions. In a situation where there are no alternatives to this problem, the structural contradiction of the labor market, which expects young people to simply lower their expectations, exacerbates this phenomenon. As a result, young people are excessively focused on building their resumes. Furthermore, government policies have not been very effective. Only 1,058 young people found jobs through the government's "National Employment Support Program," which is less than 20% of young people. For this reason, the number of "freeter," young people who make a living solely through part-time jobs without seeking full-time employment, is on the rise. The reason why young people cannot find the jobs they want is the large gap in wages between large and small companies. The number of what we consider "good jobs" is small and limited. As a result, young people's values are changing, and they believe that it is better to work part-time than to feel burdened by organizations and social life. Impact of Youth Unemployment Increase So, what are the implications of this phenomenon? First, young people may become socially isolated, negatively impacting their personal lives. There are about 510,000 "reclusive youth" nationwide who do not go outside or engage in social activities. These individuals may experience deteriorating mental health, lowered self-esteem, and a decline in their quality of life. This also affects society as a whole. As the number of young people not engaged in economic activities increases, government spending also increases, burdening the national budget. In fact, unemployment benefits and basic livelihood benefits are provided to young people who are not working. This expenditure exceeds 200 billion won annually. Additionally, national productivity decreases, leading to a decline in GDP. Moreover, if young people's entry into society is delayed, the time at which they can live on a stable income is also delayed. This delays the timing of young people's homeownership, marriage, and childbirth. Therefore, the issue of youth unemployment is not simply a matter of an increasing number of unemployed young people but a societal issue. The Efforts of the World's Nations to Help Young People Become Employed Youth unemployment is a global issue, not just a domestic one. Accordingly, governments around the world are proposing solutions. The United States has defined individuals aged 16-24 who have not been engaged in employment or education training for at least one year as "disconnected youth." The US supports disconnected youth by focusing on programs that provide education to help them re-enter the labor market. Germany emphasizes an "educational chain program" for unemployed youth. As a solution, it ensures that young people successfully complete vocational training. It provides personalized support so that students can systematically explore careers at an early age. This includes individual potential analysis, career exploration programs, career choice paths, and support for vocational training. Finland provides jobs, learning spaces, workshops, and rehabilitation periods within three months for graduates or unemployed young people. South Korea should also strengthen its system for addressing youth unemployment by referring to the cases of these countries. Unlike Germany, South Korea's support policies are fragmented. It tends to focus on creating short-term jobs, such as public service and part-time work, making it difficult for young people to find stable employment. Moreover, there is a tendency to focus on increasing short-term employment rates while neglecting the development of diverse career exploration programs that allow individuals to discover their strengths and interests. Furthermore, there is a tendency to attribute these phenomena to individual problems of young people. Negative terms such as "N-generation" are used to create negative perceptions. It is necessary to change the negative social perception of "unemployed youth." Youth unemployment is no longer an individual problem but a societal challenge that demands our collective attention. Governments must implement comprehensive support programs to empower young people to build stable lives, while businesses should prioritize hiring and nurturing young talent. It's imperative that we, as a society, rally behind our youth, fostering an environment where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully. The time has come for us to invest in our future generations. Sources: https://www.mk.co.kr/news/economy/11068815 http://www.m-economynews.com/news/article.html?no=45533 https://www.chungnamilbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=792904

• 작성일 2024-11-27
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제 23 호 Dynamic Capabilities

Kicker: Society Dynamic Capabilities by Si-ho Park, Reporter pnshse05@naver.com Dynamic capabilities are the abilities needed in the changing business environment to reorganize capabilities within a company and acquire new capabilities. Recently, the business environment has been changing so rapidly that it is difficult to predict and cope with change. As changing capabilities are so important when the environment changes, dynamic capabilities are emerging as an essential keyword nowadays. According to David J. Teece, a Doctor of Business Administration who has studied dynamic capabilities in-depth, dynamic capabilities are the firm’s ability to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal competence to address, or in some cases to bring about, changes in the business environment. Dynamic Capabilities Framework To accurately understand dynamic capabilities, it can be compared with the existing 5 forces theory and resource-based