Public Value

Purpose: This study aims to reconceptualize the settlement of international students not as a static outcome but as a dynamic ecological process. It seeks to redefine settlement through an integrated framework that captures the relational and interactive nature of psychological adaptation, institutional stabilization, and social integration. Method: The study adopts a theoretical synthesis approach, integrating Berry’s (1997) cultural adaptation theory, Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems theory, and Bourdieu’s (1986) theory of social capital. Through conceptual analysis, settlement is modeled as a dual-circulation structure in which affective and structural dimensions mutually reinforce one another within a relational ecosystem. Results: The findings conceptualize settlement as an ecological and relational process composed of three inter-related dimensions: affective settlement, structural settlement, and integration. Settlement emerges as a dynamic ecosystem where psychological, institutional, and social factors continuously interact, rather than as a fixed or linear stage. This framework shifts the analytical focus from individual adjustment to relational and systemic conditions of settlement. Conclusion: This study advances the discourse from “settlement support” to “relational design,” emphasizing the need for a sustainable settlement ecosystem. Policy implications include the establishment of region–university–government networks to support international student settlement. Educationally, the study suggests the development of a settlement-based Korean language curriculum that integrates language education with cultural understanding and social participation.

Purpose: The mental health of elementary school students in South Korea has reached a critical threshold, with a growing number of students exhibiting 'ADHD tendencies'—a condition where core symptoms are present but fall below the threshold for a formal diagnosis. The primary objective of this study was to empirically analyze the direct impact of these ADHD tendencies on mental health outcomes, specifically depression and anxiety, among elementary school students. Furthermore, this study aimed to verify the mediating effect of optimism, a positive psychological asset, to determine if it functions as a protective factor in the relationship between ADHD tendencies and mental health deterioration. Method: To achieve these objectives, data were collected from 407 elementary school students in grades 4 through 6 located in the capital area. The participants completed self-report surveys assessing ADHD tendencies, mental health (depression and anxiety), and dispositional optimism. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to ensure data validity. Subsequently, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to compare model fit and verify the structural relationships among variables, and boot-strapping analysis was conducted to test the significance of the mediating effects. Results: The comprehensive results of the analysis are as follows. First, ADHD tendencies in elementary school students were found to have a significant positive direct effect on mental health problems, indicating that higher levels of ADHD symptoms directly exacerbate depression and anxiety. Second, ADHD tendencies were found to significantly reduce the level of optimism in students. Third, optimism was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between ADHD tendencies and mental health. This reveals a specific pathway where ADHD tendencies deplete a child’s optimism, which in turn accelerates the deterioration of their mental health. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ADHD tendencies, often situated in a diagnostic blind spot, act as a core risk factor threatening the mental health of elementary students regardless of formal diagnosis. The study highlights that the 'loss spiral' of psychological resources, such as optimism, plays a crucial role in this process. Therefore, effective interventions for students with ADHD tendencies should not be limited to symptom management but must also include strategies to preserve and enhance positive psychological capital, such as optimism, to buffer against mental health risks.

Purpose: This paper aims to examine how Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), as an emerging foundational infra-structure for smart societies, can simultaneously create and distort public value. While WPT promises efficiency, convenience, and new business opportunities across smart homes, smart cities, and Internet of Things (IoT) eco-systems, it also raises complex public value challenges related to safety, privacy, equity, sustainability, and democratic governance. Method: The study adopts public value theory and the risk society perspective as its analytical framework. It first outlines the key technological features of WPT and its envisioned role in smart societies. It then conducts a conceptual and literature-based analysis to assess the implications of WPT infrastructures for public value creation and erosion. Results: The analysis identifies five major public value concerns associated with WPT deployment: (1) safety and health uncertainties arising from electromagnetic field exposure; (2) privacy and data governance risks in sensor-rich environments; (3) issues of energy justice and infrastructural inequality; (4) environmental sustainability challenges, including increased electronic waste; and (5) platform monopolization and the erosion of public control over critical infra-structures. To address these challenges, the paper proposes governance solutions such as adaptive regulatory frameworks, privacy-by-design principles, public-value-based infrastructure standards, energy justice mechanisms, accountable public–private partnerships, and international standardization efforts. Conclusion: The central argument of the paper is that WPT should be governed as a public infrastructure rather than as a purely market-driven or technology-driven innovation. Its design and deployment must be aligned with collectively defined public values. The study concludes by outlining implications for policymakers, industry stake-holders, and future research on the responsible governance of smart-society technologies.

