The Korea Times

Attention economy: Battle in the age of AI

Attention is priceless. In a distracted world, focus is the most limited resource, the new currency for success. In the digital age, platforms compete for moments of focus, not just for market share or profitability. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this competition has intensified and transformed, creating a new phase of the attention economy that is supposed to be more personalized, predictive and pervasive than ever before. We are inundated by an abundance of information. Information is no longer scarce. Instead, individuals are swamped with content from social media, news outlets, streaming platforms and more. In such an environment, attention becomes a limiting factor. As AI-generated content floods digital platforms, it is more difficult to distinguish authentic, high-quality human-generated content. What AI brings to this landscape is an unprecedented ability to filter, curate and generate content tailored to individual preferences. Algorithms can now analyze vast amounts of behavioral data such as what users click, how long they linger and what they skip to refine

22h agoBy Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin

Technology is a mirror: What AI reveals about rebuilding community

What if the most revolutionary use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not to make us more connected or efficient, but to force us to confront how profoundly disconnected we have become from one another? Algorithms sort us, platforms monetize us and metrics measure us. We inhabit a digitally saturated yet socially fractured world. The promise of AI is often framed in terms of productivity, optimization and growth. But beneath the commercial enthusiasm lies a deeper sociological question. Can communities, empowered by AI, meaningfully address the structural isolation and fragmentation that AI capitalism has intensified? A commercial opportunity is rather straightforward. AI can revitalize local economies, connect small producers to global markets and reduce barriers to entry for marginalized entrepreneurs. The cost of creation, promotion and distribution shall converge to zero. For example, predictive analytics can help communities allocate resources more efficiently by anticipating needs, mapping potential risks, or optimizing solutions. Cooperative platforms can leverage AI to bypass ext

Jul 7, 2026By Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin

The age of movement: Mass migration in a fragmented world

Massive migration has been one of the central forces shaping human history. Long before modern borders and passports, people moved in response to climate shifts, war, trade, ambition and survival. From the spread of early humans out of Africa to the vast imperial movements of the early modern world, migration has never been an exception to history — it has been its engine. Understanding this long arc matters today, especially in an era marked by renewed nationalism, intensifying geopolitical rivalry and debates over U.S. leadership of the global order, as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio implied at the Munich Security Conference. One of the most transformative waves of migration was the series of movements that contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire by Germanic tribes. The collapse of Roman authority did not end civilization; rather, it reshaped Europe’s political and cultural landscape. Migration here was not simply displacement. It was re-foundation. Centuries later, there was another massive migration. European expansion into the Americas after 1492 triggered the lar

Mar 1, 2026By Daniel Shin

The age of movement: Mass migration in a fragmented world

Daniel Shin

Medical misinformation: Why science must stand above politics and profit

Evidence-based science exists to determine what is true, not what is politically legitimate or commercial-driven. When scientific findings are shaped by political agendas or financial incentives, the consequences extend far beyond academic debate. In health and medicine, misinformation can directly cost lives. In this environment, prudent medical journalism, which must be addressed in a timely and accessible way, can be lifesaving. The COVID-19 pandemic made this danger unmistakable. In several countries, scientific guidance on prevention and treatment became deeply politicized. Some promoted unproven or disproven treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, while certain politicians cast doubt on evidence-based measures including vaccines, masking and social distancing. These mixed messages undermined public trust and blurred the line between medical evidence and political assertion during a global health crisis. During the pandemic, vaccine acceptance was tied to partisan identity rather than scientific evidence. Later studies showed significantly higher COVID-19 mortality r

Jan 20, 2026By Daniel Shin

Medical misinformation: Why science must stand above politics and profit

Daniel Shin

Setting high expectations for 2026 in a politically divided Korea

In public service, the agency problem arises when those entrusted to act on behalf of citizens, “the agents,” pursue interests misaligned with those of the public, i.e., “the principals.” In politically divided societies, this problem intensifies. Contemporary Korea, marked by sharp ideological polarization, generational cleavages, and high-stakes electoral competition, offers a vivid illustration of how agency issues distort governance, erode trust, and yet, paradoxically, create the conditions for institutional renewal. At its core, Korea’s agency challenge is not a lack of talent or administrative capacity. The country’s civil service remains among the most capable in the world, forged through meritocratic exams and reinforced by a strong development-state legacy. Rather, the problem lies in incentive misalignment. Elected officials, senior bureaucrats, and quasi-public institutions increasingly respond to partisan signals, career survival, or media cycles rather than long-term public value. When political power oscillates sharply between camps, agents rationally hedge: th