perspectives. Michael Porter's 5 forces theory is a framework that analyzes the structure of a stable industry without competition, and the resource-based perspective analyzes differences in the capabilities of companies in the same industry. While a resource-based perspective is a theory that analyzes "core competencies," the "dynamic capabilities" theory focuses on changes in competencies in a rapidly changing environment. Dynamic capabilities differ in that they have a higher degree of premised crisis and uncertainty compared to the two existing theories, and their goal is to analyze corporate disruption. In addition, in this theory, the factor that determines the success or failure of a company is viewed as the company's management system and the ability to reconstruct business models. There are three abilities required for companies to gain dynamic capabilities. The first is “sensing,” the ability to clearly detect and grasp the dynamically changing threats in the business environment and to properly understand their essence. The second ability is “seizing,” which refers to the ability to capture and create opportunities. The third ability, “transforming,” is the ability to quickly reorganize and execute resources and core competencies. Meanwhile, “organizational agility” is also required to accompany a strategy for companies to demonstrate dynamic capabilities. In other words, dynamic capabilities fundamentally require agility, which means that all organizations in a company need a strategy to quickly and wisely rearrange their capabilities. This is because dynamic capabilities are required for each process handled by organizations that are each subject to the process of properly establishing and executing strategies. Dynamic Capabilities SENSE Identify Opportunities SEIZE Design and Refine Business Model; Commit Resources TRANSFORM Realign Structure and Culture Technology Possibilities Technology Development Anticipate Competitor Reactions Defend Intellectual Property Align Existing Capabilities Invest in Additional Capabilities Figure 1. Simplified schema of dynamic capabilities, business models, and strategy Dynamic Capabilities of Netflix To analyze Netflix based on the dynamic capability framework, Netflix's chronology can be divided into three stages to distinguish major events: cycle 1 to cycle 3. The first cycle runs from 1997 when Wilmot Reed Hastings, Jr., began devising a business model with Marc Randolph, his co-founder at the time, to May 2002 when Netflix was listed on Nasdaq to unveil the company. At that time, Netflix focused on a business model that rented DVDs by mail while also selling them to customers who wanted to purchase DVDs. Netflix was concerned about the stability and speed of delivery, which were the factors that determined the rise and fall of the DVD business. Thus, Netflix successfully built a fast DVD mailing process, with 50 distribution centers that would enable same-day processing and next-day delivery. The second cycle is from May 2002, when the company launched its company on NASDAQ, to 2009. Netflix faced a major challenge due to the new expansion of online DVD rental businesses by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. Netflix not only felt a sense of crisis but also realized that the competitive environment was difficult. Netflix realized that the longer the competition for DVD rental through mail delivery was prolonged, the less secure the future would be, so it explored the technological potential of video streaming, which many of its competitors thought was premature, and turned the crisis into an opportunity through a successful transition. The third cycle corresponds to the period from 2010 to 2020 when it started to target overseas markets. Instead of providing content that reminded people of the past, Netflix began to provide new content including dramas and movies that it outsourced in 2013, which served as a driving force for Netflix to secure a competitive advantage in the OTT market. In addition, around this time, Netflix entered the overseas market beginning with Canada in 2010, Korea in 2016, and lots of other countries. As a result, Netflix has provided services all over the world except for North Korea, Syria, China, and Crimea. Since then, Netflix has experienced COVID-19 and a change in the business environment. In this cycle 3, Netflix is facing fierce competition with emerging entertainment companies. Netflix accurately detected when the market had shifted from a DVD-centered market to an online streaming market and from content distribution to content production, captured the changing business environment, and quickly reorganized its core competencies throughout the three cycles. Therefore, Netflix was able to achieve great success by constantly differentiating its company from other operators and taking a position that no one could match in a rapidly changing environment. Dynamic capabilities are necessary not only for companies but also for all individuals living in this changing environment. Recently, the environment surrounding us has been changing very rapidly, and we should design our future career paths and reorganize our own capabilities by adapting to the emergence of AI, technological advances, and changes in ethical concepts. This might be an essential way for us to live a good life. Then, through what kind of effort could you be equipped with dynamic capabilities and live a good life? You should also try to gain dynamic capabilities according to the changing environment. Sources: Jang-soon Kim (2021), A Case Study on the Strategy of Netflix: Dynamic Capabilities of Global Companies, Korean Management Consulting Review, 21:1, 387-397 David J. Teece (2018), Business models and dynamic capabilities, Long Range Planning 51, 40-49

