IGEE Proceedings

South Korea’s existential public health emergency: Tackling the low birth rate, loneliness, and suicide crisis: Peter J. Na, Hae-Won Ryoo, Jim Yong Kim; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):50-53. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.005

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South Korea is facing a critical public health emergency characterized by a rapidly declining birth rate, increasing loneliness, and high suicide rates. The fertility rate dropped to 0.72 children per woman in 2023, significantly below the OECD average. This decline is attributed to economic burdens, gender inequality, and changing societal norms. If these trends continue, the youth population could halve by 2040 compared to 2023, severely impacting the nation’s economy and demographic structure. Simultaneously, loneliness has become a significant issue, with over a third of Koreans living alone and a rise in deaths from isolation, particularly among middle-aged and older men. South Korea also faces a severe mental health crisis, marked by high rates of depression and the highest suicide rate among OECD countries for the past 25 years. Troublingly, recent trends indicate an increase in suicides among younger age groups. Efforts to address these issues have included government initiatives for mental health support, but these remain underfunded and insufficient compared to international standards. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health persists. South Korea can learn from countries like Japan and the UK, which have implemented successful interventions focusing on social integration and mental health. Addressing these intertwined crises requires collective action and a robust policy response to ensure a sustainable future for South Korea.; Summary

Technological Determinism in Smart Cities: AI’s Role in Urban Transformation and Workforce Disruption in Singapore: Jee Won Kim; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(1):20-30. Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.008

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Through the perspective of technological determinism, this study investigates the dual effects of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore's Smart Nation plan. Artificial intelligence has been incorporated into waste management, energy systems, and transportation to enhance resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, targeting positive impacts on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. However, the development of AI has raised concerns about SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as workforce disruptions disproportionately affect low-skilled employment. This essay critically assesses these trade-offs, highlighting the ethical and human factors that are frequently disregarded throughout technological advancements. It draws attention to the pressing need for legal frameworks that strike a balance between workforce inclusion, technological innovation, and ethical AI deployment by comparing data from before and after AI implementation. Additionally, it highlights how external factors–such as the infrastructure, regulatory policies, and public engagement–may alter the effectiveness and society impact of AI in smart cities. Through the suggested policies, this paper aims to guide nations around the world toward a sustainable, smart city while critically examining the setbacks and benefits of AI.; Summary

Advancing SDG 16 through political participation on social media: A Comparative Study of Social Capital between South Korea and the United States: In Han Song, Kyeong Won Lee; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):32-49. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.004

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The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) aims to promote peaceful, inclusive societies and build effective, accountable institutions. Despite the growing influence of online media on political activities in the digital age and the increasing importance of achieving SDG 16 through political participation, there has been a lack of empirical research on this topic. This cross-cultural comparative study investigates the relationships among online communication, social capital, and political participation in South Korea and the United States. Online surveys were conducted in both countries, focusing on people's interest and trust in online communication, types of online social capital (bonding and bridging), and engagement in conventional and unconventional forms of political participation. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of social media as a platform for citizens to voice their political opinions and partake in democratic processes. We discovered a significant correlation between heightened interest and trust in online communication and increased political participation in both countries. This correlation is instrumental in achieving SDG 16.7, which advocates for inclusive and participatory decision-making. This study also highlights the nuanced differences in the relationship between online social capital and political participation. In South Korea, bridging online social capital is associated with unconventional political activities, whereas in the United States, bonding online social capital is linked to these forms of engagement. However, in both countries, participation in presidential elections is associated with bridging online social capital, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The potential of social media to expand opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and hold their governments accountable contributes to achieving SDG 16.6, which aims to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. However, the study also serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by online polarization and misinformation. To fully realize the benefits of social media in promoting inclusive and sustainable social development, addressing these issues and fostering healthy online communities are essential.In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of promoting online communication and building robust online communities as key strategies for achieving SDG 16, engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the process of building a more equitable and sustainable future.; Summary

Evaluating How the Concentration of Chitosan Affects the Properties of Bioplastic in Terms of its Biodegradation Rate: Czarina Royce H. Rebanal; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(1):43-52. Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.010

