Opinion News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on opinion from Breeze in Busan.
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South Korea’s Regional Crisis: Why Decentralization is the Key
South Korea stands at a crossroads as it grapples with the long-term consequences of its centralized development model. For decades, the capital city of Seoul and its surrounding areas have absorbed a disproportionate share of the nation’s resources, population, and economic activity, leaving the rest of the country struggling to keep pace. Faced with population decline, economic stagnation, and the threat of regional extinction, South Korea’s local governments are exploring administrative integ
8 min read
Chips, Challenges, and Choices: South Korea’s Fight for Semiconductor Dominance
South Korea’s semiconductor industry, once heralded as the crown jewel of its economy, now faces a crossroads. The chips that power everything from smartphones to advanced AI systems have become more than a symbol of technological prowess—they are now the frontline of a global geopolitical showdown. As countries race to secure their place in this critical industry, South Korea must grapple with growing pressures from all directions. The stakes are undeniable. With its dominance in memory semico
10 min read
Manipulated Minds: How AI Influences Our Decisions
In the era of artificial intelligence and big data, decisions once rooted in personal intuition and independent reasoning are increasingly swayed by unseen forces. Imagine a world where every click, search, and like contributes to an intricate web of algorithms shaping not just what you consume but how you think and act. Now consider this: Could these same technologies subtly nudge a judge toward a harsher sentence, guide a voter to a specific candidate, or even alter societal norms over time?
10 min read
Breaking Seoul’s Monopoly: How Busan Can Reclaim Its Future
South Korea’s relentless centralization around Seoul has left its regional cities struggling to compete, and nowhere is this more evident than in Busan. Once a bustling hub of maritime trade and industry, Busan now faces mounting challenges: high youth outmigration, a stagnant job market, and an aging population. The dominance of Seoul, which monopolizes high-quality jobs, infrastructure, and government attention, has created an unsustainable imbalance, leaving cities like Busan in a state of de
10 min read
Busan’s 99-Story Vision: Development or Displacement?
Busan’s plan to transform its skyline with ultra-high-rise developments like the proposed 99-story Samik Beach Town has captured national attention. Marketed as a transformative step toward global city status, this redevelopment promises to redefine the city’s image and bring new economic vitality. Yet beneath the gleaming facade lies a pressing question: can towering skyscrapers alone secure Busan’s place on the global stage? As the city expands its Special Architectural Zones, critics argue t
14 min read
Why Busan’s 6-District Model is Essential for Effective Integration with Gyeongnam
Is it time to reshape Busan’s outdated district map to meet the demands of a modern, interconnected region? Busan’s current administrative structure, divided into 15 districts and 1 county, is a legacy of post-war population booms and the rapid industrialization that defined South Korea’s mid-20th century. While this structure once served the city well, today, Busan’s outdated district boundaries struggle to accommodate evolving demographic trends and shifting economic landscapes. Aging infrast
27 min read
Why Busan’s Youth Are Leaving Despite Global Hub Plans
Busan, once a dynamic port city with aspirations of becoming a "Global Hub City" and a magnet for young talent, is facing a critical moment. Despite city officials’ ambitious plans to transform Busan into a globally competitive urban center, the reality on the ground tells a story of departure rather than attraction. Young people, who are vital to the city’s future, are leaving in unprecedented numbers, drawn to other regions, particularly the Seoul metropolitan area, in search of better opportu
19 min read
Political Correctness: Origins, Evolution, and Global Impact on Society
In recent years, the term Political Correctness (PC) has become a focal point in global discourse, sparking debates across political, social, and cultural arenas. Originally emerging as a mechanism to promote inclusivity and prevent discriminatory language, PC has evolved into a contentious concept, with critics arguing that it suppresses free speech and stifles open dialogue. This article aims to explore the multifaceted nature of PC by examining its historical origins, tracing its evolution th
13 min read
Is Busan Still a Place to Call Home?
Busan stands at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenges of an aging population and a steady outflow of young talent to the capital region. As the city’s demographics shift, Busan’s leaders are betting on high-profile architectural projects to reinvigorate its image and economy. At the forefront of this transformation is the Haeundae LCT, a towering symbol of the city's ambitions to become a global hub. Through Special Architectural Zones and a skyline studded with luxury high-rises, Busa
10 min read
Busan’s Universities and the Need for Structural Reform
In a recent article titled “Attracting Youth and Foreign Students is the Answer,” one of Busan’s dailies proposed that recruiting international students could be the key to reversing the city’s population decline and labor shortages. According to the article, these students could breathe new life into local universities, stimulate the economy, and potentially settle in Busan long-term. With Busan’s population dropping from 3.88 million in 1995 to 3.29 million, the pressure to find solutions is i
11 min read
Why Localism Won't Save Busan and the Urgent Need for Comprehensive Reform
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is grappling with a complex and multifaceted crisis. With a population projected to decline by over 850,000 by 2052 and an aging population expected to make up nearly half the city’s residents, the future of Busan appears increasingly uncertain. As traditional industries, such as shipbuilding, continue to decline and urban decay spreads in older districts like Yeongdo, the city has sought out localism as a potential lifeline. Localism, the idea that smal
15 min read
Behind the Scenes at BIFF: A Seoul-Run Festival in a Busan Setting
"Busan International Film Festival: A Seoul-Run Event in a Regional Setting?" The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), often celebrated as Asia’s premier cinematic event, has played a pivotal role in elevating Busan’s reputation on the global film stage. Every year, hundreds of films from across the world are screened, and filmmakers, critics, and tourists flock to the coastal city for this cultural spectacle. But behind the glamour and international prestige, a deeper issue lurks: Is BIFF
20 min read