제 26 호 ‘Daiso’ Strikes Back - H&B Market Advance
Kicker: LIFE ‘Daiso’ Strikes Back - H&B Market Advance By Chae-yun Lee, Reporter o4nly_1@naver.com When people think of Daiso, they often think of shelves lined with affordable household items, stationery, and daily necessities. Known for their affordability and accessibility, Daiso is a popular store for cost-conscious consumers. However, Daiso is no longer just a go-to for cheap home goods. In recent years, it has begun making an unexpected yet strategic advance into the health and beauty (H&B) market, responding to shifting consumer demands and retail trends in Korea. This transformation has been especially notable in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the beauty retail market alone, many once-popular single-brand stores, such as Missha, The Face Shop, and Innisfree, have closed down. Instead, multi-brand health and beauty chains like Olive Young have settled in to offer a wider range of products and respond more flexibly to changing customer preferences, and more beauty consumers are starting to look for cheaper alternatives. Against this backdrop, Daiso has made a bold move, drawing attention not only for its prices but also for the surprising popularity of some of its beauty products. A Viral Skincare Routine Creates a Buzz One of the biggest beauty trends to emerge from Daiso’s cosmetics section is not a single product, but a routine — the so-called “Roro Formal” This skincare combination, widely shared on TikTok and in online communities, involves using three specific items: Needle Shot serum, PDRN ampoule, and a wrapping mask. Together, these products are said to create a radiant, glass-like complexion that mimics expensive spa treatments. As interest grew, many stores saw these items sell out quickly, leading users to refer to it as a “holy grail routine for dewy skin.” Social media played a key role in its rise, with before-and-after images and video tutorials fueling the hype. Picture 1: The tweet that started "Roro Formal" Picture 2: The beauty products that make up "Roro Formal" From Trend to Sales Boost Following the “Roro Formal” craze, other Daiso cosmetics also began attracting attention. Items such as cushion foundations, lip tints, eyebrow pencils, and eyeliners were increasingly featured in social media content and reviews. Consumers noted that while the packaging was simple, the products were functional and ideal for daily use. Daiso’s beauty shelves, once overlooked, became a new destination for budget-savvy shoppers. According to retail data, the brand has seen a significant rise in health and beauty sales since early last year — with some months showing double-digit growth. Who Buys — and Who Doesn’t? Not all consumers are convinced. Supporters say Daiso’s cosmetics are perfect for students, beginners, or those in need of inexpensive backups. However, skeptics express concern over the limited shade ranges, absence of testers, and lack of transparency in ingredients. Still, as positive word-of-mouth continues to spread, even hesitant shoppers are beginning to experiment — and many report being pleasantly surprised. Why So Cheap — and How Rivals React Daiso’s low prices are made possible by bulk manufacturing, simple packaging, and a streamlined distribution model. Without spending heavily on advertising or celebrity endorsements, the company keeps costs low and passes those savings to consumers. In response, other H&B chains like Olive Young and Lalavla have launched their own affordable in-house brands, but few can match Daiso’s ultra-low price point. Beauty Redefined in an Era of Inflation As prices continue to rise across all sectors, consumer habits are changing. More people are prioritizing practicality and affordability over brand prestige — especially for everyday beauty products. In fact, Daiso has announced plans to expand its beauty line with new items priced between 5,000 and 20,000 won, signaling a possible shift in its strategy. Some worry this could dilute the brand’s original identity, while others believe the company has earned enough trust to take the next step. For now, Daiso remains a symbol of “value over vanity.” Whether you are a loyal user or a curious newcomer, exploring its skincare section — and perhaps trying the “Roro Formal” routine — might just challenge how you define affordable beauty. Sources: https://www.daisomall.co.kr/ds https://m.cafe.daum.net/subdued20club/ReHf/5208506
제 26 호 Slow Aging: Redefining What It Means to Grow Old Well
Kicker: LIFE Slow Aging: Redefining What It Means to Grow Old Well By Hae-In Noh, Cub-reporter xhazmfnwm1@gmail.com Slow aging draws global attention as more people embrace lifestyle changes promoting healthier aging. Unlike anti-aging, which aims to fight signs of age, slow aging encourages natural, conscious aging through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress care. This movement stresses balance between body and mind, reducing disease risk and supporting mobility, cognition, and mental health. Younger generations are leading this shift by focusing on daily habits over cosmetic fixes, sparking growth in wellness, digital health, and nutritional markets. The World Health Organization highlights that healthy aging enhances independence and quality of life regardless of age or preexisting conditions. Experts urge early action, noting even small changes in lifestyle improve long-term health outcomes. Slow aging now is seen not only as a beauty trend but as a philosophy reshaping how society views age, vitality, and self-care. Defining Slow Aging and Its Distinction from Traditional Anti-Aging Slow aging is a holistic approach that emphasizes embracing the natural aging process while maintaining health and vitality through lifestyle choices. Unlike traditional anti-aging methods that often focus on reversing visible signs of