• 작성일 2024-09-09
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제 23 호 A Car’s Tragedy: a Sudden Acceleration Accident

Kicker: Society A Car’s Tragedy: a Sudden Acceleration Accident By Su-Young Kim, Editor /kimsuyoung1342@gmail.com Recently, there has been a lot of news about the accidents related to the sudden acceleration of the cars. In a situation where drivers are embarrassed and difficult to deal with, victims continue to hear a lot of sad news. On the other hand, the perpetrator must prove himself that the cause of the accident is the sudden acceleration of the car. Therefore, let's find out how these sudden acceleration accidents occur, why the perpetrator has no choice but to prove the accident, and what you need to know to prevent an accident. On July 1, at 9 p.m., a car driven by a man in his 60s broke into the sidewalk in front of Seoul City Hall, causing several casualties. In addition, on December 6, 2022, a 68-year-old woman's vehicle was accelerating on a road in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, and collided with a vehicle, hit the boundary stone of the road, and crashed into an underground passageway. The driver was seriously injured and booked for violating the Special Act on Traffic Accidents, and the driver's grandchild lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital, but eventually died. What these incidents have in common is that both of drivers insisted that they were caused by the sudden acceleration of the vehicle. Therefore, anxiety about sudden acceleration of vehicles is growing, and on average, about 30 cases are reported as suspected of sudden acceleration every year, but so far, no vehicle acceleration has been recognized in Korea. As a result of analyzing the affected vehicles by oil type, diesel and gasoline were the most common with 78 and 73, respectively. Next came 33 electric vehicles, 26 LPGs, 33 hybrids, and 1 hydrogen. In the case of electric and hybrid vehicles, the number of reports also increased as the supply of vehicles increased. Then, what is the cause of the sudden acceleration of the car? First, there is a possibility of defects in ECU parts, which are electronic devices that control automobiles. In 2022, the U.S. ordered the recall of its 21-year-old Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle model because of unintended acceleration or deceleration symptoms. Due to a software defect in the powertrain control module (PCM) electronic component, Ford has solved the problem by updating the software. Given this, it would be difficult to say that electronic equipment related to vehicle control manufactured by manufacturers is 100% reliable equipment. Secondly, there is a possibility that electronic equipment may malfunction due to moisture. Winter weather is fatal, and internal condensation is likely to occur due to the warm temperature of the engine and cold weather. Third, it is possible that it is the battery problem of the car. If the battery itself is defective, it causes problems such as swelling or not uniformly supplying power. Unfortunately, however, the reality is that the exact cause of the sudden acceleration of vehicles is unknown. Even if it is reported as a suspected sudden acceleration accident, the verification process is difficult and the burden of proof is not on the manufacturer's side, so there are many difficulties in relieving consumers. As consumer anxiety rose due to such accidents, the national assembly proposed an "Amendment to the Product Liability Act" that required manufacturers to prove that there were no vehicle defects in the event of a suspected car sudden acceleration, but it did not proceed. Toyota is said to be the only U.S. case that has been recognized for sudden acceleration overseas. In the case of the United States, manufacturers must prove that there are no vehicle defects during the trial, and if they fail to do so, they must compensate consumers. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice agreed to close the investigation under the Deferred Action Agreement (DPA) on the condition that Toyota pay a $200 million fine. However, even at that time, the cause of the sudden acceleration was not clearly identified. As the driver has to prove the sudden acceleration of the vehicle, the installation of a black box with a pedal that takes pictures of the driver's foot is spreading like a trend. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it plans to recommend domestic and foreign automakers to install pedal black boxes, but car manufacturers said it is difficult to analyze the cause of the accident with accident recorders and change the design of cars for installation. Therefore, it will be difficult to mandate the installation of the pedal black box right away, but it would be good if the supply gradually expanded, and it would be proved that the suspected sudden unintended acceleration was the manufacturer's responsibility or the driver's fault. picture1https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/car/1076741.html Many people seem to be worried and anxious because of the recent surge in suspected automobile acceleration. For people to drive safely without feeling uncomfortable, I hope the bill related to sudden acceleration will be revised or countermeasures will be prepared as soon as possible. Sources: https://n.news.naver.com/article/024/0000090167?sid=102 https://www.yes-doit.com/2023/10/Causes-and-countermeasures-for-sudden-car-acceleration-accidents.html https://n.news.naver.com/article/422/0000673530?sid=102

• 작성일 2024-09-09
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제 22 호 What Is Marketing?

