• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information Security & Cryptology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2023

Roblox, the world's No. 1 metaverse platform, has more than 3 billion subscription accounts and more than 150 millionmonthly active users (MAU). Despite such high interest in metaverse, existing studies on analyzing the risk of cyberattacks and security in the metaverse environment is insufficient. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a new steganography-basedcovert communication method in Roblox. In our proposed method, a secret message is hidden into an image by using a function provided in the Roblox Experience environment and then the image is automatically stored in the RobloxExperience participants' devices (PC or Smartphone) so that a malicious software can extract the hidden message fromthe image. By our experiments in the Roblox metaverse environment, we validated our proposed method works and thus want to inform our proposed method can be used in various cyberattacks and crimes such as the spread of secret commands, the establishment of a steganography botnet, and the mass distribution of malicious malware in metaverse platforms.

• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.37-47
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• 2023

The growth of the metaverse has been accelerated by the increased demand for non-face-to-face interactions due to COVID-19 and advancements in technologies such as blockchain and NFTs. However, with the emergence of various metaverse platforms and the corresponding rise in users, criminal cases such as ransomware attacks, copyright infringements, and sexual offenses have occurred within the metaverse. Consequently, the need for artifacts that can be utilized as digital evidence within metaverse systems has increased. However, there is a lack of information about artifacts that can be used as digital evidence. Furthermore, metaverse security evaluation and forensic analysis are also insufficient, and the absence of attack scenarios and related guidelines makes forensics challenging. To address these issues, this paper presents artifacts that can be used for user behavior analysis and timeline analysis through dynamic analysis of Roblox, a representative metaverse gaming solution. Based on analyzing interrelationship between identified artifacts through memory forensics and log file analysis, this paper suggests the potential usability of artifacts in metaverse crime scenarios. Moreover, it proposes improvements by analyzing the current legal and regulatory aspects to address institutional deficiencies.

• Review of Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2021

Currently, the metaverse is rapidly emerging in a situa tion where human encounters are decreasing as non-fa ce-to-face status continues due to COVID-19. In this ar ticle, we explore the metaverse world that expresses th e real world and look at how we should live in the futur e.In addition, we analyze the technological status of Na ver Z's zepeto, the most popular metaverse service platf orm in Korea, and the Roblox service, which is used by 70% of elementary school students abroad. This confir ms the impact and appearance of the metaverse on our future.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.229-238
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• 2023

This study is to identify marketing methods that are different from the existing ones on the Metaverse platform, where new business models and industrial ecosystems are being formed. The purpose of this study is to identify how brand marketing methods are differentiated according to the type of metaverse and the characteristics of the main users who use metaverse. The research method was a case analysis method, and Roblox, which currently has the largest number of active users, was selected. We closely analyzed how Nike and Gucci brands market by reflecting the characteristics and consumption patterns of Alpha Generation and Generation Z, the main users of Roblox. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, it is approaching with enjoyable content, including games, rather than direct marketing. Second, the content provided contains the brand's story and philosophy. Third, it takes a method of linking virtual and reality. Lastly, through Metaverse, Brands are identifying the tastes of future potential customers and collecting data for customized services.

• Journal of Information Technology Applications and Management
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.93-104
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• 2024

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of user reviews from three leading metaverse platforms - Minecraft, Roblox, and Zepeto - using advanced topic modeling techniques to uncover key factors for business success. By examining a substantial dataset of user feedback, we identified and categorized the main themes and concerns expressed by users. Our analysis revealed that common issues across all platforms include technical functionality problems, user engagement and interest, payment concerns, and connection difficulties. Specifically, Minecraft users highlighted the importance of adventure and creativity, Roblox users expressed significant concerns about security and fraud, and Zepeto users focused heavily on the fairness of the in-game economy. The findings suggest that for metaverse platforms to achieve sustained success, they must prioritize the resolution of technical issues, enhance features that foster user engagement, ensure reliable connectivity, and address platform-specific concerns such as security for Roblox and payment fairness for Zepeto. These insights provide valuable guidance for developers and business strategists, emphasizing the need for robust technical infrastructure, engaging and diverse content, seamless user access, and transparent and fair economic systems. By addressing these key areas, metaverse platforms can improve user satisfaction, build a loyal user base, and secure long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.

