AI-Era Research Competitiveness: Why Insight Is Won in the Field
In the AI era, research efficiency has improved, but true competitiveness comes from the field. Iterative validation, strict process control, and the ability to interpret subtle human signals drive deeper, more reliable insights. Ultimately, research excellence is defined not by speed, but by precision, consistency, and real-world understanding.
🧠 From Researcher to Data Producer: How DRK is Redefining Insight Work in the Age of AI
As AI accelerates, DRK is moving beyond analysis — toward ownership of data.DRK has built a strong career in UX and marketing research, with a particular strength in qualitative methods and human-centered insight. But in recent years, a new realization has started to emerge:The traditional research workflow is under pressure.And increasingly, AI is doing the work. • Translation? Automated. • Code snippets? AI-assisted. • Data analysis? Often faster, and just as insightful.Rather than ignore it,
Designing Multimodal Research: How to Extract Deeper Insights in a Complex Market
Today’s markets are more dynamic and complex than ever. Customer voices are fragmented, and their behaviors can no longer be explained with a single research method.This is exactly why multimodal research is gaining traction.Multimodal research combines multiple methodologies—such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies—to examine a problem from multiple perspectives. It offers depth, context, and clarity that single-method studies often miss.What is Multimodal Research?Mu
Feelings in Focus: How DRK Turns Emotion & Videography into 2025’s Research Edge
Have you noticed how the most memorable brands don’t just sell products—they stage emotions? In 2025, mastering those emotions is the shortest path to genuine consumer loyalty, and Direct Research Korea (DRK) is leading the charge with cost‑smart, open‑source‑powered tools that capture feelings frame by frame.Why Feelings Trump Figures • 95 % of choices are subconscious — Behavioral economists keep proving it, yet many marketers still fixate on purely rational metrics. DRK flips the lens to the
Bangkok ESOMAR 2024: The Role of AI in Marketing Research
In early November, ESOMAR 2024 held in Bangkok, Thailand, was a meaningful event exploring the latest market research trends and technological innovations. This year, the primary focus was on practical examples of how AI technology can be integrated into and utilized in market research projects.AI Moderator: Combining Cost Efficiency and InnovationOne of the most fascinating cases presented was the use of AI Moderator in research. The presenting team demonstrated the use of an AI-based interview
The Critical Role of Research Facilities in Conducting Qualitative Interviews: Enhancing Fieldwork Market Research
In market research, qualitative interviews are invaluable tools for understanding customer behaviors, motivations, and perceptions. Based on our fieldwork experience, the success of these interviews, however, hinges significantly on the quality of the environment in which they are conducted. Research facilities, designed to support fieldwork, play a crucial role in ensuring the validity and depth of insights gained from such qualitative methods.Why Research Facilities Matter in Qualitative Inter
Why DRK is the Top Choice for Market Research Fieldwork in South Korea
When companies seek the top choice for market research fieldwork in South Korea, they need a partner they can trust—one that not only delivers accurate data but also provides deep, actionable insights. At Direct Research Korea (DRK), we understand the dynamic and nuanced South Korean market, and we recognize the high stakes involved in making business decisions based on market research. That’s why we’ve perfected our approach to fieldwork interviews, ensuring that our clients receive the most re
Build your brand in South Korea: Market Research Insights
For companies wishing to build their brand in South Korea, we are bringing market research insights to you. South Korea is posing itself as a strong market for building a brand, once known primarily for its robust manufacturing sector, has transformed into a global cultural powerhouse over the past two decades. This evolution has been marked by the rise of K-pop phenomena like BTS and BLACKPINK, blockbuster TV series like 'Squid Game,' and the flourishing of K-beauty products. These successes ar
Why you should leverage Media Mix Research: Elevate Your Brand with Direct Research Korea
Media mix research emerges as a crucial tool for brands aiming to optimize their marketing strategies, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of their audience and the effectiveness of their campaigns. In today's complex and multifaceted marketing landscape, relying solely on traditional metrics like website cookies, Google Analytics, or Meta ads is insufficient for capturing the full spectrum of consumer behavior and media effectiveness. Here’s an in-depth look at why companies should be
South Korea's Medical Tourism: Market Research
South Korea's ambitious vision to attract 700,000 medical tourists by 2027 exemplifies the nation's commitment to becoming a global healthcare hub. This goal is anchored in a multifaceted strategy that blends healthcare excellence with the allure of tourism, leveraging South Korea's cultural phenomena and advanced medical offerings to draw in international patients.Key Takeaways:I. Strategic Government Initiatives: The Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched initiatives to overhaul immigrati
South Korea's FDI Landscape in 2023 and Beyond: Market Research
In an era where economic landscapes are rapidly transforming, South Korea's position in the global foreign direct investment (FDI) matrix serves as a barometer for its evolving economic climate. The latest findings from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2023 reveal a nuanced tapestry of South Korea's FDI dynamics, marked by challenges and triumphs alike. As we delve into these insights, we uncover the contours of a market at a pivotal junct
Energizing the Future of South Korea: Energy Drink Market Research
Market research shows a silent yet swift revolution is brewing in the form of energy drinks in South Korea. The at-home energy and sports drinks market are fizzing with a robust US$1.3 billion in revenue as of 2024, and with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.96% from 2024 to 2028, the sector shows no signs of slowing down. This burgeoning industry, characterized by its dynamic consumer base and evolving preferences, presents an unmissable opportunity for brands looking to capture the hearts
How Can Shop-Along Research Unlock Valuable Consumer Insights for Your Brand?
