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Opinion

Opinion, commentary, and analysis from the Breeze in Busan editorial desk and contributing writers on politics, society, culture, and change.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk gathers opinion, commentary, and analysis on public life, institutions, culture, and civic change, connecting current events to the arguments shaping Korea and Busan.

Busan as a Global Financial Center: its Competitiveness and Challenges
BusinessFeb 18, 2023

Busan as a Global Financial Center: its Competitiveness and Challenges

Asia has become an increasingly important player in the global economy, with a growing number of financial centers attracting international financial firms. For many years, Hong Kong and Singapore have been the primary financial hubs in the region, with a stable political environment, efficient regulatory systems, and a highly skilled workforce. However, recent political instability in Hong Kong has led some companies to consider relocating to other financial centers, while Singapore is rapidly

Korea Faces Crucial Challenge in Pursuing Balanced National Development
EconomyFeb 17, 2023

Korea Faces Crucial Challenge in Pursuing Balanced National Development

South Korea's population has been increasingly concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area (SCA) over the past few decades, leading to overcrowding, high living costs, and a decline in quality of life. The SCA accounts for over half of the country's population and holds most of the nation's public institutions, leading to a significant concentration of wealth and resources in the region. The Government's Proposal for Public Institution Relocations To address this issue, the government has proposed

Busan's Demographic Decline: A Looming Crisis
Busan newsFeb 17, 2023

Busan's Demographic Decline: A Looming Crisis

Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is currently facing a critical situation due to several factors, including a persistent outflow of residents, a low birth rate, and an aging population. The current total fertility rate in Busan is 0.8, resulting in a population decline that is cause for concern. The Busan region is particularly vulnerable to this demographic trend, and its future is uncertain. In light of this, the city has acquired a new nickname: "The Old Man and the Sea." This n

Traditional Ondol Heating System and its Impact on the Environment
OpinionFeb 15, 2023

Traditional Ondol Heating System and its Impact on the Environment

The Ondol heating system is one of the oldest heating systems in the world and has been a prominent feature of traditional Korean homes for centuries. It is a unique form of underfloor heating that uses direct heat transfer from smoke generated by woodstoves or outdoor furnaces to heat the underside of the floor in the adjacent room, allowing for more efficient use of heat. The environmental and societal effects of Ondol, a traditional Korean heating system, have been a topic of concern. Accord

Bias in Algorithms: A Growing Concern
OpinionFeb 11, 2023

Bias in Algorithms: A Growing Concern

I. Introduction to Bias in Algorithms Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become an integral part of our lives, as algorithms are used to automate a wide range of tasks and support decision-making in various domains. However, despite their potential benefits, these algorithms also pose significant risks to fundamental rights, particularly in terms of bias. Bias in algorithms refers to the tendency of these systems to produce outputs that result in disadvantage for specific groups, such as

How Can Crush Disasters Occur, and How Can They Be Avoided?
OpinionNov 4, 2022

How Can Crush Disasters Occur, and How Can They Be Avoided?

Crowd crushes or stampedes are entirely avoidable, predictable, and preventive. Here are some lessons from the October 29th crush disaster in Seoul. On the evening of Saturday, October 29, up to 100,000 people, mostly in their teens and twenties, packed into Itaewon's tiny, sloping alleys for one of the first significant celebrations, Halloween. Chaos broke out just after 10 p.m. on a tiny, steep small street near Itaewon station that leads to a plethora of pubs and clubs from the main road. Pe

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