Purpose: This study investigates the sculptural characteristics and cultural significance of the Barigongju gache used in the Seoul Saenamgut ritual through a Craft-Based Research framework. It aims to clarify how the mythological identity and ritual role of Barigongju are materialized through the sculptural form and structural logic of the gache, thereby repositioning shamanic ritual studies toward a form-centered analytical perspective. Method: This research is grounded in a review of prior studies on Barigongju mythology, Jinogigut and Saenamgut rituals, traditional gache, and shamanic head ornaments. A Barigongju gache produced for actual ritual performance is examined through visual analysis of photographic materials, with particular attention to structural organization, spatial composition, symbolic ornamentation, and craft-based sculptural decision-making embedded in the production process. Results: The analysis demonstrates that the gache visually articulates the hierarchical status of Barigongju as a princess deity and her mediating role in guiding the soul of the deceased. This is achieved through a stable lower structure, an upward-oriented vertical expansion, and a hierarchical concentration of decorative elements, which collectively interact with bodily movement during ritual performance. Conclusion: The findings confirm that the Barigongju gache functions not merely as a decorative object but as a ritual sculpture integrating mythological narrative, ritual practice, and skilled craftsmanship. By adopting a Craft-Based Research approach, this study underscores the methodological potential of sculptural analysis for advancing the understanding of shamanic ritual art as a living and continuously practiced cultural tradition. Furthermore, the documentation of specific techniques—such as braiding 108 strands to maintain the arched Yeonhwamun—provides a concrete record of the artisan’s symbolic decision-making. This detailed craft data offers a practical framework for the digital archiving of shamanic ritual ornaments as intangible cultural heritage. Ultimately, the study pro-poses a standardized reference model for the development of traditional craft education content and future cultural preservation initiatives.

Purpose: This study examines the effects of play-based learning in university education, specifically how it influences students' participation, emotional experiences, creative thinking, and collaborative skills. Recognizing the lack of practical research on the application of play in higher education, the study frames play-based activities as a tool for deeper understanding and internalization of course content, aiming to propose educational strategies that foster student engagement and self-directed learning. Method: The research was conducted in a university service leadership course during the 2024 academic year, applying diverse play-based activities adapted from integrated arts play models. Focus Group Interviews (FGI) were held with two groups (six students each). Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for recurring pat-terns relating to cognitive, emotional, social, and personal learning domains. All ethical standards were strictly followed, and students participated voluntarily. Results: Both FGIs revealed that play-based activities substantially increased students' immersion and active participation compared to traditional lectures. Students reported a deeper, embodied understanding of theoretical concepts, enhanced enjoyment, motivation, and collaborative communication skills. While many identified improvements in self-reflection and self-directed learning, some students noted discomfort with team-based or highly active formats—highlighting the need for flexible instructional design. Conclusion: Play-based learning in university courses effectively integrates cognitive, emotional, social, and personal growth, supporting key competencies such as leadership, communication, and self-motivation. The results recommend proactive adoption of Play-Based Learning in higher education, with careful consideration of students' needs, individual learning styles, and balanced activity design for maximal educational impact.