Kicker: SOCIETY What Is Marketing? Marketing that shows why luxury goods are luxury goods By Myung-Kwan Kang Kmmg199999@naver.com The sales of overseas famous brands in department stores have been increasing rapidly every year, and in 2024, luxury brand sales also rose. What is luxury, and why do people love luxury goods enough to buy them even during an economic downturn? Let's find out.People have various reasons for purchasing luxury goods. Some buy them because others have them, for gifting purposes, out of necessity, or simply because they like luxury brands. However, when it comes to deciding which brand of product to buy, brand marketing plays the most significant role.Then what is marketing? It refers to planning activities to smoothly transfer products from producers to consumers and includes market research, product planning, advertising, and sales promotion. https://www.pinterest.co.kr/pin/604045368802329502/ A brand called a luxury brand is one of the most popular brands around the world. However, in order to maintain high quality and aesthetic value, a high price range and appropriate marketing are essential. Accordingly, luxury brands are conducting all-out marketing to sell expensive products. Marketing Strategy One of the representative marketing strategies of luxury brands is building their brand image. Luxury brands build their own unique brand image by emphasizing high quality and aesthetic value. To this end, luxury brands are strengthening their brand image by collaborating with celebrities and holding fashion shows and events. In addition, luxury brands are conducting strategic marketing to customers who want to purchase luxury goods by partnering with high-end department stores that sell their products. After establishing a brand image, a crucial step is to strengthen it through social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook consistently share stylish photos of the brand's products and announce new launches, fostering direct communication between the brand and its customers. Influencer marketing is particularly effective in this realm, as showcasing popular influencers using the brand's products heightens interest and awareness, leaving a lasting impression on consumers' minds and ultimately driving sales. Now I will introduce the marketing strategy of LVMH, a globally renowned company. For those who may not be familiar with LVMH, let me provide a brief overview. LVMH is a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate established in 1987 following the merger of Moët Hennessy and Louis Vuitton. LVMH encompasses over 70 prestigious brands across diverse sectors, including fashion, leather goods, perfumes, and watches. Among its notable brands are Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Celine, and Kenzo. With a global presence, LVMH operates in more than 70 countries worldwide. LVMH generates revenue by cultivating brands renowned for expertise, quality, and exclusivity, catering to affluent consumers who appreciate luxury goods. Moreover, its marketing strategy revolves around core ideas such as exclusivity, innovation, and storytelling. Brand Storytelling LVMH has crafted compelling narratives for each of its brands, emphasizing their rich histories, exceptional craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. For instance, Louis Vuitton's story revolves around a legacy of travel and exploration, while Dior is renowned for its timeless elegance and sophisticated fashion designs. Utilizing these narratives in its marketing endeavors, LVMH aims to foster emotional connections with customers, enabling them to forge deeper bonds with the brand. Celebrity Endorsements LVMH has leveraged celebrity endorsements to enhance brand awareness and credibility. Renowned figures such as Rihanna, Jaden Smith, and Emma Stone have collaborated with the company to endorse its brands and products. Through these partnerships, LVMH gains access to wider audiences, introducing its products to new consumers. Limited Editions and Collaborations LVMH strategically employs limited editions and collaborations to generate buzz around its brand and products. For instance, Louis Vuitton has partnered with acclaimed artists and designers, such as Jeff Koons and Virgil Abloh to create exclusive, limited-edition designs that captivate consumers and drive sales. These collaborations ignite excitement within the market and reinforce the brand's innovative and creative identity. Digital Marketing LVMH enhances brand recognition through social media, email