Skip to content
Topic Desk

Opinion

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

BiB mark

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.

Global Food Security at the Crossroads: Climate, Conflict, and Cooperation
OpinionJul 19, 2023

Global Food Security at the Crossroads: Climate, Conflict, and Cooperation

In recent years, the world has been grappling with an escalating food crisis, exacerbated by a host of factors ranging from climate change and extreme weather events to geopolitical tensions and socio-economic disruptions. Amidst these challenges, Ukraine has emerged as a pivotal player on the global food stage. Boasting rich black soils known as 'chernozem', Ukraine has long been dubbed the 'breadbasket of Europe'. However, its significance extends beyond Europe as it is the world's leading exp

Decoding the 'Selfish Ledger': A Journey through Data, Algorithms, and Ethics
OpinionJun 9, 2023

Decoding the 'Selfish Ledger': A Journey through Data, Algorithms, and Ethics

In the fast-paced, increasingly interconnected digital age, we find ourselves faced with concepts that not only challenge our understanding of technology and data but also present us with profound ethical and societal questions. One such provocative concept comes from an unexpected source – Google’s X development division, the company's moonshot factory. It's a theoretical model known as the 'Selfish Ledger', a notion that has ignited extensive discussion and scrutiny since it was leaked to the

The Paradox of Prosperity: Challenges and Innovations in South Korean Universities
OpinionMay 29, 2023

The Paradox of Prosperity: Challenges and Innovations in South Korean Universities

South Korea's relentless pursuit of education is internationally renowned, underpinned by a strong societal belief that education is the key to personal advancement and national prosperity. Higher education in particular holds a significant place in this equation. Universities are not only seen as gateways to prestigious careers but also as breeding grounds for the nation's next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. In line with this ethos, South Korea has one of the highest universit

Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight: Charting South Korea's Path Amidst Global Power Shifts
OpinionMay 17, 2023

Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight: Charting South Korea's Path Amidst Global Power Shifts

As the world enters a new phase of geopolitical realignment, South Korea finds itself in an increasingly complex and precarious position. Amid superpowers like Russia and China reshaping their regional strategies, South Korea's diplomatic maneuvering space is shrinking. This editorial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving dynamics among these three nations, focusing on the pivotal role of South Korea. South Korea, a vibrant democracy and the world's 12th largest economy, has

Expanding the Definition of Family: A Call for Same-Sex Equality in South Korea
OpinionMay 15, 2023

Expanding the Definition of Family: A Call for Same-Sex Equality in South Korea

As we step into the month of May, a keyword that resonates across South Korea is "family". May, often referred to as the "Month of Family," is replete with commemorations celebrating family ties, including Children's Day, Parents' Day, and Couples' Day. Notably, May 15th is recognized globally as the International Day of Families. However, May also holds significant meaning for the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea and around the world. May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Tra

Pedaling for Peace: A Couple's 48,000 km Cycling Journey for Sahrawi Self-Determination
OpinionMay 7, 2023

Pedaling for Peace: A Couple's 48,000 km Cycling Journey for Sahrawi Self-Determination

A chance encounter with a Swedish couple cycling along the Nakdonggang River in the West of Busan caught my attention. The couple, Sanna Ghotbi and Benjamin Ladraa are dedicated human rights activists on an extraordinary mission. They embarked on a 48,000-kilometer cycling journey through 40 countries to raise awareness about the struggle of the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara, a territory largely under Moroccan occupation. In this interview, I delve into Sanna and Benjamin's experiences in Ko

Redefining Busan's Skyline: The Future of Dongseo Elevated Highway
OpinionApr 26, 2023

Redefining Busan's Skyline: The Future of Dongseo Elevated Highway

The Busan Dongseo Elevated Highway, a 14-kilometer-long, four-lane roadway, has been a source of longstanding issues for the city and its residents. Despite its initial purpose of easing traffic between the eastern and western parts of Busan, the elevated highway has instead contributed to traffic congestion, noise pollution, and air pollution. Moreover, its presence has negatively impacted the urban landscape and compromised the privacy of nearby apartment dwellers. As a result, the future of t

National Security Concerns and Political Fallout: Will South Korea Relocate Its Administrative Capital?
OpinionApr 21, 2023

National Security Concerns and Political Fallout: Will South Korea Relocate Its Administrative Capital?

The recent relocation of South Korea's presidential office from the Blue House to Yongsan District has exposed it to eavesdropping, infiltration, and security risks, potentially prompting the next administration to consider moving the administrative capital to a more secure location. This decision could offer a rationale for relocating the presidential office to a less vulnerable location in the provinces, addressing security concerns and bolstering national safety. Espionage Revelations and S

Busan at a Crossroads: Fostering a Sustainable Future through Economic Revitalization
OpinionApr 21, 2023

Busan at a Crossroads: Fostering a Sustainable Future through Economic Revitalization

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, confronts a multitude of challenges as it witnesses the decline of traditional manufacturing industries and a lack of knowledge-based industries and high-paying jobs essential for attracting and retaining young people. In response to these pressing issues, the city's policies have been limited in scope, primarily concentrating on tackling the job opportunity imbalance in the western region of Busan. This article will discuss the current state of Busan's

Korea Navigates Delicate Balance Amid Escalating US-China Tensions
OpinionApr 12, 2023

Korea Navigates Delicate Balance Amid Escalating US-China Tensions

In the 30 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, South Korea and China have seen their trade volume increase 47-fold, symbolizing the significant growth of their economic cooperation. While the two nations have faced political and diplomatic challenges, their economic relationship has continuously advanced through complementary cooperation. However, Korea's relationship with China is facing new challenges due to the intensifying strategic competition and decoupling between the U

Lessons from the Past: How Korean Chipmakers Can Learn from the U.S.-Japan Semiconductor Trade Conflict
OpinionApr 7, 2023

Lessons from the Past: How Korean Chipmakers Can Learn from the U.S.-Japan Semiconductor Trade Conflict

The U.S.-Japan Semiconductor Trade Conflict, which began in the 1980s, had a significant impact on the global semiconductor industry. As the United States accused Japan of unfair trade practices, such as dumping and government subsidies, this conflict led to a series of negotiations and agreements that shifted the balance of power in the industry. Japan's dominance in the semiconductor market waned, making way for other players, including South Korea and Taiwan, to emerge as major competitors.

Addressing Food Deserts: Building Sustainable, Equitable Access to Nutritious Foods
OpinionApr 4, 2023

Addressing Food Deserts: Building Sustainable, Equitable Access to Nutritious Foods

South Korea, a nation known for its effective urban planning and efficient transportation infrastructure, has so far managed to avoid the pervasive issue of food deserts that many other countries face. Food deserts are areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities. However, as South Korea continues to experience rapid urbanization, shifting dietary habits, and increasing income inequality, the potential threat of

Page 8 of 10