Dec 23, 2025By Daniel Shin

Setting high expectations for 2026 in a politically divided Korea

Daniel Shin

Politics of the rule of law

Politics and the rule of law should go hand-in-hand for stable, just, and functional societies to be built upon. They are deeply interconnected. But they often exist in tension. Politics represents the contest for power. On the other hand, the rule of law provides the constraints that keep that power from being arbitrary and abusive. Politics should be separated from the rule of law. We need to protect justice, fairness and institutional integrity as a society. By its nature, politics often involves the struggle for power and the competition of interests. But the rule of law must represent a neutral system of principles that apply equally to all individuals. When political actors influence judges, prosecutors, or police, legal decisions may favor certain individuals or groups based on political loyalty rather than evidence. As a result, justice loses its neutrality. Political interference weakens accountability if leaders can protect themselves or their allies from legal consequences. Corruption thrives when the legal system cannot act independently. When they see political influence c

Nov 23, 2025By Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin

K-culture wave: the key to make your dreams come true

The Korean wave, also known as hallyu, is one of the most powerful cultural movements of the 21st century, spreading Korean pop culture, media, fashion and values across the world. Its strength comes from a combination of creative power, strategic government support, cultural appeal, digital innovation and emotional universality. It shouldn’t be a single wave. Strong waves should continue building on a strong cultural ecosystem, supported by a likeminded community. Here in New York, the United Korean Founders (UKF) successfully launched the first KOOM ("dream" in Korean) Festival in 2025, running for a full three days and covering extensive cultural domains. The driving force behind the success of KOOM 2025 is K-entrepreneurship, led by a new troop of Korean tech entrepreneurs who have accumulated sufficient resources to support this cause. Korean tech entrepreneurs have been thriving in recent years and this success isn’t accidental. It comes from a mix of cultural mindset, global exposure and a uniquely adaptive innovation style that blends Korean discipline with Silicon Valley s

Oct 21, 2025By Daniel Shin

K-culture wave: the key to make your dreams come true

Daniel Shin

Lasting patriotism: How to leave a legacy people can be proud of

Patriotism in today's society is a more complex and evolving concept than in the past, because societies are now more interconnected, diverse and globalized. At its core, patriotism still means love, respect and loyalty to one’s nation. But how people express it has shifted tremendously over time. In the past, patriotism often meant unquestioning support for the state, its leaders or national symbols. Patriotism today is, however, less about blind allegiance and more about responsible engagement, inclusivity and striving for the common good of both the nation and the world. Today, many people view true patriotism as holding their country accountable and pushing it to live up to its ideals, universal values and promises such as justice, equality and freedom. In a globalized world, being patriotic doesn’t necessarily mean being isolationist or hostile to other nations. Modern patriotism can include cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, pandemics or existential challenges stemming from artificial intelligence, while still valuing national identity. It is less about

Sep 18, 2025By Daniel Shin

Lasting patriotism: How to leave a legacy people can be proud of

Daniel Shin

Luxury brands and the polarized economy

Consumer spending has become increasingly polarized. Economies in many developed countries resemble an hourglass shape, with more people at the top and bottom and fewer in the middle. However, this trend only accelerates amid economic instability caused by inflation, high interest rates, artificial intelligence transformation or job insecurity. Top earners have more disposable income than ever and will continue to spend heavily on luxury items, experiences and premium brands. However, middle-class and lower-income groups feel financial pressure and cut back their spending. It’s not just about money. It’s about psychology, status and even survival. Halfway through 2025, consumer sentiment exhibits a clear pattern of polarization. Some regions and demographics show optimism while many others remain pessimistic. Consumer sentiment is no longer neatly aligned with consumer spending, and simple methods for predicting consumer behavior are probably insufficient. This polarized consumer spending reflects deeper trends in inequality, shifting values and economic pressure. In the polarized e

Aug 13, 2025By Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin

Women, rise and shine with the power of AI

Among the most critical components of inclusive leadership is the presence of women in decision-making positions. In the 21st century, a time defined by rapid technology advancement, global interdependence and complex social challenges, diverse and inclusive leadership is no longer a progressive aspiration but a strategic imperative. Hence, the world cannot afford to overlook the transformative impact of women leaders who can bring fresh perspectives, emotional intelligence, collaborative approaches and a deeper commitment to equity and sustainability. Women in leadership are neither a luxury nor a symbol, nor a token of progress. It is an essential foundation for the future. Nowadays, complexity demands diversity of thought. Empathy is a huge strength. What women can do and the value of women’s leadership is, therefore, not just important, but irreplaceable. The World Economic Forum estimates that closing the economic gender gap could add trillions of dollars to global GDP. However, this fantastic opportunity will remain unrealized unless more women are supported to step into leader

Jul 10, 2025By Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin

Attention economy: Battle in the age of AI

Technology is a mirror: What AI reveals about rebuilding community

The age of movement: Mass migration in a fragmented world

Medical misinformation: Why science must stand above politics and profit

Setting high expectations for 2026 in a politically divided Korea

Politics of the rule of law

K-culture wave: the key to make your dreams come true

Lasting patriotism: How to leave a legacy people can be proud of

Luxury brands and the polarized economy

Women, rise and shine with the power of AI

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