Earticle

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of energy saving behavior. This study aims to analyse the factors that influence energy saving behavior with a focus on socialization factors. Social factors are fundamental determinants of energy behavior, but there has been a lack of systematic research on them. According to the results of the survey data, first, the influence of socialization factors is in the order of peer group > parent > experience. In order to strengthen learning in energy conservation in social relationships, it is necessary to use educational communities in the community where peers can exchange experiences. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen parental education to reinforce education at home and to expand the number of experience facilities where people can experience energy conservation. Second, in the risk perception paradigm, perceived benefits > subjective knowledge > trust > perceived risk affect energy conservation in the order of perceived benefits > subjective knowledge > trust > perceived risk. Although these variables have a great influence on energy conservation, these factors are closely related to socialization factors, so strategies to improve perceived risk, benefits, knowledge, and trust using socialization factors are necessary.

This study examined the institutional analysis and development (IAD) approach and analyzed the changes in Korean population policy. Based on IAD, the crisis aspect, which is the cause of population policy, was analyzed. In terms of situation and interaction, governance, system/law/strategy, and resources were extracted as variables for anlaysis. Finally, in terms of results and evaluation, new policy direction, new law and administration, and new resources were examined. As a result of analyzing the changes in Korea's population policy based on IAD, the causes of population policy failure were derived. The problems were pointed out as 1) governance without proper implementation, 2) failure of systematic linkage between laws and systems, and 3) deception of resource utilization value. As measures to improve population policy in the future, the following were suggested: 1) operation of governance with enforcement power, 2) interaction and effectiveness of laws and systems, and 3) maximization of resource utilization value.

Since the 1970s, multi-family housing has emerged as the dominant residential form in Korea. However, it now faces significant challenges due to aging, including increased safety risks, deteriorating living environments, and inefficient management systems. This study proposes a collaborative governance framework to improve the management of aging multi-family housing by redefining the roles of stakeholders, including residents, administration, and management entities. Key issues identified in managing aging multi-family housing include administrative dependency, ambiguous roles between Residents’ Representative Meetings (RRMs) and management offices, and insufficient structures to adequately reflect the diverse needs of residents. To address these challenges, this study suggests shifting the administrative role from a regulatory to a supportive function, focusing on preemptive inspections, support for small-scale housing, and the provision of management guidelines. Additionally, residents must be reestablished as active stakeholders with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure accountability and effective participation.

This study aims to pilot a program developed for the social rehabilitation of cannabis users in South Korea to promote the spread and effectiveness of social rehabilitation programs nationwide in the future. To this end, a social rehabilitation program was conducted from September to October 2024 for 11 participants among adult cannabis users in Korea. To examine the effectiveness of the program, we used the Readiness to Change Scale and the Resilience Capital Scale, and conducted pre- and post-surveys. The results of the analysis showed that the total score of resilience capital increased slightly, especially in part related to ‘coping and life functioning,’ which showed a significant change. Regarding readiness to change, the reflection scores tended to increase after participating in the program. As a result, it is recommended that follow-up programs should be developed to strengthen recovery capital, such as helping people find new areas of life for recovery rather than focusing solely on withdrawal from drugs.

We investigate what problems international students who have finished their university studies in Korea and are going to look for jobs in Korea, face and how they can be overcome. Study focus on the E-7 visa, Special Activity, which connects to the employment of highly qualified foreign workers. Korea provides high standards of education, as well as economic development that makes the country very attractive for international students. It has been observed in the recent past that there is an increasing tendency of foreign graduates to remain in Korea for work after their studies, but it is quite difficult to transition into work from academia. Among the major challenges in this respect is obtaining the E-7 visa. Hence, this professional employment visa follows very strict requirements and, therefore, is not easily obtainable. This study, tries to find solutions for these problems by reviewing the literature and carrying out some case analyses. Results can be observed as the demands for relaxation of the requirements on incomes, diversification of the industries eligible, and Visa sponsorship by small and medium-sized enterprises. This research would go a long way in improving economic competitiveness at the universities besides ensuring social inclusiveness.

As the issue of climate change becomes more serious, renewable energy is gaining increasing attention. Solar energy, in particular, is one of the most technologically advanced renewable energy sources. However, the problem of solar energy acceptance is acting as a stumbling block to the spread of solar energy. This study focuses on the multidimensionality of solar energy acceptance, categorizing it into the intention to install solar energy at home (individual level) and the intention to participate in solar energy cooperatives (citizen participation). Variables based on energy citizenship and innovation diffusion theory are utilized as independent variables. According to survey-based analysis, significant factors influencing the intention to install solar energy at home are: relative advantage > problem awareness > observability > complexity > accountability > rights awareness. For cooperative participation, the order is: relative advantage > observability > accountability > problem awareness. Relative advantage plays a decisive role in both cases. Additionally, relative advantage and observability enhance the positive effect of rights consciousness on the intention to install home solar facilities.