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We encounter plastic materials daily. Many companies opt to use plastic in manufacturing their products to keep production costs low, hence making it affordable for consumers. Though this makes it easier for consumers to buy daily necessities, plastic industries release 1.34 billion tons of greenhouse gas annually. Additionally, plastic persists in the environment because of its extremely low rate of biodegradation. The plastic build up has led to dangerous levels of plastic pollution which has affected wildlife, climate, and human health. A prominent solution to this problem is the ongoing research on bioplastics, plastics made from renewable sources (like microbes and plants) instead of petroleum. The current issue with these bioplastics though, is that they are not as durable as normal plastic since these renewable materials easily degrade. The rigorous search for a material that combats synthetic plastic’s durability has led to the research on chitosan, a biodegradable sugar found in the exoskeleton of shellfish. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it has a lower degradation rate compared to other bioplastics. This makes the durability of chitosan-based bioplastics comparable to synthetic plastics. Through this research, the durability of chitosan-based bioplastics will be tested through a soil burial test and tensile strength test. This research discusses how varying the concentration of chitosan in chitosan-based bioplastics mimics natural biodegradation mechanisms whilst combating the durability of synthetic plastics.; Summary

Establishing the ESD and GCEd system in higher education: Analyzing the holistic approach of Yonsei University in South Korea: Jae Eun Shin, Eun Kyoung Rhee, Shinki An, Younah Kang, Keeheon Lee, In Han Song; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):6-19. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.002

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Purpose
This study assesses the Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives at the Yonsei Institute of Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE). The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in promoting ESD and GCEd principles and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs a comprehensive analysis framework to evaluate Yonsei IGEE's initiatives, including the "Understanding Sustainable Development with Ban Ki-moon" lectures, "Social Engagement Fund (SEF)" research program, "SDG Initiative," and "Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF))." It considers objectives, environmental focus, pedagogical strategies, topic coverage, learning dimensions, and outcome measurement. Findings: Yonsei IGEE initiatives demonstrate strengths in terms of clear objectives, environmental focus, and pedagogical strategies. They complement each other, fostering synergy in promoting ESD and GCEd principles. The lecture series offers a holistic view of SDG issues, whereas SEF empowers students to address challenges practically. The SDG Initiative guides Yonsei's research community, and GEEF disseminates SDG knowledge and fosters collaboration. Originality: This study contributes originality in two aspects. First, it presents an innovative evaluation framework specifically designed to assess the diverse GCEd and ESD programs at Yonsei IGEE. This framework serves as a valuable tool for future evaluations of similar initiatives in higher education institutions. Second, the data and contents analyzed in this research, drawn from Yonsei IGEE's programs, are novel and provide unique insights into the efficacy of the GCEd and ESD efforts.; Summary

Education for Sustainable Development and Career for High School Students in Seogwipo†: Younghyun Lee, Yumin Hahn, Gayoon Yang; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):83-93. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.015

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This study examines the effectiveness of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program conducted at Pyoseon High School in Jeju, Korea. Integrating career education, the program aimed at enhancing students’ awareness of sustainable development and key competencies. Conducted with 124 first-year students during school hours, the program consisted of three phases: an introduction to sustainable development, student-led projects addressing local issues, and final presentations. A mixed-methods approach was employed to measure the effectiveness, combining pre- and post-program surveys with focus group interviews. Paired t-test analysis on survey responses showed statistically significant improvements in overall competency domains. Qualitative analysis of focus group interviews indicated a shift from passive, school-based perceptions of sustainability toward more active and individualized understandings, particularly in connecting sustainable development to diverse career pathways. In conclusion, this program demonstrates the effectiveness of bridging ESD with career education, showing that student-led learning can enhance core competencies for sustainable development. It offers a promising direction for the future advancement of ESD in Korea.; Summary

Bridging the Cognitive Digital Divide: A Prototype-Based Interven-tion for Elderly Learners in South Korea†: Yeeun Kim, Haeyoon Shin, Soo Yeon Kim; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):103-113. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.017