In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, understanding the consumer's journey is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. Direct Research Korea stands at the forefront of this exploration, offering an immersive research methodology that brings brands closer to their customers' realities: shop-along research. This hands-on approach not only reveals the intricacies of consumer behavior but also opens a window into the emotional and decision-making processes that drive purchases. Here, we delve int
Dynamics of South Korea's Market Landscape: Research Insights
In an era where understanding the intricacies of market dynamics is crucial for businesses aiming to thrive, market research into Korea's top 157 South Korean public listed companies presents a fascinating study. It offers invaluable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike. This blog aims to shed light on these findings, emphasizing the sectors that dominate the South Korean market and the implications for strategic decision-making.The Dominance of TechnologyAt the forefron
Build your own GPT Research Model!
Since 2015, we have been delivering exceptional research outputs and data driven insights for our global-based clients. Through the advent of Generative AI and especially ChatGPT, Direct Research Korea is proud to announce our latest service - Dr. K's Persona Chat Service - your personalized GPT-model!Service OverviewDr. K's Deep Chat Service offers innovative analysis solutions to market research professionals by developing Custom GPT models based on clients' qualitative analysis data. This ser
Why Japanese Cosmetic Companies are Focusing on the Korean Market: In-depth Market Research and Global Strategy
In late 2023, a group of about 20 researchers from Japan, Singapore, and Korea gathered to gain a deeper understanding of Korean consumers. Direct Research Korea smoothly conducted extensive consumer surveys for various brands over a two-week period, showcasing their expertise in handling large-scale consumer studies.Understanding Consumer Preferences and TrendsThe sophisticated and diverse preferences of Korean consumers towards beauty products provide important insights for Japanese companies
#2 easy marketing research, how to start create hypothesis and questionaire with GPT
You don't know where and how to start a marketing research project. Start with a AI tool. It will give you a descent guideline, but use the suggested Prompts. It will be helpful. During the session, I introduced the most common five marketing analysis frames. You can define your own hypothesis as you answer the questions. In the meantime, you can give more information back to GPT to be trained one by one. Here I used a cosmetic product example, but it can apply to any product and project in the
[Pet] Market Research in South Korea: Unveiling The Thriving Pet Care Market
Introduction:The world of pet care in South Korea is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and evolving market dynamics. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the wealth of insights and exciting trends that are shaping the industry's future.The Digital Revolution: Online Pet Food DistributionIn a world where convenience and accessibility reign supreme, South Korea stands as a trailblazer in online pet food distribution. The
Market Research Insights: The Rise of Motorsports in South Korea:
Greetings to our motor enthusiasts,If the rev of engines, the swish of rubber on tarmac, and the scent of burning fuel set your heart racing, you're in for a treat. Over the past decade, South Korea has witnessed a seismic shift in its automotive landscape. Once a niche market, motorsports is now taking the nation by storm, and our market research in South Korea helps its magic unfold. A Backdrop of AccelerationThe Korean automobile industry has long been a force to reckon with, with global gian
[MR101] Market Research Services in Korea
Direct Research Korea (DRK) helps you address business issues and develop optimal strategies by identifying market directions and leading growth opportunities. We offer market research services across B2B and B2C industries in South Korea. Reach out to us today to find out more!1. Market Intelligence: We provide expert market intelligence on any industry or company of your choosing in Korea. We conduct Desk Research, Market Environment Research for Startups and provide targeted internal info on
[MR101] #1 easy marketing research, Marketing Research service in Korea by Direct Research Korea
Today, I want to cover possible marketing research in Korea. I have got some helps from GPT to collect basic information and a bit odd image from Adobe Express Beta AI.Here are the types of marketing research.1. Market Research: Market research involves collecting and analyzing information about the size, structure, trends, consumer behavior, and demands of a specific market. Market research helps companies understand the market, develop products or services, and formulate marketing strategies.2
