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Politics

Reporting and analysis on politics, elections, government, power, and public policy in South Korea and the wider world.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk focuses on public institutions, power, elections, and policy impact, with reporting and analysis that connects political decisions to civic life.

How Trump’s Presidency Could Impact N. Korea, Russia, and Ukraine
PoliticsNov 7, 2024

How Trump’s Presidency Could Impact N. Korea, Russia, and Ukraine

In a world where alliances and tensions shape the geopolitical landscape, the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency is poised to stir waves across Asia and Europe, particularly affecting North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine. Trump’s unorthodox foreign policy approach has previously redefined diplomatic engagement with both allies and adversaries. As he prepares to re-enter the Oval Office, questions loom about how his administration will handle relationships with Pyongyang, Moscow, and Kyi

Trump, Misinformation, and Conflict Resolution in Ukraine
PoliticsNov 2, 2024

Trump, Misinformation, and Conflict Resolution in Ukraine

With the 2024 U.S. election approaching, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited debates about the future of American foreign policy. Known for his transactional, often personal approach to diplomacy, Trump has a track record of engaging directly with authoritarian leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the ongoing Ukraine conflict has generated intense scrutiny over the true motivations and responsibilities behind it.

North Korea’s Alleged Troop Support for Russia: Fact or Strategy?
PoliticsOct 23, 2024

North Korea’s Alleged Troop Support for Russia: Fact or Strategy?

Recent reports have stirred global attention, alleging that North Korea has sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Ukrainian and South Korean intelligence sources claim that North Korean soldiers, including special forces, are stationed in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang firmly deny these allegations. Adding a layer of complexity, there is growing speculation that North Korea may not have sent combat troops, but rather technical per

Kalshi Predicts Trump Leads 2024, But Polls Show Tight Race
PoliticsOct 20, 2024

Kalshi Predicts Trump Leads 2024, But Polls Show Tight Race

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, political analysts and everyday citizens alike are turning to a variety of forecasting tools to gauge the likely outcome of the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Among these tools is Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated prediction market where users can trade on the outcomes of real-world events, including political elections. As of October 2024, Kalshi’s markets show Donald Trump leading with a 57% chance of winni

Why South Korea’s Emergency Room Crisis Needs More Than Just Patient Penalties
PoliticsAug 29, 2024

Why South Korea’s Emergency Room Crisis Needs More Than Just Patient Penalties

In a bid to address the growing strain on South Korea’s emergency rooms, the government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at curbing the influx of non-critical patients. Among these, the most controversial is the significant increase in fees for those seeking emergency care for less severe conditions. This policy, ostensibly designed to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments, has sparked a wave of criticism for its apparent misdiagnosis of the real issues at hand. Rather than tac

The Drivers Behind Youth Engagement with Far-Right Politics
OpinionJul 3, 2024

The Drivers Behind Youth Engagement with Far-Right Politics

In recent years, Europe has witnessed a notable rise in the popularity of far-right ideologies, especially among the younger population. This trend is not isolated but part of a broader global phenomenon where economic, social, and political upheavals are reshaping traditional political landscapes. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy have seen significant shifts as far-right parties gain traction, promising to address issues such as immigration, national identity, and economic insecurity.

Trump Dominates in First 2024 Presidential Debate: Key Takeaways
PoliticsJun 28, 2024

Trump Dominates in First 2024 Presidential Debate: Key Takeaways

The first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, held on June 27th at CNN's Atlanta studio, saw former President Donald Trump emerge as the dominant force against incumbent President Joe Biden. The 90-minute face-off, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, was conducted under a new set of rules designed to ensure a more orderly debate. Trump's characteristic assertive and combative style was on full display, allowing him to command the conversation and put Biden on the def

The 2024 Electoral Showdown in the Nakdonggang River Belt
PoliticsFeb 20, 2024

The 2024 Electoral Showdown in the Nakdonggang River Belt

The Nakdonggang River Belt, with its blend of urban development, industrial hubs, and rich historical context, has long been a focal point for political analysts and strategists. In the past, this area has tended to support conservative political parties, particularly the People Power Party (PPP). This is in line with the overall political climate of the Yeongnam region, which consists of the present-day provinces of North and South Gyeongsang, as well as the self-governing cities of Busan, Daeg

The Nakdonggang River Belt Showdown: Political Tensions Rise in Busan’s Election Battleground
PoliticsDec 24, 2023

The Nakdonggang River Belt Showdown: Political Tensions Rise in Busan’s Election Battleground

As South Korea gears up for its legislative elections in April of the coming year, the city of Busan is emerging as a crucial epicenter for political decision-making. The increased focus on Busan's political landscape is largely attributed to the city's recent unsuccessful bid to host the 2030 World Expo, a development that has profoundly influenced local political dynamics. Busan, known for its vibrant economic activity and as a hub of cultural and commercial exchange, has consistently held a

Busan's Electoral Redistricting Stirs Controversy Ahead of 2024 National Assembly Elections
Busan newsDec 6, 2023

Busan's Electoral Redistricting Stirs Controversy Ahead of 2024 National Assembly Elections

As South Korea prepares for the 22nd National Assembly Elections in 2024, significant electoral changes are unfolding, particularly in Busan. The National Assembly Election Boundary Delimitation Commission (NAEBDC), responsible for delineating electoral districts, has submitted a contentious proposal to the National Assembly Speaker for reconfiguring constituencies in various regions, including Busan. The proposal details specific changes in Busan's districts. In Buk-gu and Gangseo-gu, the exis

Restructuring Housing Policy Amid Declining Birthrate: Time for High-Density Urban Development?
PoliticsJun 23, 2023

Restructuring Housing Policy Amid Declining Birthrate: Time for High-Density Urban Development?

As South Korea grapples with a decreasing birthrate that began to accelerate around 2020, concerns over the impact of these demographic shifts on the asset and real estate market have grown significantly. While a pessimistic theory suggesting a slump in housing demand and a sharp drop in prices emerged post the global financial crisis of 2010, the actual experience of the past two decades in the domestic housing market paints a different picture. Even though the overall population began to shri

Tensions Mount as Korean Nursing Act Awaits Vote Amid Conflicting Interests
PoliticsMay 11, 2023

Tensions Mount as Korean Nursing Act Awaits Vote Amid Conflicting Interests

The Nursing Act, a contentious piece of legislation, is scheduled for discussion and possible approval during the upcoming plenary session on the 13th, following its approval as a plenary agenda item last month. The primary concern is whether President Yoon will exercise his veto power, having already hinted at doing so after vetoing the Grain Management Act amendment. Medical professionals' conflict is intensifying, with 13 health and medical organizations, including the Korean Medical Associa

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