aging, slow aging prioritizes preventive measures such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep to enhance overall well-being. This paradigm shift reflects a growing societal interest in longevity and quality of life over mere aesthetic enhancements. Lifestyle Practices and the Rise of Preventive Wellness Slow aging relies heavily on consistent lifestyle habits that support long-term health and delay the aging process naturally. Key among these habits are balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep, all of which work synergistically to maintain cellular health and reduce inflammation, a major contributor to aging. Diets rich in antioxidants—such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—help combat oxidative stress and protect DNA from damage. Nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids also play essential roles in supporting immune function and cognitive health, which tend to decline with age. Exercise, particularly a combination of aerobic activities and strength training, improves cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, and preserves muscle mass and bone density, helping to prevent frailty and chronic diseases associated with aging. Additionally, proper sleep hygiene enhances the body’s natural repair processes, regulates hormones, and supports mental health, all critical factors for healthy aging. Among younger generations, especially the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), the concept of “prejuvenation” has gained popularity. This proactive approach involves adopting healthy habits early to prevent signs of aging before they appear, rather than trying to reverse damage later. Social media platforms amplify this trend, with influencers and wellness experts sharing tips on nutrition, exercise, skincare routines, and mindfulness practices. This generation places high value on holistic wellness that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. Technological advancements also support this preventive wellness movement. Wearable devices, smartphone apps, and digital health platforms allow individuals to track their sleep quality, physical activity, heart rate, and even stress levels in real time. These tools empower users to make informed decisions, adjust their routines, and stay motivated on their slow aging journey. Furthermore, personalized nutrition and fitness programs based on genetic testing and biomarker analysis are becoming more accessible, enabling tailored approaches that maximize effectiveness. The rise of preventive wellness reflects a broader shift in healthcare—from reactive treatment of illness to proactive maintenance of health—aligning perfectly with the principles of slow aging. By prioritizing daily self-care and embracing technology-enabled health monitoring, people are better equipped to maintain vitality and independence well into older age. Market Growth in Health Supplements, Skincare, and Digital Healthcare The emphasis on slow aging has spurred significant growth in related industries. The global anti-aging supplements market, for instance, was valued at USD 4.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.80 billion by 2032, driven by demand for products like collagen and NMN. Similarly, the nutricosmetics sector, which combines nutrition and skincare, is expected to grow from USD 8.06 billion in 2025 to USD 15.40 billion by 2034. Digital healthcare solutions, including AI-driven health assistants and personalized wellness apps, are also gaining traction, reflecting a broader consumer shift towards integrated, technology-enabled health management. Slow aging goes beyond merely maintaining appearance or fighting signs of aging. It represents an attitude that prioritizes health and quality of life while aging gracefully. Initially popularized by the MZ generation’s focus on proactive self-care, this approach now extends across all age groups, making slow aging a practical and accessible way for everyone to manage aging. This shift stems from individuals’ growing desire to take control of their health, supported by advances in wellness practices and digital healthcare technologies that make self-management easier and more effective. Ultimately, slow aging is not just a passing trend but a sustainable philosophy aimed at living longer, healthier lives, reflecting the evolving values of modern society. Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/healthy-aging https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10339083/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10970731/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10339083/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-is-so-good-about-growing-old-130839848/
제 25 호 Streamflation
Kicker: LIFE Streamflation By Sol-Mi Lim, Cub-reporter imsolver4@gmail.com In recent years, major global OTT platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube Premium, have steadily raised their subscription fees, triggering frustration among users worldwide. This trend has given rise to a new term: streamflation, a combination of "streaming" and "inflation," used to describe the increasing costs of maintaining access to multiple streaming services. The impact of streamflation is not limited to international services. South Korea’s own OTT platforms, including Tving and Wavve, have also adjusted their pricing policies, placing a growing financial burden on young consumers—especially university students—who often rely on these platforms for both entertainment and relaxation. Graphs of Rising Streaming Subscription Fees Ad - Supported Plans: A Double - Edged Sword To alleviate the burden of rising OTT prices, some companies have introduced advertising-supported subscription plans. These plans offer users a lower monthly fee in exchange for periodic advertisements during content playback. Netflix