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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.

China Facilitates Diplomatic Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran
PoliticsApr 30, 2023

China Facilitates Diplomatic Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping has played a significant role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as per a senior Chinese diplomat. Wang Di, director of the foreign ministry's Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, revealed in an interview with People's Daily that China is prepared to take on a greater role as a mediator in the Middle East. Wang accused certain large countries outside the region of causing long-term instability in the Middle East

Navigating South Korea's Strategic Diplomacy: Responding to Poland's Request for Artillery Shells for Ukraine
PoliticsApr 15, 2023

Navigating South Korea's Strategic Diplomacy: Responding to Poland's Request for Artillery Shells for Ukraine

South Korea is currently facing a multifaceted diplomatic challenge due to the recent request from Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki for the provision of artillery shells to aid Ukraine. As a country with significant resources and capabilities, South Korea could potentially play a vital role in supporting Ukraine during this time of crisis. However, the geopolitical implications of such a move, including possible repercussions from Russia and China, cannot be ignored. In this article, we

US Courts' Conflicting Mifepristone Rulings Reflect Ongoing Abortion Law Struggle in South Korea
PoliticsApr 12, 2023

US Courts' Conflicting Mifepristone Rulings Reflect Ongoing Abortion Law Struggle in South Korea

The Biden administration has requested clarification from a judge regarding how the federal government should comply with two conflicting court orders on the abortion pill mifepristone. The rulings, issued on Friday by judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Spokane, Washington, have created legal uncertainty over the drug's status. Mifepristone is used in over half of all abortions nationwide and is also employed in managing miscarriages. Meanwhile, legal abortion in South Korea remains a controversial

Security Lapses Amidst Presidential Office Relocation: A Ticking Time Bomb
PoliticsApr 11, 2023

Security Lapses Amidst Presidential Office Relocation: A Ticking Time Bomb

The recent relocation of South Korea's presidential office from the historic and secure confines of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) to the Yongsan District in Seoul has raised a multitude of concerns over potential security lapses and vulnerabilities. The decision to open the Blue House to the general public as a symbol of transparency and accessibility has inadvertently created an environment that is susceptible to eavesdropping, infiltration, and other security breaches. The relocation process, al

Sweden's Path to NATO Membership Hindered by Turkey and Hungary as Finland Celebrates Accession
PoliticsApr 5, 2023

Sweden's Path to NATO Membership Hindered by Turkey and Hungary as Finland Celebrates Accession

Finland's official entry into NATO marked a historic moment for the Nordic nation, but Sweden's path to membership remains blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Both countries have delayed ratifying Sweden's application, which requires unanimous approval from all NATO members. The majority of NATO members support Sweden and Finland's membership, recognizing the strategic advantage of strengthening the alliance in the Baltic region. However, Turkey and Hungary continue to raise objections, putting Swede

South Korea's Critical Need for a New Paradigm
PoliticsApr 5, 2023

South Korea's Critical Need for a New Paradigm

South Korea is at a critical juncture, faced with an alarmingly low birth rate, looming economic challenges, and an aging population. The time has come for the country to critically evaluate its traditional focus on economic growth and reorient its development priorities toward sustainability and well-being. The government's short-term policies have contributed to the current predicament, and a more comprehensive approach is now urgently needed. A Failed Attempt to Address Labor Shortage In an

South Korea and Japan Face Similar Challenges
PoliticsMar 28, 2023

South Korea and Japan Face Similar Challenges

Japan and South Korea, two of Asia's most developed countries, are grappling with a set of challenges that threaten their long-term economic growth and social stability. Both countries are experiencing declining birth rates, long working hours, and intense social pressures that contribute to a strained workforce and an aging population. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that combines policy changes with cultural shifts. This article will delve into the similarities and dif

Korea's Agricultural Land Restrictions Limit Urban Farming Opportunities
WellnessMar 14, 2023

Korea's Agricultural Land Restrictions Limit Urban Farming Opportunities

South Korea has one of the most advanced economies in Asia, with a highly urbanized population and a strong focus on technology and innovation. However, the country also faces several challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change. One of the solutions that have been proposed to address these challenges is urban agriculture, including vertical farming. However, there are restrictions on the use of agricultural land in Korea, which limits the potential for u

Korea's Proposed 69 Hour Work Plan Sparks Health Concerns
WellnessMar 14, 2023

Korea's Proposed 69 Hour Work Plan Sparks Health Concerns

South Korea's conservative government has proposed a controversial plan to increase the legal cap on weekly work hours from 52 to 69. The move has sparked a backlash from trade unions, employees, and women's groups who fear that the plan will hurt work-life balance in a country already known for its workaholic culture. The proposal is also raising concerns about the negative impact of overwork on individuals' health and well-being. Academic research has long shown that working long hours can ha

The Unintended Consequences of US Protectionism and Diplomatic Missteps
PoliticsMar 9, 2023

The Unintended Consequences of US Protectionism and Diplomatic Missteps

The recently passed US Chips and Science Act, which allocates $52 billion toward domestic semiconductor manufacturing, has raised concerns for South Korean tech firms, including Samsung and SK Hynix. The legislation contains several provisions that could potentially harm the Korean tech industry, including "toxin clauses" that require the sharing of excess profits, the disclosure of confidential production facility information, and the submission of accounting records. Toxin Clauses: Sharing E

Beyond the Engineers: Including Philosophers and Sociologists in Discussions on AI Development
TechnologyMar 5, 2023

Beyond the Engineers: Including Philosophers and Sociologists in Discussions on AI Development

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and many administrative agencies in South Korea are eagerly anticipating its arrival. However, it is important to not only admire the capabilities of these new technologies but also to consider their social impact. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is essential to have a discourse that goes beyond the traditional engineering and technical perspectives. One of the most s

The Perils of Algorithmic Journalism: How Clickbait and Fake News are Undermining Korean Journalism
BusinessMar 4, 2023

The Perils of Algorithmic Journalism: How Clickbait and Fake News are Undermining Korean Journalism

Why Korean Journalism Needs to Revisit Its Priorities and Address the Threats Posed by the Use of Algorithms Korean journalism is facing unprecedented challenges today, as the industry confronts the dual pressures of declining revenues and the rise of algorithmic tools that have transformed the way news is produced and consumed. The advent of algorithms and machine learning has led to a surge in the production of news content, but at the cost of accuracy, quality, and credibility. In this edito

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