Direct Research Korea gives advice on the current opt-out marketing environment, with marketing mix modelling
On the 5th of April, the Senior Researcher of Direct Research Korea, Jay Ahn delivered a presentation on 'Marketing ROI measurement in Chaos.' Four key points were discussed in the presentation:1. Change in Technology, Policy, and Consumer2. What is Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM)? And why now?3. Step-by-Step Walkthrough of MMM 4. Points to Consider for MMM Projects
Direct Research Korea Trend Report 2023
The year 2022 has been viewed as the recovery year post the pandemic. With this, there are several changes and trends that have affected the South Korean market. In this report, Direct Research Korea provides the latest trends for the 2022-23 term in the areas of Gaming, Movies, F&B, Luxury Goods, and the Automotive Industry.#directresearchkorea #marketingreseach #koreatrendreport Korea Trend Report 2023
Case Study: Fitness Market Research by Direct Research Korea
This week we present one of our recent market research case studies looking into the fitness attributes and mindsets of the older Gen Z and younger millennials, especially after the impact of COVID-19.For our client, we helped them understand the role of fitness, attitudes, and inspirations behind the populations' physical activity choices.The market research encapsulated these findings via the three research phases below:Phase #1: Digital DiaryWe asked our population to maintain a digital diary
Direct Research Korea visits the Busan International Film Festival!
#biff #busaninternationalfilmfestival #film #filmfestival #filmfestivals #filmfest #busan #director #producers #korea #future #marketresearch #asiacontentawards #research #development
Case Study: Travel Market Research
Case Study: Influencers Market Research
[Gaming] 2020 Cloud Gaming Service in Korea
How is it going to evolve in the market? For telecom service providers, 1)Lock gaming consumer segment. 2)Be the first 5g platform service provider for future development. 3)Sell more entertainment contents. For gaming service partners, 1)Use Korea as 5g testbed.2)Increase awareness.3)Sell more gaming contents. For consumers & gamers, 1)More choice to choose; mobile or consoles? 2)Pursuing seamless gaming experience but which one. 3)Care about playing efficiency. #CloudGamingService#Kor
Direct Research Korea Fieldwork Capability
Thank you all dear clients! We are reaching to the year-end. We like to share some of our 2019 FW pictures.#korea #marketresearch #quantitativeresearch #qualitativeresearch #directresearchkorea Direct Research Korea field work capability
[Korean Trends] 7hrs fresh food delivery service from an online eCommerce company
What if you order fresh grocery at 11:50pm tonight, but deliver home 7am next day?COUPANG #1 mobile commerce* makes this dream come true in Korea. COUPANG made their company name through the ‘Rocket delivery’ service like order before the midnight then delivery guarantee next day. Now, they want to move forward and deliver ‘order before the midnight then delivery guarantee before 7am next day.#coupang #mobileshopping #delivery #logistics #packaging #marketresearch #korea[Korean Trends] 7hrs fres
[Korean Trends] First Jeans self-service store opened in Korea
'First self-service store selling jeans opened in Seoul, Korea last October.'From the outside of the store, we cannot see anything inside, that is how the exterior looks like. Inside the store, it is very similar to other fashion stores, but no staff. Customers can come in with their credit card check-in and purchase their jeans via the prepared tablet inside after they try in the fitting room. More self-service store will come in 2019 due to high minimum wage. It has increased around 30% last
[People Insight] 2018/19 grocery shopper x channel report in Korea
[People Insight] 2018/19 grocery shopper x channel report in KoreaThe total amount of GDP is around 1.5 Trillion dollars in 2017 by IMF. It is the 11 or 12 biggest country in the world. We have not finished this year yet, but likely our country growth rate will be 2.5% this year. And, Moody’s forecast Y2019 will be even lower at 2.3%. Economist says our importing is supporting the growth rate. The domestic growth rate is around 0.1% growth rate. In terms of retail and size of the retail industry
[People Insight] Do S.Korean want reunification with N.Korea?
Ask opinions to S. Korea citizens why and why not for reunification.Pro-reunification1) It is the mission of our generation. 2) It would give economic benefits. 3) People from N.Korea can visit and travel their hometown. Con-reunification1) It is going to be extremely difficult to get a job2) Our government would increase the tax to support N.Korea.3) There is no reason to be reunified. Here is a stat from 1,000 S.Korean citizens. ‘Do South Koreans Want Reunification With North Korea?’2012. 64