has launched such a plan in Korea, and other platforms are testing similar models. While these options reduce costs, they come with tradeoffs. Some viewers find the ads disruptive to their immersive experience. Moreover, privacy concerns have surfaced due to data collection practices used in targeted advertising. Students, in particular, often choose ad-supported plans due to financial constraints, but their long-term satisfaction remains uncertain. Government Scrutiny and the Debate over Fair Pricing As subscription fees rise and OTT services become household essentials, the South Korean government has begun to examine whether price hikes are justifiable and transparent. In a country where streaming services are integral to everyday life, especially for students and young consumers, concerns are mounting over whether users are being overcharged without adequate explanation. In early 2024, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) hinted at the possibility of introducing consumer protection guidelines specifically for digital content platforms. While these are not formal regulations, they reflect growing public pressure to ensure that OTT platforms clearly communicate the reasons behind price increases, provide fair service tiers, and respect users' rights. However, the industry strongly resists these moves. OTT providers argue that overregulation could stifle innovation, restrict the growth of domestic content production, and interfere with their global competitiveness. They emphasize that price adjustments are often necessary to invest in high - quality original series, improve user interfaces, and expand content diversity. The outcome of this tug-of -war between government and platform providers could set a precedent for how digital media services are governed in Korea and possibly across Asia. Coupang Play: Redefining OTT through Bundled Strategy Amid the turbulence, Coupang Play has emerged as a unique case in Korea’s OTT market. Unlike competitors who rely on direct subscription revenue, Coupang Play is included as a free benefit for Coupang Wow members-users who pay a monthly fee for premium e-commerce perks like fast delivery and discounts. This bundling strategy offers a sharp contrast to the traditional OTT business model. For students already using Coupang for daily essentials, Coupang Play is an effortless add - on that requires no separate subscription. It creates a sense of added value rather than additional cost, appealing especially to cost sensitive users. Coupang also focuses on sports broadcasting, including exclusive rights to Premier League matches and local sporting events. This differentiates the platform from others that primarily push drama and movie content. By targeting niche interests and leveraging its existing logistics ecosystem, Coupang Play is shifting the narrative from “just another streaming service” to a lifestyle utility. Furthermore, Coupang's approach allows it to avoid the controversy of price hikes or ad interruptions altogether. Its content library may not be as vast as Netflix or Disney+, but its strategy shows that content relevance and convenience can matter more than sheer quantity. In a saturated market, Coupang Play is proving that integration, not isolation, may be the key to survival. The South Korean OTT market is undergoing a strategic transformation. With price hikes, new ad -supported plans, and increasing government scrutiny, users are no longer passive subscribers. They are becoming selective, budget - conscious consumers who actively evaluate the cost and quality of digital services. In this evolving landscape, platforms like Coupang Play stand out by offering alternative models that focus on value integration rather than pure content volume. As the debate over pricing and regulation continues, one thing is clear - students and everyday users will play a critical role in determining which platforms thrive and which fall behind. Sources: https://kcc.go.kr/user.do?mode=view&page=A05030000&dc=&boardId=1113&cp=1&nop=10&ctx=ALL&searchKey=ALL&searchVal=OTT&boardSeq=65109 https://kcc.go.kr/user.do?mode=view&page=A05030000&dc=&boardId=1113&cp=1&nop=10&ctx=ALL&searchKey=ALL&searchVal=OTT&boardSeq=64933
제 25 호 Aboha
Kicker: LIFE Aboha By Ji-Won Choi, Reporter support0321@naver.com Have you ever heard of the term “Aboha”? “Aboha” is an abbreviation for “A Very Ordinary Day” and is emerging as a new trend in 2025. This term refers to a day that is neither filled with great fortune nor marked by misfortune—just a simple, uneventful, and peaceful day. In our busy lives, we often find ourselves swayed by big and small events. However, sometimes, a day that passes without any incidents can provide an even greater sense of stability and comfort. “Aboha” sheds new light on the value of ordinary daily life, emphasizing that a day doesn’t need to be extraordinary to be fulfilling. So, why has the term “Aboha” recently emerged? The Background of "Aboha" Before the term "Aboha" emerged, many people were already familiar with the concept of "Sohwakhaeng". Originally used by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, "Sohwakhaeng" refers to "small but certain happiness." It means the joy found in simple moments of everyday life, such as tearing apart freshly baked bread by hand or seeing neatly organized underwear in a drawer. This concept spread widely in South Korea in 2018, becoming a key trend. At that time, consumer-driven culture was expanding, and many people began to associate happiness with consumption. As a reaction, there was a growing awareness that happiness could also be found in smaller, everyday experiences with minimal spending. This shift in mindset led to the widespread embrace of "Sohwakhaeng." However, over time, the meaning of "Sohwakhaeng" started to shift. What initially emphasized modest happiness gradually became