2023 SUMMER
Welcome to SUITE's Highlights.
Get ready to explore
what we've been up to lately
2023 WINTER
Welcome to SUITE's Highlights.
Get ready to explore
what we've been up to lately
Korea Media Management Association Conference for Graduate Students
In Busan, South Korea
On March 2024, Seungyeon, Jaeyoung, Minhyeok, and Saehe presented their research at the Korea Media Management Association Conference for Graduate Students. To kick off the conference, Sehee presented her research titled "Niche Analysis of Competition among Music Streaming in Korea." It was her first academic conference presentation and marked the beginning of her scholarly journey. Seungyeon followed with her research on merchandising products in the webtoon industry, titled "Exploring the Perceived Value of Webtoon-based Merchandise: The Role of Narrative Transportation and Fan Identification." Jaeyoung, whose academic interests lie in the Korean content industry, shared her research on the convergence of the Korean TV drama and film industries with the impact of Netflix. Minhyeok, the newest addition to our lab, meticulously presented his research on "What is an Entertainment Robot?: A Comprehensive Review of Entertainment Robot Research." With diverse subjects and methodologies, we had the opportunity to showcase our most recent research in front of respected researchers, receiving insightful feedback to further enhance our researches.
Niche Analysis of Competition among Music Streaming in Korea
Sae he
I presented on the competitive analysis of music streaming services provided domestically in South Korea. I am planning to conduct research targeting adolescents who engage in mobile-centric media consumption, and I have adopted the theory of niche as the theoretical background. Thanks to this opportunity, I received valuable feedback and will be able to develop the research in a better direction.
Exploring Perceived Value of Webtoon-based Merchandise: The Role of Narrative Transportation and Fan Identification
Seungyeon
This study aims to explore consumers' perceived value of merchandise in narrative entertainment content based on the extended transportation imagery model and fan identification, specifically focusing on webtoon-based merchandise. Thanks to all the reviewers who have provided thoughtful comments for my study.
Convergence of Korean TV Drama and Film Industries with the Impact of Netflix
Jaeyoung
This paper explores how Netflix's arrival in the Korean media industry has driven the convergence of TV drama and film sectors. Through interviews with content producers, it analyzes the transformation of the traditional value chain into a unified industry model.
It was wonderful meeting individuals who share similar concerns, introducing my research, and seeking advice. The fact that it all took place in Busan made it even more enjoyable!
What is an Entertainment Robot?: A Comprenhensive Review of Entertainment Robot Research
Minhyeok
This research is a comprehensive review of entertainment robots. It aims to conceptually define what an entertainment robot is and bibliometrically analyze research trends of entertainment robots. As this was my first time participating in a conference, it was nervous yet enjoyable experience. Thanks to all the reviewers and organizers for providing such insightful event.
The 24th Biennial Conference of the ITS, Seoul, Korea
In Seoul, South Korea
This year, the biennial ITS conference was hosted by the Research Institute for Information & Culture at Korea University, the Korea Media Management Association, SSRC, CIS, and the Graduate School of Bio Innovation Management at KAIST. As both a host and a presenter, this year’s ITS conference provided all of us with a valuable experience. Our SUITE Lab had the opportunity to present six different research papers.
Presented Papers
Chaeyun Jang
How Employees of Korean Franchise Restaurants Perceive Kiosk Accessibility for the Elderly
Jinkyung Ha
Examining the Decision Journey of Platform Refugee: Focusing on the Case of Korean Live-streaming Industry
Developing a Decision Model for Korean Content Productions to Select an Asian Country for Original IP Sourcing
Jaeyoung Park
Seungyeon Ha
Is Digital World Accessible to All? A Comprehensive Review of Digital Accessibility Research (1996-2024)
Niche Analysis of Competition among Music Streaming Services in Korea
Saehe Shin
Minhyeok Kang
Research Trends of Entertainment Robot: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature from 1998 to 2024
Glimpse in ITS Seoul 2024
This year's ITS conference is characterized not only by scholarly discussions but also by joy and enthusiasm.
At the Welcoming Reception, various performances by Korea University students were presented to the visiting scholars at CCL.
The special prizes given after the conference day were always exciting. Tumblers, neck pillows, and carriers from Kakao and Line Friends were all adorable
At the dinner following the conference, we enjoyed Korea's traditional performance, Samullori Instrumental Music, presented by Korea University's Nong-ak band.
Have you seen the self-photo booth at the conference? ITS Seoul has set up this booth, which is quite popular in South Korea, to capture memories in four photo strips.
2023
ITS Asia-Pacific 2023
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Bangkok, Thailand
In late November 2023, we attended the 16th International Telecommunications Society Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Bangkok. The conference theme, "Reimagining the Future of the Digital Society," set the stage for insightful discussions. Representing SUITE Lab, Chaeyun, Jinkyung, Seungyeon, Jaeyoung, and Hanmin presented our research for the Student Competition Award.
Please check a short article celebrating our wonderful ITS conference in Bangkok from Stephen Schmidt
Our professor, Kim, presented as a speaker on the theme of "Climate Action in the Telecom Sector: A Dual Approach to Net Zero," in ITS Asia-Pacific, 2023.
Chaeyun, Jinkyung, Seungyeon, Jaeyoung, and Hanmin showcased our research papers at this year's ITS Asia-Pacific 2023, receiving insightful comments from international researchers.
Particularly noteworthy, Chaeyun, Jaeyoung, and Seungyeon clinched student paper awards! We are incredibly proud of their outstanding achievements!
An amazing show adorned the final night of the conference. A violin performance delighted our ears, adding a memorable touch to the event.
The traditional Thai dance, seamlessly merged with an eye-catching video background, provided a truly memorable experience. The beauty of this performance was unexpected and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the conference.