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The acceleration of digital transformation across public and private sectors has exacerbated disparities in digital literacy, particularly among older adults who face cognitive, sensory, and technological barriers to effective engagement. In South Korea—despite widespread smartphone ownership among the elderly—digital proficiency remains disproportionately low, underscoring the inadequacy of current accessibility-focused interventions and the pressing need for cognitively and perceptually attuned digital education frameworks. This study examines the effectiveness of Ee Eum, a prototype digital literacy intervention specifically designed for adults aged 65 and older, integrating user-centered interface design principles with tiered educational scaffolding. A sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Initial qualitative inquiry through focus group and individual interviews (n = 30) identified key usability obstacles and content needs. This was followed by a series of controlled usability experiments (n = 31), including A/B testing of visual variables (e.g., contrast ratio, font size) and First Click Tests to evaluate interface navigability and perceptual clarity. Results demonstrated that high-contrast color combinations (e.g., yellow text on blue backgrounds) and enlarged text sizes (25–28pt) significantly improved legibility and reduced cognitive load. The inclusion of visual affordances in user interface elements led to substantial gains in navigational accuracy, with First Click Test performance increasing from 39.79% to 86.02% when target areas were visually emphasized. These findings provide empirical support for the role of perceptually optimized interface design in enhancing digital accessibility for older adults. The Ee Eum prototype offers a replicable framework for inclusive UI/UX development and contributes to ongoing discourse in gerontechnology, digital equity, and human-centered aging policy.; Summary

Effective solution-building to prevent dropouts in Korea: The case of Q&A diary development^†: Sumin Kim; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):65-77. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.010

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The number of out-of-school youth in South Korea has been increasing recently, leading to a corresponding rise in school dropouts. Moreover, the importance of schools is also diminishing. However, schools are a national system designed to protect adolescents, and the collapse of this system is far from desirable. Despite this crisis, support policies for out-of-school youth remain overly simplistic. Current policies in South Korea regarding out-of-school youth are based on a fragmented understanding of these adolescents, focusing primarily on preventing dropouts. These policies fail to consider the various sociocultural backgrounds and contexts influencing adolescents’ decision to leave school. For example, “dropping out” and “academic discontinuation” are more problematic issues. The ultimate goal of this study is not only to prevent dropouts but also to assist adolescents in making the best decisions on the basis of a deep understanding of their identities. As a first step, a diary was designed to enhance self-understanding by fostering narrative identity formation. A user test was conducted to create a Q&A diary that can assist out-of-school youth, and a literature review was performed to design practical solutions for preventing dropouts. Ultimately, this paper proposes increasing the flexibility of the school system and strengthening self-understanding activities in career education as measures to prevent dropout.; Summary

Mitigating the Problem of Local Extinction through Pilot Operation of the Gyeongbuk Theme City: Focusing on a comparative analysis between Kawaba Village and the Bu-Ul-Gyeong megacity^†: Gaeun Seo, Yeeun Doh, Hyunbin Gwon; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):90-101. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.008

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As of 2023, over half of South Korea's 228 regions face population extinction, despite substantial local government efforts. This study examines why the "Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) Megacity" initiative failed to address this issue. By analyzing the successful revitalization of Kawaba village in Japan, which attracted more than 2.5 million tourists, this study proposes an innovative solution tailored to South Korea—the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park." This project aims to revitalize the Gyeongbuk region's economy and reverse population decline, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 11: "Sustainable Cities and Communities." This study uses a comparative case study methodology to analyze the Bu-Ul-Gyeong Megacity initiative and Kawaba Village. Data collection involved a review of policy documents and academic literature for the former and fieldwork, including interviews and observations, for the latter. The key participants included local government officials and employees in Kawaba Village. Insights from Kawaba were applied to design the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park," which integrates successful elements from Kawaba's model while addressing the shortcomings of the Bu-Ul-Gyeong initiative. The Bu-Ul-Gyeong initiative failed because of a lack of economic revitalization planning, insufficient community engagement, and poor cooperation between governments. Kawaba village succeeded in establishing partnerships, fostering local enterprises, and maintaining effective government communication. These factors are critical in overcoming challenges in regional development. This study proposes the "Gyeongbuk Four Seasons Theme Park," a rotating, seasonal attraction across four cities, emphasizing local specialties and resident participation. This project aims to increase population inflow and establish sustainable agricultural enterprises, contributing to the economic revitalization of the Gyeongbuk region.; Summary

Empowering Single Parent Households: A Web Platform to Address Systematic Gaps in Welfare and Care Support†: Mingyu Park, Juhyeong Song, Jiwon Park; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):94-102. Published online June 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.016