a form of social display. People began associating "Sohwakhaeng" with purchasing luxury goods or traveling abroad, presenting these activities as examples of small but certain happiness. As a result, happiness turned into a competition, where people compared and measured the scale of their joy. This created pressure to achieve "certain happiness" and ultimately led to fatigue and dissatisfaction. In response to this trend, the concept of "Aboha" was born. "Aboha" serves as both a reaction against and an alternative to the performance-driven interpretation of "Sohwakhaeng." Instead of striving to achieve special moments of happiness or living under constant pressure to reach new goals, "Aboha" embraces the idea that an ordinary day, just as it is, can be fulfilling. This perspective has gained traction as a new cultural value, encouraging people to appreciate life without the need for extraordinary achievements. Characteristics of "Aboha" First, Aboha values the significance of an ordinary day. A daily routine that repeats without any special events can actually be a key factor in determining quality of life. Engaging in small but meaningful practices such as transcribing favorite passages, running, or keeping a gratitude journal are prime examples of how Aboha is put into practice. Second, Aboha emphasizes finding mental stability in small achievements and ordinary days, rather than feeling pressured to pursue grand happiness. By shifting the focus away from the need for significant milestones, Aboha helps reduce stress and enhance overall life satisfaction. People Practicing "Aboha" 그림 1A person who is knitting People who practice "Aboha" tend to prefer simple activities that bring satisfaction, rather than complex hobbies. For example, they enjoy knitting at home, transcribing impressive passages from books, or baking. Recently, knitting books have topped the hobby section in bookstores, indicating a surge in popularity among the 20s and 30s generation. Additionally, in the fast-paced modern society, Aboha advocates for a slower lifestyle. For instance, starting the day by leisurely sipping a cup of coffee or beginning with meditation are typical ways of practicing Aboha. Furthermore, those who embrace Aboha tend to give special attention to their homes. Instead of investing in expensive furniture or trendy décor, they decorate their spaces with meaningful items. Whether it's souvenirs from a trip or homemade decorations, they transform their homes into personal spaces filled with their unique stories, rather than just places for living. Effects of "Aboha" First, Aboha helps slow down the pace of life and provides mental stability through the small joys of everyday life. This, in turn, helps reduce stress and maintain positive emotions. Second, by reducing consumption and seeking personal happiness, Aboha naturally leads to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. By cutting down on unnecessary spending and fostering habits that utilize sustainable resources, it encourages a more mindful way of living. Lastly, focusing on the small moments of daily life, rather than glamorous external activities, Aboha helps enhance quality of life and fosters true satisfaction. This attitude also strengthens relationships with those around you, contributing to deeper, more meaningful human connections. How to Practice "Aboha" You don't need to make drastic changes to practice Aboha. Small shifts in your habits are enough to embrace this philosophy in daily life. Start by easing into your day with a bit more time. Try waking up just 10 minutes earlier to meditate or listen to your favorite music, which can help set a calm tone for your day. Creating and sticking to a simple routine that suits you is also effective. For example, make it a habit to go for a jog every Friday evening or cook a simple meal every weekend to bring stability and satisfaction to your routine. Lastly, mindful consumption is key. Instead of buying things impulsively, take a moment to think if you truly need them. Thoughtful, intentional spending is a core part of Aboha, helping you create a balanced and meaningful life. Now I've realized happiness doesn't have to be grand, simply having a peaceful day and coming home to enjoy something I love in a comfortable spot is enough to feel truly happy. Why not find a small hobby you can practice as part of "Aboha" and take a moment to appreciate the simple, thankful moments in your ordinary life? Source: https://www.newsmkt.co.kr/news/news-detail/0194af57c9c37c7cb5bddb81e046f615 https://www.tinnews.co.kr/27653 https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25280053
제 24 호 Ditto Consumption
Kicker: LIFE Ditto Consumption by Ji-Won Choi, Reporter support0321@naver.com Have you ever thought, "If OO uses it, I should try it too"? This trend of following the choices of specific individuals is called "Ditto Consumption". Recently, there has been a surge in the behavior of blindly purchasing products mentioned by people or in content that you like. The trend book "Trend Korea 2024" coined the term "Ditto Consumption" based on the English slang "ditto" meaning "me too". This consumption trend has become popular among the MZ generation. Types of Ditto Consumption Ditto consumption refers to the act of purchasing products or services based on the recommendations or choices of others, such as influencers, celebrities, or popular content. It's essentially following the trend of "if they have it, I want it too." There are three main types of ditto consumption. 