Speculative Stuff
2023 - 2024 Student Works
* The intellectual property rights of each work are owned by each student.

Frexine Prohibition











JANE KIM






 Addiction is a growing problem in many parts of the world these days. It can refer to dependence on substances such as drugs and alcohol, as well as non-substance addictive behaviors such as gambling, gaming, and social media use. Tackling addiction requires a comprehensive approach, including awareness campaigns and rehabilitation services. 

However, who determines what is right or wrong? For example, drug legality varies by country and substance. Also, it is worth noting that the legality of cigarettes and drugs isn’t necessarily based on their relative risks or harms. Smoking cigarettes is a major public health concern that causes preventable deaths, while some drugs have potential medical benefits and a relatively low risk of harm when used responsibly. Cigarettes are legal while many drugs are not due to various historical, cultural, and political factors.

In 2070, South Korea is experiencing significant air pollution caused by various human activities. The scarcity of fresh air has transformed it into a valuable commodity traded in the market, known as “frexine”. Despite the prohibition of frexine due to addiction concerns, its popularity remains widespread. People are secretly dealing, even killing each other to get it. Strict regulations surrounding frexine have led to skyrocketing prices, creating a new socioeconomic pyramid based on access to this luxury. Those unable to afford frexine resort to smoking cigarettes, while the privileged few at the top enjoy consuming it. Additionally, some individuals dissatisfied with their limited access to frexine choose to migrate to countries with better air quality, such as Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Norway, or Iceland. Among these options, Puerto Rico stands out for its exceptional air quality resulting from its geographic location, limited industrial activity, and low population density. However, the mass migration has caused discontent among many Puerto Ricans, leading to protests against accepting more immigrants. Whether Koreans should be welcomed into other countries is being widely debated on a global scale. Which is of greater concern, the issues resulting from addiction or the issues arising from regulations on addiction? Will the future of humanity be marked by damaged lungs caused by polluted air?

These questions provide food for thought.







2023



Speculative Stuff



Speculative Stuff documents the design works of Yonsei University's Integrated Design undergraduate students, showcasing South Korea's first speculative design course. Led by Hyunjae Daniel Shin (Assistant Professor) and Eun Sun Park (Lecturer), our 16-week program blends theoretical lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises.

This course aims to foster the ability to understand and speculate about macro and micro changes in technology, culture, society, and the environment through everyday products and services in future contexts. By using future scenarios, comedy techniques, and preposterous worldbuilding, students develop a critical perspective on alternative futures.