• International journal of advanced smart convergence
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.44-54
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• 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the implications of the metaverse on the music industry, focusing on copyright issues and potential solutions. It delves into the concept and characteristics of metaverse platforms, describing them as environments that immerse users in a variety of virtual experiences. A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to exploring music use and copyright infringement in the metaverse. It examines how users incorporate existing music into their content, often leading to legal challenges due to copyright infringement. The paper discusses the role of online service providers (OSPs) in this context and the legal implications of their actions. The paper also addresses the 'safe harbor' provisions for OSPs and examines the balance between protecting rights holders and limiting OSP liability. It highlights the challenges and limitations of copyright enforcement in the metaverse, especially given the unique nature of content on platforms such as Roblox. Finally, the article proposes solutions to simplify music licensing in the metaverse, suggesting a shift from property rules to liability rules and the establishment of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) to streamline the licensing process and better protect copyright holders' interests.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.179-193
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• 2022

Amid the explosive growth of various metaverse platforms, there is no unified indicator to measure, analyze, and evaluate based on customer experience. Therefore, the usability evaluation factors in metaverse were identified through a heuristic methodology and literature review, to evaluate the metaverse, a two-to three-dimensional virtual world platform. A measurable system was established by subdividing 20 items in 5 fields, including user control, information structure, design and content, and usage environment, derived through Delphi technique. Based on this, after experiencing the actual contents of major metaverse platforms such as Roblox and Zepeto, usability was evaluated and comparative verification was conducted. As a result, it was estimated that metaverse user experience could be improved as its utility was derived relatively high in terms of user control and content. This study constitutes a theoretical contribution by extending the usability evaluation system, which has been widely used in the field of service design, to the fields of extended reality and mixed reality. At the same time, it has practical key findings of providing basic judgment standards to stakeholders in the metaverse field, as well as policy implications for digital capability enhancement and industry revitalization.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.160-172
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• 2023

The metaverse, derived from the fusion of "meta" and "universe," encompasses a three-dimensional virtual realm where avatars actively participate in a range of political, economic, social, and cultural activities. With the recent development of the metaverse, the traditional way of experiencing services is changing. While existing studies have mainly focused on the technological advancements of metaverse services (e.g., scope of technological enablers, application areas of technologies), recent studies are focusing on evaluating the quality of experience (QoE) of metaverse services from a customer perspective. This is because understanding and analyzing service characteristics that determine QoE from a customer perspective is essential for designing successful metaverse services. However, relatively few studies have explored the customer-oriented approach for QoE evaluation thus far. This study conducted an online review analysis using text mining to overcome this limitation. In particular, this study analyzed 227,332 online reviews of the Roblox service, known as a representative metaverse service, and identified points for improving the Roblox service based on the analysis results. As a result of the study, nine service features that can be used for QoE evaluation of metaverse services were derived, and the importance of each feature was estimated through relationship analysis with service satisfaction. The importance estimation results identified the "co-experience" feature as the most important. These findings provide valuable insights and implications for service companies to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and provide useful insights to gain an advantage in the changing metaverse service environment.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.617-625
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• 2022

This study attempted to compare and analyze metaverse platforms according to their functions. The five metaverse platform was selected and comparatively analyzed through in-depth interviews with experts. As a result of the research, first, Roblox allows you to create and customize your own avatar, provides studio functions for free, and allows you to enjoy private games with friends. Second, Zepeto can create an avatar with one selfie and provides a creative studio function. Third, in Fortnite, it is possible to create in-game characters, purchase and wear items provided in the game, and play games with friends in Creative Mode. Fourth, in Gather Town, networking with users in virtual space is possible, and your own avatar customization and desired virtual space template are provided. Finally, Facebook Horizon participates in the virtual world Horizon with its own avatar that you decorate yourself, and it can function as a world builder, and you can set up a billboard in virtual reality or a virtual store. The value of this study provided a theoretical basis that can be applied to the future industry through the characteristics of the metaverse platform.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.52-57
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• 2022

In this study, keywords from representative online portal sites such as Naver, Google, and Youtube were collected based on text mining analysis technique using Textom to check the changes in metqaverse after COVID-19. before Corona, it was confirmed that social media platforms such as Kakao Talk, Facebook, and Twitter were mentioned, and among the four metaverse, consumer awareness was still concentrated in the field of life logging. However, after Corona, keywords from Roblox, Fortnite, and Geppetto appeared, and keywords such as Universe, Space, Meta, and the world appeared, so Metaverse was recognized as a virtual world. As a result, it was confirmed that consumer perception changed from the life logging of Metaverse to the mirror world. Third, keywords such as cryptocurrency, cryptocurrency, coin, and exchange appeared before Corona, and the word frequency ranking for blockchain, which is an underlying technology, was high, but after Corona, the word frequency ranking fell significantly as mentioned above.