그림 1 A prime example of ditto consumption; Dubai chocolate Firstly, "people ditto" involves mimicking the purchasing habits of influencers, celebrities, or even everyday experts. For instance, if a popular TikTok influencer is seen consuming Dubai chocolate, it can spark a trend, leading others to try it as well. Secondly, "content ditto" refers to making purchases inspired by content such as dramas, movies, or YouTube videos. For example, visiting filming locations from a popular drama or purchasing clothing worn by a leading actress. Lastly, "commerce ditto" involves following purchase recommendations from various shopping platforms. For instance, many people rely on the "recommended" section of shopping apps like ‘Coupang’ or ‘Musinsa’ to make purchasing decisions. Psychological Reasons for the Trend of Ditto Consumption Until last year, ditto consumption wasn't as prevalent. In 2023, the primary consumption patterns were "liquid consumption," where consumers tried various brands, and "solid consumption," where consumers stuck to a few trusted brands. However, the psychological factors behind the surge in ditto consumption this year are intriguing. In an era where products and sales channels have proliferated, consumers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. This has led to a phenomenon known as "FOBO" (Fear of Better Options), where consumers hesitate to make decisions out of fear of missing out on something better. Ditto consumption offers a solution to this decision paralysis by providing a clear path to follow. Effects of Ditto Consumption What are some of the influences of ditto consumption? First, when ditto products are consumed as a beneficial influence, information search time can be shortened. Also, you can feel a sense of belonging while making buying decisions according to the celebrities and media you like. It helps to build a bond by easily finding a topic of conversation with people who use the same product. And it gives a sense of stability because you can get a sense of trust that other people are satisfied after using it. However, there are also disadvantages. First, it causes overconsumption. If you buy products used by your favorite influencer without planning to make a purchase, impulsive consumption increases, causing unnecessary expenditures. Second, you lose your personality. Many people use similar products, and uniform consumption patterns may increase, resulting in their own unique personality disappearing. Third, the trend of the same product causes excessive production, causing environmental pollution. Fourth, the trend of these products may lead to incorrect production by being deceived by exaggerated promotions or false information from influencers. Therefore, the risk of purchasing low-quality products increases, and consumers may regret it. Ditto consumption can be seen as an attractive consumption method with advantages, but it is necessary to be familiar with these shortcomings and to judge them carefully when shopping. Beyond being a mere trend of the year, ditto consumption is poised to become a new consumer culture centered around individual preferences and values. With the growth of social media and the increasing influence of influencers, ditto consumption is set to accelerate further. In the future, ditto consumption, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence, will lead to a proliferation of personalized products and services. Moreover, ditto consumption will extend beyond mere consumption patterns, exerting a broad influence on society, culture, and the economy. In this era, consumers need to spend carefully. Sources: https://magazine.cheil.com/55182 http://www.hallymmedialab.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2061 https://newneek.co/@gosum_beat/article/11016
제 23 호 DARK PATTERNS
Kicker: LIFE Dark Patterns By Ji-Won Choi, Cub Reporter support0321@naver.com Nowadays, it is not only common for modern people to shop directly at the mart outside, but also to buy things online, such as Coupang. Have you ever experienced that before when shopping online? You may have experienced inconveniences such as the difficulty of finding a cancellation page after signing up for a fee on an app, or passing by important information because the letters are small or light in color. This is actually a way for brands to intentionally deceive users. This kind of technique, called dark pattern, is UX (user experience) that tricks users into making unintended choices. Dark patterns are often broad and sophisticated, from obvious deception to everyday marketing. According to data released this month by the Korean delegation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), about half of consumers with a history of e-commerce purchases experienced dark pattern damage in 2020. https://m.kmib.co.kr/view.asp?arcid=0016601446 What are the types of dark patterns? The Korea Fair Trade Commission's announced online dark pattern types can be divided into four main categories. Pattern 1: Type of Fraud https://fromhyung.tistory.com/entry/%EB%84%B7%ED%94%8C%EB%A6%AD%EC%8A%A4-%ED%99%98%EB%B6%88%EB%B0%A9%EB%B2%95 Fraud types include hidden renewal and sequential public pricing. Hidden renewal is when a service is converted from free to paid or when the payment amount increases, the contract is automatically renewed without separate consent or guidance to the consumer, and the amount is automatically paid. Most subscription services, such as Netflix and Apple TV, have introduced this type. Second, the price was marked low on the first page of the product search results, but it gradually showed a hidden price, and later charged the final price for all of them. Pattern 2: Type of Misleading Misleading types include false recommendations, incorrect hierarchical structure, and pre-selection of specific options. The first is to delete unfavorable reviews or to falsely write favorable reviews. In the delivery app 'Baedal Minjok', there was a case that 114,000 false reviews were detected and blocked. Second, items that are disadvantageous to consumers or advantageous to business operators are visually displayed. This makes the consumer misunderstand it as if they