Reporting, analysis, and commentary on national news from Breeze in Busan.
In a significant development in the realm of international relations and Asian affairs, former South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, 68, has been named the 9th president and chief executive officer of the Asia Society. This announcement, made by the organization’s board of trustees on Wednesday, marks a new chapter for the global nonprofit institution renowned for its dedication to fostering understanding between Asia and the United States. Kang, who notably served as Seoul’s top diploma
Dublin, Ireland - In the small town of Roscrea, Tipperary, a recent clash between protesters and the Gardai (Irish police) over the accommodation of asylum seekers has highlighted a growing tension in Ireland. This incident, occurring outside the former Racket Hall Hotel, has not only sparked local unrest but also ignited a national debate, evidenced by the trending hashtags like #IrelandisFull on Twitter. This article seeks to unravel the layers of this complex situation, examining the roots of
Sacheon, South Korea - In a landmark move, the National Assembly of South Korea has passed a special law establishing the nation's own space agency, an equivalent to the United States' NASA. This decisive step marks South Korea's ambitious leap into space exploration and aerospace development. The 'Special Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Korea Aerospace Administration' received overwhelming support in the assembly, with 263 out of 266 present members voting in favor. This decision
[SEOUL, South Korea] - In an announcement by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of South Korea and the King Sejong Institute Foundation, the year 2023 has seen the emergence of five exemplary Sejong Institutes. These institutes, located in Bogota, Colombia; Brussels, Belgium; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Tainan, Taiwan; and Tallinn, Estonia, have been lauded for their outstanding efforts in promoting Korean language and culture, reflecting South Korea's vigorous commitment to cultural di
In a move to reduce clutter and enhance public safety, South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced new regulations, effective from January 12, 2024, to limit the proliferation of political banners across neighborhoods. For years, the streets of South Korea have been inundated with political banners, often leading to visual clutter and safety concerns. In response to public outcry over the unsightly proliferation of these banners and the potential hazards they pose, particularly
South Korea's medical trajectory, often celebrated for its innovation and quality, finds itself at a crossroads today. At its core lies a two-fold challenge: the long-stagnated enrollment rate in medical institutions and the waning enthusiasm for specialized medical roles. Historically, the nation's medical schools have maintained an enrollment cap of 3,058, a figure unchanged for an impressive 18 years. However, in a recent government initiative aimed at increasing this number, projections sug
In the aftermath of Hamas's assault on Israel, which resulted in the tragic deaths of over 1,200 individuals across various locations including kibbutzim, towns, and a music festival, the digital landscape has been overwhelmed by graphic imagery and content. However, this stream of information has been tainted by a deluge of misleading and outright false content, clouding genuine evidence of atrocities. Key examples include a months-old paragliding accident in South Korea being misrepresented a
In recent years, cities have morphed into more than just economic powerhouses. They've become amalgamations of cultures, opportunities, and challenges. None exemplify this transformation better than Seoul, South Korea's pulsating capital. The city's allure continues to strengthen, evidenced by its jump from 10th to 9th in ECA International's yearly list of 'Most Expensive Cities for Expatriates', a testament to its growing global appeal. However, as living expenses surge, primarily due to new p
SEOUL - The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MLIT) of South Korea, under the leadership of the Yoon Suk Yeol government, announced its accelerated progress on the ambitious project for the construction of Gadeok Island's new international airport. The foundational plan for the project, already under consultation with related agencies, is set to be finalized and officially announced by the end of this year. Following the airport's developmental roadmap revealed by the MLIT in Mar
Today, August 23rd, South Korea carried out a crucial nationwide civil defense drill as a direct response to the mounting threats emanating from North Korea. The 20-minute exercise, which commenced at 2 p.m., is a significant event, being the first drill of this magnitude involving the general public in over six years. Upon initiation, minute-long air-raid sirens echoed across the nation, coupled with the dispatch of public safety alert messages to citizens' mobile phones, highlighting the urge
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - After extended discussions, the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) of South Korea has decided on a 2.5% increase for the minimum wage in 2024, bringing it to KRW 9,860 per hour, up KRW 240 from this year's KRW 9,620. This growth rate is the second lowest in history, excluding the 1.5% increase in 2021. This means that the long-standing goal of labor circles to reach a KRW 10,000 minimum wage remains unfulfilled. The commission, composed of 26 members, including 8 worker represen
As Japan's TEPCO commences trial operations for the release of contaminated wastewater from the demolished Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, anxiety deepens among South Korean consumers and the local fishing industry. Reports from international media outlets such as Fukushima TV and KFB on June 12 stated that TEPCO plans to conduct test runs for around two weeks to check for potential system defects. The trial operation involves blending seawater with uncontaminated water and discharging i