The World On arirang

Amid the flood of information, many people have difficulty making up their minds which products to buy. For these consumers who have the Hamlet syndrome, retailers which previously focused on online marketplace and social commerce businesses, are now launching curated marketing in which experts recommend suitable products to consumers. Online marketplace and social commerce firms are challenging the market by combining their businesses with curated commerce, while subscription services in which experts choose and deliver products such as cosmetics, bakery, books, and agricultural and seafood products have also emerged. Music sites are also offering streaming services that play music in line with consumers' mood. We introduce you to curated marketing that helps Hamlet-type consumers to choose.

The continued fall in global oil prices is having a large impact on the global economy. It is having different impact on each country with Russia facing a default crisis. In case of Korea, is lower oil price more of a positive or a negative for Korea's economy? We will examine from various angles how global oil price falls could affect Korea's economy, including the reasons behind the falling global oil price, its impact on Korea's industrial sectors and ways to prepare for a persistent fall in oil prices.

A domestic boiler company has become the fourth company in the world that has developed residential boiler which can generate electricity on top of providing heat and hot water. The key technology is to combine stirling engine power generator and condensing boiler. It can produce 1kWh of power and is estimated to reduce energy costs at each household by an average of about US$690 a month. We will find out about the principle of power-generating boilers and their outlook.

Set-top boxes, which are IPTV receivers, are adding various functions. From set-top boxes that can deliver surround and stereo sound by combining with woofers to those that added smart home or credit card payment functions. We introduce you to evolving set-top boxes which are emerging as a hub of smart consumer electronics.

According to Chosun Sinbo, North Korea's food yields totaled 5.71 million tons last year. Although its food situation is steadily improving amid good crops, the communist country is still suffering from a chronic food shortage. An economic research institute under the U.S. Department of Agriculture said four out of 10 North Korean citizens will still suffer from malnutrition after 10 years. We will look into the North's food situation and listen to experts' views on the country's food supply outlook for this year.