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Single parent households in South Korea face significant barriers in accessing welfare support due to fragmented information systems, persistent social stigma, and limited policy utilization. Despite the existence of various support programs, gaps in practical accessibility and reliability remain. This study aimed to develop a web-based platform that improves access to parenting, welfare, and emotional support information for single parent households, thereby promoting self-reliance and social inclusion. A full-stack web platform was developed using React.js, Next.js, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS S3, and the OpenAI GPT-4 API. The platform includes key functions such as an AI-powered chatbot, parenting diaries, health management tools, and structured access to verified welfare information. Domain-specific prompt engi-neering was applied to improve chatbot accuracy and empathy. The study did not involve human participants but relied on literature-based needs analysis and system design methodologies. The developed platform successfully integrated reliable information delivery, real-time AI-based guidance, and tools for tracking child health and caregiving. It addressed challenges such as low information reliability, limited support networks, and emotional isolation. Preliminary implementation confirmed the platform’s usability and relevance, although features like automated policy updates and geolocation services remain in development. The platform demonstrates the potential of digital solutions to mitigate systemic gaps in welfare information and caregiving support for single parent households. By aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the platform not only alleviates parenting burdens in the short term but also contributes to long-term goals of gender equity, health access, and social inclusion. Further iterations will focus on improving mobile accessi-bility, scaling user engagement, and enhancing AI accuracy.; Summary

Analysis of the Correlation Between Health Status and Social Factors Among Korean Care Workers†: YeJin Yun, Yuna Kim, Miyeon Yoon, Sejin Park; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):114-132. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.018

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Amid South Korea’s demographic crisis of a declining birth rate and a rapidly aging population, care work has become an essential yet undervalued sector. This study investigates the physical and mental health conditions of domestic care workers and explores how social and structural factors shape their labor experiences.Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates survey data from care workers (n=345) with in-depth interviews of nine individuals working in various care roles, including certified caregivers, disability support workers, childcare teachers, and domestic workers. Quantitative findings reveal strong correlations between job satisfaction and health outcomes. Higher job satisfaction was associated with lower scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), indicating better physical and mental health. Significant disparities were found between care worker subcategories. Qualitative analysis further uncovered recurring themes such as emotional burden, social invisibility, dissatisfaction with compensation, and the absence of grievance mechanisms. Despite these challenges, many workers found meaning in their roles and relied on informal coping strategies such as peer support. This study underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues in the care sector. The results call for policies that improve working conditions, recognize the social value of care work, and promote health equity. The findings contribute to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3(Good Health), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).; Summary

Establishment Plan for Sustainable Villages through Resolving Mongolian Ger District Issues†: Eun-hye Song, Khuslen Bazarragchaa, Geon-young Kim, Sung-kwon Lee; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):68-82. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.014

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In recent years, Mongolia has witnessed a steady influx of migrants into the ger districts on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. While some have been displaced by climate change-induced zud and desertification, which have devastated traditional livestock-based livelihoods, a larger share of the migration stems from structural inequalities—namely, the concentration of employment opportunities, education, and essential infrastructure in the capital. This surge in population has intensified urban overcrowding and deepened various environmental and social challenges. The ger districts stand out as areas facing particularly acute challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, air pollution, soil contamination, energy poverty, and a critical lack of educational and healthcare services. This study moves beyond the conventional climate refugee framework by analyzing these broader drivers of migration through structured surveys and in-depth interviews with both ger district residents and the general urban population. Based on the findings, a sustainable village model is proposed for the Salkhit area, integrating agriculture, settled livestock farming, agricultural cooperatives, solar power generation, and tourism infrastructure. These systems are designed to operate autonomously and scale to other regions of Mongolia. By offering both policy and practical guidelines, this model aims to relieve metropolitan congestion and promote balanced regional development. However, due to limitations such as insufficient climatic, geographic, and agricultural baseline data and constraints in technical infrastructure, continuous feedback through test-bed operations and phased revisions are essential to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness.; Summary

Realistic Positioning of Social Businesses to Stem Climate Incentive Distortions within the Existing Market Economy: Muhammad Yunus; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):53-54. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.011

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Introducing the 2024 ‘Social Engagement Fund’ Cohort: Eun Kyoung Rhee, Sarah Soyeon Oh; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):64-67. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.019

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Women and Children: The First Victims in Times of Crisis: Denis Mukwege; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):55-57. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.013

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