This study is an exploratory study to understand Korean consumers' perceptions of the right to repair, which has been gaining attention at home and abroad as a way to contribute to a circular economy and promote consumer rights. We surveyed 324 adult ...
This study is an exploratory study to understand Korean consumers' perceptions of the right to repair, which has been gaining attention at home and abroad as a way to contribute to a circular economy and promote consumer rights. We surveyed 324 adult consumers about their experiences with repair and their perceptions of the right to repair, focusing on mobile phones, one of the most widespread electronic devices in modern society and often cited as a representative object of the right to repair. The results showed that, first, about half of the participants had experienced a cell phone breakdown, the repair market is monopolized by official repair companies, and they are most concerned about repair costs and security issues. Second, although the right to repair is still unfamiliar to them, they recognize the various items guaranteed by the right to repair as important rights. They also have high expectations for the effects of the right to repair, but they are also concerned about quality, security, and safety issues. Nevertheless, they are in favor of the need to introduce the right to repair. Varied implications based on the results of this study are discussed for introducing the right to repair in Korea.