Purpose: Modern people are increasingly concerned about their appearance, leading to a continued interest in beauty. To adapt to these social changes, beauty professionals must continue to receive systematic retraining, and beauty businesses must secure a stable human resource base. Furthermore, beauty professionals' job satisfaction directly impacts their performance. Higher job satisfaction leads to better customer service, fostering organizational loyalty and reducing turnover, all of which are crucial for management. This study aims to contribute to the management of the beauty industry by examining the correlation between the need for retraining and job satisfaction among beauty professionals based on their preferences, based on the characteristics of modern society and the service landscape. Method: To support the purpose of this study, an online survey was conducted targeting hair and skin care professionals. A total of 307 questionnaires were collected and used as the final data for analysis. Using SPSS 26.0 as the statistical software, frequency analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and simple regression analysis were performed. The results are presented below. Results: First, examining the general characteristics of the survey respondents, the majority were in their 40s (118 respondents), and the majority had graduated from a four-year university (90 respondents). Their job title was director (177 respondents), their monthly income was over 5 million won (101 respondents), and their experience was 10 to 20 years (79 respondents). The number of retraining sessions ranged from 1 to 3 (211 respondents), and the most common purpose was skill improvement (172 respondents). The most common form of re-training was beauty school internship (108 respondents), and the most common content of retraining was specialized technical training (162 respondents). Second, the need for and preference for retraining showed a significant positive correlation with job satisfaction. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that retraining for beauty professionals is closely related to job satisfaction. Based on the results of this study, retraining should be considered an essential element for improving management performance in the beauty industry.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze how user motivations for adopting short-form beauty content, which is rapidly spreading, influence consumer attitudes and user satisfaction. Specifically, by examining whether consumer attitudes play a mediating role in the process of adoption motivations leading to positive attitude formation and satisfaction, we aim to provide practical implications for developing digital content strategies in the beauty industry. Method: This study conducted an online survey of 199 adults aged 20-60 who had experience using short-form beauty content. The collected data were analyzed for reliability, validity, correlation, and simple regression using SPSS 26.0. The mediating effect of consumer attitudes was verified using the procedures outlined by Baron & Kenny (1986). Results: The summary of this study is as follows. First, user motivation to adopt a product significantly influenced consumer attitudes. Second, consumer attitudes also significantly influenced user satisfaction. Finally, consumer attitudes were found to have a full mediating effect on the relationship between motivation to adopt and user satisfaction. In other words, motivation to adopt alone did not directly increase satisfaction, and the formation of a positive attitude was found to be a key pathway leading to satisfaction. Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study demonstrate that content composition that meets users' interests and informational expectations in short-form beauty content fosters positive attitudes, which in turn leads to user satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial to implement a content strategy focused on attitude improvement by going beyond simple exposure and strengthening elements such as trustworthiness, entertainment, and empathy. Furthermore, this study holds academic and practical significance by highlighting the mediating role of attitude in short-form content-based beauty marketing.

Purpose: The educational significance of this study lies in the fact that through the exhibition planning course for the digital beauty curriculum utilizing the metaverse platform developed herein, students can independently explore media technology and virtual spaces, communicate with each other, experience new methods and meaningful experiences, and acquire and master various digital technologies while enhancing their creativity through process-centered activities. Method: An experiment was conducted with 40 second-year beauty majors to select a digital beauty course suitable for exhibition-based project learning using the ZEPETO metaverse platform, chosen through case studies related to the research topic. The experiment aimed to explore efficient teaching methods for virtual exhibition planning courses and verify student satisfaction. Pre- and post-course satisfaction surveys were administered, and comparative analysis was performed using a paired t-test. Results: First, we selected ZEPETO among metaverse platforms to develop a new form of exhibition class free from temporal and spatial constraints. Second, a paired t-test was conducted to analyze the difference in class satisfaction between existing digital beauty education and digital education utilizing the ZEPETO metaverse. The results showed a significant improvement in post-satisfaction compared to pre-satisfaction. Third, during the metaverse experience, recreational experiences, relational experiences, and escapist experiences were found to have a significant positive (+) effect on satisfaction. Therefore, metaverse experience factors suggest they act as key elements that go beyond simply stimulating learning interest. They promote learners' social interaction, emotional connection, and autonomous participation, ultimately enhancing class satisfaction and learning outcomes. Conclusion: Therefore, future metaverse-based education requires cognitive design elements that induce educational immersion and the establishment of creative experiential environments where learners can autonomously create aesthetic value. If educational content development utilizing diverse media for new major courses continues in step with this, educational effectiveness can also be enhanced. While this study involved 40 beauty major university students and thus faces limitations in generalizing its findings to broader educational contexts, its positive results from the virtual exhibition class using a metaverse platform suggest the need for follow-up research on education utilizing diverse metaverse platforms.

