Seoyoon Jeong

Education

Ph.D. in Economics, Yonsei University, 2027 (expected)

M.A. in Economics, Yonsei University, 2023

B.A. in German Language and Literature (double major in International Studies), Ewha Womans University, 2021

Publications

[1] Estimating Labor Supply Elasticities in Korea: the Role of Limited Commitment between Spouses with Won Hyeok Kim and Myungkyu Shim, The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy 25(2), 2025 [Published Version]

Other Publications

[1] The Effect of Socioeconomic Characteristics on Individual Perceptions of Economic Inequality and Giving with Myungkyu Shim, The Korean Journal of Economics 30(2), 2023 (written in Korean) [Published Version]

Working Papers

• Single-Person Households and Waste Generation with Seongmin Choi

Abstract: This study examines how the rise in single-person households affects local waste generation in Korea. Using the proportion of small and over five-year-old housing units as an instrumental variable, we find that a one percentage point increase in the proportion of single-person households reduces annual total waste by 32 kg per household and food waste by 12 kg per household, while increasing plastic waste by 5 kg per household. Gender-specific estimations yield similar patterns, though the magnitude of effects is larger for female households. Among different age groups, only young single-person households show statistically significant effects. While the growth of single-person households can reduce overall waste, it contributes to higher plastic waste, which could pose environmental challenges if not properly managed. Given that much of the reported “recycling” reflects mere collection rather than true material recycling, our findings suggest that policies targeting genuine recycling and reduced plastic use are crucial in areas experiencing rapid growth in single-person households.

• Does Household Spending Respond to Politically Motivated Beliefs? Evidence from Linked Survey-Transaction Data with Kwang Hwan Kim, Jaehyeok Lee, Jongkwan Lee, Myunghwan Lee, and Myungkyu Shim

Abstract: Exploiting the closely contested 2022 South Korean presidential election, we examine whether politically motivated belief changes affect household spending. Using comprehensive individual-level transaction data linked to surveys on demographics, voting behavior, and expectations, we document sharp polarization in aggregate economic beliefs across political groups, while expectations about personal financial conditions remain aligned. Spending responses are muted overall, but short-lived and concentrated among politically engaged individuals: spending rises for supporters of the winning candidate and falls for supporters of the losing candidate. Overall, perceived economic fundamentals change little, while spending responds briefly through sentiment channels among politically engaged households.

• In Search for Energy-Environmental Kuznets Curve with Seongmin Choi and Moohyun Yang

Abstract: This study investigates the presence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between household income and household total energy consumption within the context of South Korea by two methods of stratification: i) provinces are ordered by gross regional domestic product then grouped into three subsequent groups to capture housing characteristics and regional traits, and ii) households are ordered by post-tax annual income and partitioned into three subsequent groups. Using the Korean Household Energy Panel Survey data from 2018 to 2020, our analysis indicates that such a relationship exists between total household energy consumption and household income in rural areas. We confirm that households in rural regions increase their energy consumption up to a certain threshold point and consume less afterwards. In addition, households in lower income bracket tend to have a U-shaped energy consumption in relation to income increase. Efforts are made in identifying the turning point. 

Work in Progress

• Korean House Price Effects on Consumption with Kadir Atalay, Rebecca Edwards, Youjin Hahn, Myungkyu Shim, and Hee-Seung Yang 

• The Effect of Air Pollution on Consumer Spendings: Evidence from Transaction-Level Data with Seowoo Han, Soojin Jo, Kwang Hwan Kim, and Myungkyu Shim

• Labor Income, Wealth, and Religious Activity with Jakin Jeong 

• Wage Structure and New Technology Adoption: Does high wage level structure bring rise to process automation? with Myungkyu Shim and Hee-Seung Yang