must choose it. Third, it selects options that are advantageous to business operators in advance, such as membership subscription, and encourages consumers to pass them inadvertently, allowing them to accept them as they are. Pattern 3: Type of Interference Interference types include cancellation, interference with withdrawal, and hidden information. The first complicates procedures such as cancellation, termination, and withdrawal rather than purchasing, contracting, and membership registration, thereby hindering the free cancellation, termination, and withdrawal of consumers. The second omits and reduces important information necessary for product purchase decisions, making it difficult for consumers to know. Lastly, when consumers choose an advantageous option or obtain the desired information, it requires a lot of clicks. This encourages consumers to feel tired and give up choosing options or collecting information that is favorable to them. Pattern 4: Type of Pressure https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=5534523 Finally, pressure types include repeated interference, emotional language use, and low inventory notifications. They psychologically pressure consumers to induce them to perform the desired behavior. Repeated interference is an act of repeatedly requesting a specific action through a pop-up window, etc. to pressure consumers to perform the action. In the middle of cancellation and refund, unnecessary pop-ups continue to appear. In the process, consumers sometimes give up cancellation or requesting a refund because they make a mistake or feel bothered. This frequently appears in the process of canceling and refunding digital sound source services. Emotional language uses emotional language expressions that stimulate emotions such as "giving up benefits" and "buying expensive" to pressure consumers' behavior. Low inventory notifications pressure consumers to make decisions by indicating that they are out of stock or in high demand. How are countries around the world responding to dark patterns? As digital transformation accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic, and e-commerce increased, dark patterns began to attract attention. In fact, most of the topics discussed at the OECD Committee of Consumer Policy(CCP) were related to e-commerce. Among them, discussions on dark patterns were the most active. The OECD CCP presented guidelines for dark patterns. It will also promote a global awareness campaign which will spread the core message, “Think Before You Click!” through social media. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered consumers or companies? to quantify and compensate for the time wasted because of dark patterns after announcing that it sees the top priority of its work as dark patterns. The EU's Digital Services Act prohibits making it difficult to cancel regular subscriptions or distorting consumers' choices through pop-up windows. Israel has banned all online transactions from setting consumer consent as the default. However, it is important not only to regulate countries, but also to change consumers' own perceptions. To avoid being deceived by dark patterns, you must understand and recognize the types of dark patterns. It is also important to make a habit of making decisions after carefully examining information. If you let your guard down, you can make an unplanned purchase in a dark pattern. This is a capability that is necessary for all of us living in the digital age and for rational consumption. Sources: https://m.kmib.co.kr/view.asp?arcid=0016601446 한국소비자원, 온라인쇼핑몰의다크패턴실태조사보도자료, 2023 https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=5534523
제 22 호 Let’s Explore Caffeine
Kicker: LIFE Let’s Explore Caffeine By Min-Ju Kim rlaalswn029@naver.com What is the most frequently consumed drink by all ages? In addition to water, coffee, green tea, and the like may be mentioned. What do these things have in common? They contain caffeine. Even though they are our favorite drinks, we are not sure what effect they have. Let's take a look at this. Caffeine-containing Food and Appropriate Intake Coffee is definitely the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to food that contains caffeine. Caffeine is contained in many foods, more than we thought. Let's find out about unexpected caffeine-containing foods that we didn't know. Ice cream, a popular snack for men and women of all ages, also has caffeine. The average caffeine content in ice cream is 82.9 mg/kg, and some even contain a larger amount of caffeine depending on the main ingredients. According to a study conducted by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 100 grams of caffeine per 100 grams of green tea ice cream is 99.83 mg. This is three times the amount of canned coffee (39.03 mg per 100 ml) sold in the market. Also, children's favorite chocolate snacks contain about 50 to 125 mg of caffeine per bag. Chocolate snacks are made with cacao beans, the raw material for chocolate, because cacao contains caffeine. Most people chew gum for a variety of reasons, such as mouthfeel and to avoid drowsiness. According to an analysis by the Korea Consumer Agency, a pack of gum contains about 32 mg of caffeine. In addition, some medicines also contain caffeine. According to data from the Korea Consumer Agency, a pill for headaches and a pill for colds have about 50 mg of caffeine, while a pill for just colds has about 10 to 15 mg of caffeine. