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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.

Shadows of Jeju Uprising
OpinionApr 3, 2023

Shadows of Jeju Uprising

I. The Forgotten Tragedy In the shadows of the Korean Peninsula's tumultuous past, the Jeju Uprising remains a haunting, often overlooked tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the region's politics and society. This poignant chapter of history, marred by untold suffering and brutal repression, has long been eclipsed by the broader narratives of the Cold War and the Korean War that followed. Yet, the echoes of Jeju still reverberate in the collective memory of those affected, as survivors a

From Uniformity to Uniqueness: Reinventing South Korea's Suburban Landscape
OpinionMar 27, 2023

From Uniformity to Uniqueness: Reinventing South Korea's Suburban Landscape

South Korea's urban landscape is undergoing significant changes as the global shift towards hybrid work models pushes people from bustling cities to suburban neighborhoods. To reinvent its urban landscape, the nation can draw inspiration from the United States, where the pandemic-induced migration to suburbs has resulted in a reevaluation of suburban design and development. However, South Korea must also address its own unique challenges, such as the lack of pedestrian-focused paths and the pred

The Complex Legacy of School Trips in Korea and Japan Relations
OpinionMar 25, 2023

The Complex Legacy of School Trips in Korea and Japan Relations

School trips have long played a crucial role in education and cultural exchange between South Korea and Japan. However, their historical origins in colonial education and the recent controversy surrounding their portrayal in major Korean newspapers have brought their significance and impact to the forefront of public discourse. This editorial aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the origins and development of school trips in Korea, their influence on colonial education, and the ongoing debate

South Korea's Prosecutorial Power Struggle: Seeking Balance Amid Controversy
OpinionMar 24, 2023

South Korea's Prosecutorial Power Struggle: Seeking Balance Amid Controversy

South Korea's justice system has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as the nation grapples with the consequences of the Constitutional Court's decision to reject petitions to nullify revisions to the Prosecutors' Office Act and the Criminal Procedure Act. The legislation, which aimed to limit prosecutorial probes to corruption and economic crime, has sparked debate about the balance of power within South Korea's legal institutions. Critics argue that the prosecution's unchecked auth

The Socioeconomic Shift and South Korea's Fertility Crisis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Dynamics and the Need for Change
OpinionMar 22, 2023

The Socioeconomic Shift and South Korea's Fertility Crisis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Dynamics and the Need for Change

In recent years, South Korea has faced a sharp decline in birth rates, leading to a so-called "fertility crisis." As policymakers scramble to find solutions, it is vital to examine the impact of the rapid socioeconomic shift on gender roles and expectations in the country. In this in-depth analysis, we argue that addressing the disparity in gender dynamics is crucial in tackling the fertility crisis. We will explore South Korea's historical context, the factors contributing to the changing gende

Addressing Labor Rights Challenges in South Korea
OpinionMar 21, 2023

Addressing Labor Rights Challenges in South Korea

Drawing upon the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for South Korea (https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/south-korea/) and additional professional papers, this editorial examines significant labor-related concerns in the country. While South Korea has made notable progress, there are areas that require further improvement. We will analyze these crucial issues, assess the current situation, and suggest recommendations to facilitate positive cha

Exploring the Promise and Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
TechnologyMar 13, 2023

Exploring the Promise and Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

The global transition towards clean energy sources has led to the development of innovative renewable energy technologies, with hydrogen fuel cell technology being one such promising technology for the future. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide a clean and efficient source of energy that can be used in various applications, from transportation to power generation. However, there are still significant challenges and limitations that must be overcome before hydrogen fuel cell technology can become a

Paths to a Green and Smart Future for Korean Cities
SustainabilityMar 13, 2023

Paths to a Green and Smart Future for Korean Cities

As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, cities face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, efficient, and livable. Two concepts that have emerged in response to this challenge are smart cities and green cities. A smart city is a city that uses technology, data, and information to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability, and increase efficiency in various sectors. This includes areas such as transportation, waste management, energy use, an

South Korea's Strategies for Sustainable Economic Success Amid Global Challenges.
OpinionMar 11, 2023

South Korea's Strategies for Sustainable Economic Success Amid Global Challenges.

South Korea's economic success story is widely attributed to its export-oriented development strategy, strong industrial base, and skilled workforce. According to a recent study by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, Korea's export-led growth model has been successful in driving economic growth and industrialization, with exports growing at an average annual rate of 9.5% since the 1960s. However, the overreliance on a few key industries has made Korea's economy vulnerable to e

Building a Global Hub: The Need for an English-Friendly Environment in Busan
OpinionMar 9, 2023

Building a Global Hub: The Need for an English-Friendly Environment in Busan

Busan, located in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula, has always been a crucial gateway to South Korea, with its extensive port and easy access to Southeast Asian countries. However, the language barrier remains a significant challenge for foreign visitors and residents, hindering the city's potential as a global hub. Although Busan has made efforts to promote itself as an international city, many of its residents still struggle with English, the universal language of business and com

The Need for Philosophical Reflection in an Age of Extreme Opinions and AI Technology
TechnologyMar 8, 2023

The Need for Philosophical Reflection in an Age of Extreme Opinions and AI Technology

In contemporary society, social media and online communities have transformed the way we express our opinions and viewpoints. Unfortunately, the proliferation of extreme opinions online has resulted in a troubling decline in the quality and reliability of public discourse and has even raised concerns about its potential impact on democratic institutions and social harmony. What is particularly worrisome is that these opinions may not necessarily be reflective of the true nature of the real world

The Urgent Need for Quality Jobs in Busan: Challenges and Solutions
BusinessMar 7, 2023

The Urgent Need for Quality Jobs in Busan: Challenges and Solutions

The Korean labor market has been a hot topic of discussion recently, with its severe polarization into large firms versus small and medium-sized companies. As previously discussed, regular employees of large companies account for only 12% of the workers in Korea, leaving small and mid-sized companies struggling with chronic labor shortages. This issue is also relevant to Busan, which is home to many small and medium-sized businesses that face similar challenges in attracting and retaining worker

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