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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.

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

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

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