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends daily caffeine intake of 400 mg or less for adults (300 mg or less for pregnant women) and 2.5 mg or less per kilogram of weight for children and adolescents. Be careful not to exceed the recommended amount, and do not consume caffeine five hours before going to sleep. The Efficacy and Side effects of Caffeine Depression is highly associated with dopamine and serotonin hormones. Dopamine is a hormone that sends signals about pleasure, and so on that makes you feel happy. Serotonin is a hormone commonly known as the happiness hormone. Caffeine is said to help relieve depression and stress by affecting the secretion of dopamine and serotonin hormones. Coffee consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression by about 24 percent, and one cup of coffee per day has been shown to lower the risk of developing depression by about 8 percent. The low-risk section for the development of depression was the section where the daily caffeine content was 68 mg or more and less than 509 mg. Caffeine's chlorogenic acid helps to control hunger and suppresses appetite, while it helps to lose weight by activating brown fat, which helps burn calories. However, the negative effects are not small either. The body has a substance called adenosine, and adenosine in the brain combines with adenosine receptors to cause drowsiness. Caffeine has a structure that allows it to enter the brain well and is similar to adenosine, which binds to adenosine receptors in the brain and interferes with adenosine's activity. At this point, the brain has an arousal effect. These effects, if you consume too much caffeine or if it is not appropriate depending on an individual's condition, can lead to anxiety symptoms and an increase in your heart rate, which can also lead to insomnia. In addition, caffeine excessively secretes gastric acid, damaging the stomach wall and causing gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, gastritis, and reflux esophagitis. Therefore, if your stomach is not good, you should limit your coffee intake. Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a chronic disease that causes unpleasant digestive or bowel movements after a meal or stress. Although the cause has not been identified, caffeine is known to be a factor that worsens the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, so if you have irritable bowel syndrome, you should avoid excessive caffeine intake. Caffeine is a big part of our daily lives, found in many foods and drinks beyond just coffee. It can boost our mood, help us stay awake, and even aid in weight loss. However, too much caffeine can cause problems like anxiety, trouble sleeping, and stomach issues. To enjoy caffeine safely, it's important to stick to recommended limits and know where it’s hiding in our diet. By understanding how caffeine affects us, we can make smarter choices to stay healthy. Remember, enjoying caffeine in moderation is the best way to get its benefits without the drawbacks. Sources: https://m.health.chosun.com/svc/news_view.html?contid=2022121301925 https://bareunnutri.com/health_info/278553
제 22 호 Mandatory ID Card
Kicker: LIFE Mandatory ID Card Bring Your ID Card When You Go to the Hospital by Ji-Won Choi, Cub Reporter support0321@naver.com A notice that says hospitals check your ID cards https://www.msn.com/ko-kr/health/other/%EB%8B%A4%EC%9D%8C-%EB%8B%AC-20%EC%9D%BC%EB%B6%80%ED%84%B0-%EB%B3%91%EC%9B%90-%EA%B0%88-%EB%95%8C-%EC%8B%A0%EB%B6%84%EC%A6%9D-%EA%BC%AD-%EC%B1%99%EA%B8%B0%EC%84%B8%EC%9A%94/ar-BB1lwC5l Do you remember when you visited a hospital? First, the nurse probably asks you to write a form. You record your name, residential number, home address, and then you can see a doctor after you waited for a moment. Like this, you do not have to take anything to the hospital.However, from May 20th, it will be mandatory to present your ID card when visiting medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics in Korea.You can receive medical treatment without an ID card, but you will not receive health insurance benefits. Reasons for the Change This is due to the revision of the National Health Insurance Act on May 19, 2023. Until then, anyone could receive medical treatment when they presented their ID card at the hospital.In other words, there was no need to prove one's identity directly. However, this convenience led to cases of illegal supply and demand. According to the Health Insurance Corporation, there were 3,514 cases. The total of damage caused by this is more than 60 billion won. There are many types of fraudulent use:People who do not qualify for health insurance steal others ID cards or lend them to acquaintances to treat and prescribe them instead. In addition, much misuse of mental health drugs occurred due topirating. To solve this problem, from 2019, the punishment for illegal recipients has been strengthened to prison labor for not more than two years or a fine of up to 20 million won. However, illegal supply and demand have continued to occur. This has led to infringement of individual rights and interests and an increase in national health insurance. Revised Content of Policy To prevent this, a new amendment will be implemented from May 20. Therefore, when you receive medical treatment through health insurance, you must present ID cards containing photos and resident registration numbers such as resident registration card, driver's license, disabled registration card, foreigner registration card, and mobile ID card. If you violate this, you will be fined. However, people that are under 19 years of age, emergency patients, and those uncomfortable with their movements can receive medical treatment if they only present their resident registration number without bringing their ID. Also, you don't have to show your ID at the pharmacy after receiving the prescription. When visiting a hospital or clinic in the future, please bring your ID card to prevent any difficult situations. Controversy However, on the other hand, there are voices of concern about this policy. Opponents refuted that the identity verification system unilaterally transfers the responsibility to medical institutions to prevent illegal supply and demand. This is because medical institutions