Purpose: In Korean society, the use of scientific and data-based skin care and beauty equipment that can enhance skin improvement effects is rapidly increasing, and effectiveness research related to skin improvement effects is also increasing. This study was conducted with the purpose of proposing a smart beauty direction using skin care equipment for the sustainability of the Korean beauty industry, which is not limited to cosmetics exports. The contents of this study can help set the innovative direction of K-Smart Beauty. Method: In this study, to investigate the sustainability of the Korean beauty industry, we conducted a literature search related to the beauty industry published within the past 10 years in Korea Research Information Sharing Service, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Among them, a literature review was conducted on papers judged to be deeply related to the content of the study. Results: Smart beauty device utilizes convergence IT technology to measure physical condition and is becoming an innovative way to improve an individual's appearance to be healthy and beautiful. Providing a scientifically tailored beauty care method that individually considers the characteristics of each factor and type of the body can provide sophisticated and effective results, unlike beauty methods, and can scientifically reflect how to maintain and improve health. It is a system that exists. As a result of the study, the concept and licensing standards for non-medical health care services in Korea were confirmed through a literature review. We classified the types of smart beauty equipment, presented their main functions, and confirmed that a new leap forward is needed, including sustainability. Conclusion: Smart Beauty can be seen as a field that integrates the management of individual beauty and health by expanding the concept of Beauty & Health based on modern technology and knowledge. The scientific field of smart beauty equipment is an essential part, and therefore, the direction of research will require a hybrid type of research that combines the fields of natural science and social science.

Purpose: In modern society, as interest in appearance increases, interest in hairstyles has also increased. Accordingly, research on hair beauty devices related to hairstyle styling has also begun. Previous studies often focus on hairstyles or hair care products. This study focuses on hair beauty devices, which have rarely been studied. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of hair beauty device consumption value on repurchase intention. In addition, we aim to analyze the differences in major variables according to hair beauty characteristics. Method: To achieve the purpose of the study, an online survey was conducted targeting 262 subjects from their teens to their 60s living across the country. The data of this study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 program as follows. First, exploratory factor analysis was performed to analyze the validity of the measurement tool, and reliability was analyzed. Second, frequency analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were per-formed to identify the level of research variables. Third, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe's post hoc test were performed to identify differences in research variables depending on the characteristics of the research subjects. Fourth, chi-square test was performed to identify differences in hair beauty-related characteristics depending on the subjects' experience with wet heat magic machines. Fifth, multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of consumption value on repurchase intention. The statistical analysis above was judged to be statistically significant based on a significance level of 5%. Results: First, hair beauty devices used for hairstyles are diverse, but the most frequently used ones are hair dryers and magic wands. The most frequently used locations are the bangs, and the most difficult locations are the crown and the back of the head. Second, in the results related to wet heat magic wands, more than half of the respondents had used them, and they also had some intention to purchase them. Third, in the results of verifying the differences according to general characteristics and hair beauty device-related characteristics, there were significant differences in variables according to gender, age, marital status, and occupation. Fourth, consumption value was found to have a significant effect on repurchase intention. Conclusion: This study confirmed how much influence the consumption value of hair beauty devices has on the intention to repurchase. In addition, it is expected that the purchase or repurchase of hair beauty devices will occur according to consumer satisfaction in the beauty industry field, as it provides an opportunity to understand the differences between dry heat and moist heat hair beauty devices, and at the same time, if moist heat hair beauty devices are gradually expanded, customers will be able to style their hair in a better environment and help them have safe and healthy hair.