Publication
Analysis of the Economic Impact of Consumer Coupon Policy
to Recover Public Welfare in South Korea
By Minchan Koo
Publication: The Curieux Review 2025 November - Part1
🚩 Summary
This study analyzes the economic impact of consumer coupon policies in South Korea through the lens of Keynesian multiplier theory. It argues that such fiscal measures not only stimulate consumption and income but also contribute to restoring public welfare and generating sustainable tax revenue.
🔑 Keywords: Fiscal Stimulus | Public Welfare | Small Business Recovery | Local Consumption
👉 [READ FULL PAPER at Curieux. p403]
Projects
Project GPT+ (AI-Driven Learning Platform)
Overview
From February to June 2025, I joined the Business/Finance Team in Project GPT+, an internship program supervised by Professor Thomas Miller. The project’s goal was to create a web-based AI learning platform that generates interactive storybooks with customized text, quizzes, and illustrations for elementary students.
Key Contributions
- Interactive Quiz Design: Built quizzes aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, enabling cognitive challenges at different levels.
- AI Story Generation: Fine-tuned GPT-based models and integrated DALL·E / Stable Diffusion APIs to produce illustrated educational storybooks.
- Recommendation System: Designed algorithms suggesting follow-up topics based on student responses and interests.
- Equity in Education: Supported a pilot program at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School in Cebu, Philippines, training teachers and expanding access to underserved communities
Impact & Learning
This project showed me how AI can bridge gaps in education by combining technical development with social responsibility. I learned to apply coding, data processing, and educational design in a way that directly supports learners.
🔑 Keywords: AI in Education | Storybook Platform | Learning Equity | Innovation
Project XR (GIST VR Lab, Carnegie Mellon Affiliation)
Overview
From January to May 2024, I worked on Project XR at the GIST VR Lab, a research initiative connected to Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science. The project aimed to develop a VR platform with interactive AI agents to help users cope with trauma, fears, and personal issues. By combining XR technology, AI, and data systems, we created a virtual environment where users could freely communicate with agents that responded to their emotional cues in real time.
Project XR (Summary for Website)
As part of Project XR at GIST VR Lab with Carnegie Mellon, I worked on building a VR platform with AI agents that respond to users’ emotions in real time. Our team also co-authored a research brief, “Deconstructing Gender Norms in Virtual Spaces,” exploring how XR can challenge bias and broaden perspectives. This project taught me how technology, design, and social science can come together to promote empathy and inclusion.
Key Contributions
VR & AI Development: Designed immersive VR spaces and implemented AI models that adapted to users’ emotional responses.
Research Integration: Conducted a study on gender identity in VR, deconstructing traditional gender norms through Queer Theory, Intersectionality, and LGBTQ+ rights. This resulted in a paper, Deconstructing a Traditional Gender Norm via VR Platform.
IoT & Robotics: Experimented with IoT-enabled robotics to enhance interaction in virtual spaces.
Collaboration: Worked with a team of four, delivering all milestones on schedule and contributing to UX design, data collection tools, and platform accessibility.
Impact & Learning
This project taught me how technology, design, and social science can intersect. By merging computer science, electrical engineering, neuroscience, and gender studies, I realized the potential of XR not only for innovation but also for advancing inclusivity and empathy in digital environments.
🔑 Keywords: Extended Reality | AI Agents | Gender Studies | Human-Computer Interaction
Project META (Business Strategy & Data Integration)
Overview
From July to December 2023, I worked as part of the Business Strategy & Data Integration Team on Project META, a capstone collaboration with DiveLab, a company pioneering metaverse-based fashion shopping platforms. Our goal was to design and analyze strategies for a metaverse shopping mall application featuring customized avatars for diverse users.
👉 View Strategic Report (Notion)
👉 Explore Project Website
Key Contributions
Conducted market trend analysis and integrated revenue model frameworks (including Ron Meyer’s model) to understand metaverse business opportunities.
Developed an online survey system using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and MySQL to capture consumer preferences. Designed and implemented an admin dashboard with data visualization for business insights.
Applied customer value proposition frameworks and pricing strategies to shape effective survey design and business strategy.
Produced a strategic business report combining data analysis, market research, and competitive positioning.
Impact & Learning
This project taught me how emerging technologies like the metaverse require both technical execution and business insight. By integrating coding, data design, and strategy, I learned to connect innovation with real-world application.
🔑 Keywords: Metaverse | Business Strategy | Data Integration | Innovation
Interests
📊 Economics & Policy
I am interested in how government policy shapes public welfare and economic growth. My research on consumer coupon policies reflects this interest, and I also keep an investment journal to practice analytical and long-term decision-making.
💡 Technology & Innovation
I explore how AI, XR, and digital platforms can transform education, communication, and business models. Through projects such as Meta (business strategy & data integration), GPT+ (AI-driven storybooks), and GIST VR at Carnegie Mellon (VR design, AI agent development, and IoT robotics), I gained insight into how emerging technologies connect across computer science, neuroscience, and design.
🎨 Creative Expression
Photography and fashion allow me to capture perspective and identity. I enjoy how visual expression tells stories and reflects individuality.
🌍 Global Perspective & Responsibility
Volunteering in Nepal deepened my awareness of privilege and social responsibility. I am interested in how education and innovation can reduce inequality and expand opportunities.