must use their labor to detect illegal use, and if fraudulent use is revealed, they must be responsible for not properly confirming it. There is also controversy over the effectiveness of the identity verification policy to prevent illegal supply and demand. When visiting hospitals and clinics in the future, please bring your ID card with you to prevent any difficulties. ID cards not only help accurate identification and verification of necessary information in the process of receiving medical services, but they are also basic data necessary for prompt medical action in case of an emergency. Therefore, students of Sangmyung University should prepare their ID cards before visiting the hospital in the future, and through this, we ask that they cooperate with medical staff so that they can receive smoother and safer treatment. Please join us in creating a healthy society through joint efforts. Sources: https://www.medipharmnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=104922 https://www.moel.go.kr/news/enews/report/enewsView.do?news_seq=14373 https://www.msn.com/ko-kr/health/other/%EB%8B%A4%EC%9D%8C-%EB%8B%AC-20%EC%9D%BC%EB%B6%80%ED%84%B0-%EB%B3%91%EC%9B%90-%EA%B0%88-%EB%95%8C-%EC%8B%A0%EB%B6%84%EC%A6%9D-%EA%BC%AD-%EC%B1%99%EA%B8%B0%EC%84%B8%EC%9A%94/ar-BB1lwC5l
제 22 호 Student Syndrome
Kicker: LIFE Student Syndrome By Ye-Dam Hwang, Reporter hwangyedam1108@naver.com Are you an organized person when you are doing your work? There are maybe some people who starts their tasks with planning, but I guess many people have the experience of having left the work to the last minute and just did it when the deadline came close. Especially for the students like me, I think they may have some experiences of cramming for the exam at least just one time. This tendency of students about putting their work off until the deadline not only happens in Korea, but also in other countries so that we can call this a common thing across the world as “student syndrome”. The Meaning of Student Syndrome What is the exact meaning of student syndrome? Student syndrome was first introduced in the “Critical Chain” of Eliyahu M. Goldratt in 1997. It describes students’ planned procrastination until the last moment before the deadline of their assignment or tasks. In the experience of student syndrome, people only start to make notable progress when they are pressed for time and they have to do and finish their work with the sense of urgency. This can remove temporarily the burden of tasks, but ultimately puts people under stress and pressure to do them. According to Steel, Piers, in "The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure"(https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65), an estimated 80 to 95 percent of college students engage in some form of procrastination. Therefore, we can assume that this term of delaying tactics does not only apply to students, but also to many people in various fields globally. The Reasons Why Student Syndrome Occurs In spite of the pros such as making the best efficiency and lessening stress temporally, it is certain that the bad sides of this syndrome are bigger than the good sides. Then, why do people put off beginning their assignment or tasks and experience student syndrome? One reason is that many people are likely to procrastinate when they have to do something that they don’t want to do as much. Samuel Johnson, a poet and critic of the United Kingdom, said “‘Postponement’ is, no matter what it is big or small, one of the universal weaknesses that everyone has”. Like his saying, many people usually make a plan to do their assignment based on the deadline and take some time to relax in the initial time. Then, when the relaxing time ends and the time to start to do their tasks comes closer, they work with a sense of hurry that causes the people to put a decent enough amount of effort into their tasks. This poor time management of people can make people to fail to appropriately set priorities of their work and to put effort into them in a timely manner. The second reason and third one for this can be fear of failure and overload. For many people, failure may be the thing that they don’t want to meet. Therefore, fear of failure can lead people to postpone beginning to work on something, because they don’t want to confront the possibility of not doing well on their tasks. This fear is somewhat critical because it can eventually cause people to establish the concept that they are basically losers. Also, overload or burnout makes people to strive to finish their work and other responsibilities because they may be exhausted or worn out already with other tasks. In addition, due to the nature of assignments in college and some fields where people should make and manage their working plan, people are more likely to delay their work and this is particularly true for the people who use the methods to self-regulate which can be fluid. With many accessible distractors like social media or games, they can easily go off on a tangent and lose focus to complete the task at hand. Student syndrome which refers to planned dilatoriness is happening universally in many different field and can be caused by poor time management like delaying tendency, being fearful of unsuccess, and overload or burnout. Besides these causes, there can be some other causes or accelerators of student syndrome for each person. Thus, to avoid failure by experiencing this syndrome, I suggest for you to try self-cause-analysis of your delaying habit, and I hope for you to establish a constant studying plan or long-term plan for your assignments or tasks when you have to do them. Sources: https://www.koreahealthlog.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=5014 학생증후군과파킨슨법칙 | 힘껏차라 (wordpress.com) Student syndrome - Wikipedia https://naver.me/5pwFtmgU
이 사이트는 자바스크립트를 지원하지 않으면 정상적으로 보이지 않을수 있습니다.