marketing, and various online channels. Additionally, they have curated engaging content on social media and prioritized e-commerce investments to facilitate seamless product purchases for customers. Experiential Marketing LVMH has invested in crafting immersive experiences that provide customers with fresh and exciting ways to engage with the brand. For instance, the company opened a pop-up store and presented the brand's extensive history and exceptional craftsmanship through captivating brand experiences like the Louis Vuitton time capsule. In addition, LVMH utilizes a 4P strategy known as the marketing mix. This marketing mix encompasses product, price, place, promotion, and more, constituting a significant portion of marketing. Alongside the marketing mix, we prioritize customer service and brand image. Moreover, Using STP strategies to help brand reputation and make it more attractive to people The differences between high-end brands and mid-range brands encompass various factors such as price, quality, and brand value. However, the distinction between luxury items and non-luxury items ultimately arises from marketing strategies such as brand storytelling, celebrity endorsements, limited editions and collaborations, digital marketing, experiential marketing, the 4P strategy, and the STP strategy. The criteria for what defines a luxury item can vary from person to person. However, the hallmark of a luxury brand is the effort the brand puts into its creation process, and this ultimately leads to consumers choosing it as a luxury item. Why luxury goods are expensive and their consumption is increasing When prices rise, consumption goes down, and conversely, when prices fall, consumption increases. But luxury goods defy this law of demand. What is the reason for this? The first reason is luxury goods. Luxury goods were items used by the royal family and nobles, so they were very popular items for people who wanted to show off. The second reason is scarcity. For example, Hermes does not make a product if the quality of the leather is not satisfactory, and its products are made step by step by craftsmen from start to finish. Hermes' bags take at least 18 hours to make, and the company sometimes produces only two products a week. This is why rare luxury goods are expensive because not everyone has them, and even if you have money, you cannot obtain them. The third reason is that luxury goods are positional goods. Objects in this world are divided into material goods and positional goods. Most items, such as TVs, computers, and cell phones, are material goods and have absolute value. However, some goods do not have absolute value but rather relative value or social value. These are positional goods, and luxury brands are a representative example. Positional goods must not be common to have relative and social value, so luxury goods are priced high from the beginning, and the more they are sold, the higher the price. In this article, we have explored the concept of marketing and what sets the marketing of luxury brands apart. While many people perceive marketing as merely advertising and promotion, it encompasses everything that represents the brand itself. The future of marketing will see advancements in digital marketing and the utilization of AI and automation technology, driven by the progression of digital technology. Furthermore, with environmental issues having become increasingly prominent, brands with a sense of social responsibility, including environmental protection and social contribution, will thrive. Among these brands, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Dior are anticipated to demonstrate steady growth, as indicated by brand rankings and comprehensive evaluations in 2023. Sources: https://www.fnnews.com/news/202401260846252144 https://ko.dict.naver.com/#/entry/koko/180551d517b449fab2d8968f6110cc27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd8LmNTxKrw https://dbr.donga.com/article/view/1203/article_no/10844 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs3cX2TNi78 https://brandirectory.com/rankings/luxury-and-premium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9HbXw4oXschttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9HbXw4oXsc 무엇이가격을결정하는가?, 마이클마이넬리, 이안해리스, 2012.11.0 https://www.pinterest.co.kr/pin/604045368802329502/ https://pixabay.com/ko/illustrations/%EA%B8%B0%EC%97%85%EA%B0%80-%EB%94%94%EC%A7%80%ED%84%B8-%EB%A7%88%EC%BC%80%ED%8C%85-%EC%82%AC%EC%97%85%EA%B0%80-7157631/

• 작성일 2024-06-07
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