We can't forget the delightful meals we enjoyed in Thailand. Over the course of three days, Park Sheraton served us a variety of well-crafted dishes, allowing us to savor both Thai specialties and international cuisine.
2023
From France to Spain, ITS Madrid
Paris, France
We were fortunate to visit Station F in Paris, France, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant startup industry of the country. We had the privilege of hearing the inspiring story of Naver France, gaining valuable insights into their journey and achievements. One particular highlight that left us in awe was the sight of a captivating webtoon advertisement adorning the entire Opera station.
Listening to the captivating story of Naver France was an extraordinary experience, especially for those studying in the media industry.
The cafeteria in Station F not only offers a delightful ambiance but also serves delicious coffee and dishes.
OMG! "Return of the Mount Hua Sect" on the Opera station in Paris, Station! Can't believe Cheongmyeong is here in France!
Harry Potter in France? Absolutely! It's an extraordinary experience for fans like us to step into an exhibition entirely dedicated to the enchanting world of Harry Potter.
Madrid, SPAIN
We had the incredible opportunity to be part of ITS 2023 held in Madrid. The conference covered a wide range of fascinating topics. Definitely, it was a platform where we could showcase our diverse range of subjects and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow attendees.
Participating in the opening reception was a fantastic opportunity to connect with esteemed academicians in the telecommunications field!
Presenting on the topic of "Extension of intellectual property in the media industry: The Korean case" was a truly rewarding experience.
Exciting news awaits as our advisor, Seongcheol Kim, announces Seoul as the next host country for the ITS Biennal Conference next year.
OMG, there is an amazing news! Chulmin, Jinyoung, and Yujun have been recognized and awarded in the student competition paper.
2023
Los Angeles to San Francisco
Los Angeles, USA
In late August of this year, we visited Los Angeles and San Francisco, immersing ourselves in the K-POP fervor at KCON, and exploring the global expansion of Naver Webtoon in the USA. Directly experiencing K-Pop and Webtoons in the USA was truly inspiring, reminding us of the webtoon advertisements that adorned the Paris Opera station.
Starting from a convention to a K-Pop concert, KCON 2023 completely blew our minds! Food, Cosmetics, Musics, Platforms... everything was there!
I have never expected to see "Omnisicient Reader," (which is my favorite!) in the Workshop in KCON LA 2023! This workshop explores how webtoon transforms into prints by IZE Press.
My heart raced as we entered Naver Webtoon in Los Angeles. The wall adorned with webtoon characters greeted us, and the conversation with editors and the executive was truly inspiring.
LINE FRIENDS in Hollywood? Hundreds of LINE friends can found here. The major ones are definitely BT21, the IP co-created by LINE and BTS!
A brief meeting with the professors in the University of Southern California
A short campus tour guided by Professor Eunjin Kim! We are right at the center of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg Building at USC Film School.
Sogon Sogon (소곤소곤)
After Saehe, Minhyeok, and Sewon joined our lab, this was our first team collaboration.
Thank you all for your kindness and efforts at this conference. (We make such a great team!)
Academic
Progress
There's a lot happening in our lab.
I will give you a brief summary of our monthly highlights!
Book Publication!
Korea’s Platform Empire: An Emerging Power in the Global Platform Sphere
Korea's Platform Empire explores the evolution of digital platforms in South Korea’s media sphere, and their global political, economic, cultural, and technological influence. With a focus on Korea in the context of the global platform revolution, the book takes a methodical look at the broader social implications, and the impact on cultural production. The authors explore various facets of the media and cultural industries, looking beyond social media to news broadcasting and the music industry and look at the policy and regulations behind this shifting technological advancement. This book will appeal to students and scholars working on media industries, digital media, platform studies, information and technology studies, Korean and East Asian media studies, and the creative and cultural industries.
Authors
Publisher
Seongcheol Kim, Dal Yong Jin
Routledge
Table of contents
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Introduction: Why Do Digital Platforms Matter?
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How Korea’s Digital Platforms Have Been Evolved?
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Digital Platform Ecosystem: Who Are the Main Players and What about Their Competitiveness?
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How Cultural Production Has Shifted in the Digital Platform Age?
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Policy/Regulation: What Are the Policy Responses to the Rapid Progress of Global OTT Platforms and the Underperformance of Local OTT Platforms?
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Are Korea’s Digital News Platforms Healthy?
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Do Korea’s Entertainment Platforms Promote the Korean Wave?
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How Has YouTube Music Outperformed Korea’s Digital Music Platforms?
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Can Korea Stay Ahead of Emerging Digital Platforms?
Media
Appearances
Do you recognize the significance of local platforms in today's global society?
If you have an interest in the platform industry, this video will guide you in organizing your thoughts and developing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Publications
Yeah!!! Finalllllly, the articles have been accepted!
Research trends of digital platforms:
A survey of the literature from 2018 to 2021
Published
Journal
Journal Index
Methodology
Keywords
April, 2023
Telecommunications Policy
SSCI/SCIE
Literature review
Digital platform, Online platform, E-Commerce platformInternet platform, Business platform, Platform hegemony
Brief
Summary
This is a systematic and interdisciplinary review of the literature on digital platforms by collecting and analyzing a sample of 1224 articles published from January 2018 to December 2021.
Seungyeon
(1st Author)
Hello!! I am Seungyeon, the first author of above research. This is my first attempt into academic research started from undergrad internship, and I'm thrilled to have completed this study, Reviewing 1,224 papers was a challenging task, but the research has laid a foundation for ongoing investigations. I want to express my sincere thanks to Yujun for reading and reading this huge amount of papers with me, and my mentor, Professor Kim, for his invaluable support.