Politics News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on politics from Breeze in Busan.
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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
4 min read
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
2 min read
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
2 min read
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
3 min read
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
2 min read
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
4 min read
Korean Government's Continued Efforts to Promote Webtoon Industry: Establishing a Fair Ecosystem and Protecting Creators' Rights
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea has announced that the National Assembly has passed the amendment to the Promotion of Cartoons Act. This amendment addresses the use of standard contracts and reflects the changing environment of the webtoon industry. The long-awaited amendment to the Promotion of Cartoons Act revises the definition of the webtoon, which now includes various types of web-based comics, and creates a new definition for traditional comics. This change cla
3 min read
Utilizing Creative Strategies to Revitalize Old Industrial Complexes
As the manufacturing industry in Korea continues to decline, a number of old industrial complexes have been left outdated and polluting, impacting the growth and development of their respective cities. Busan is among these cities, with many of its old industrial complexes in a state of disrepair and having a negative impact on the city's aesthetics. However, by leveraging creative strategies and taking cues from successful revitalization projects in other cities worldwide, Busan can transform th
2 min read
ChatGPT: A Deep Dive into Conversational AI
Conversational AI, including large language models (LLMs), has become one of the most talked-about technologies in recent years, with far-reaching implications for science and society. Among the most notable LLMs is ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot that can convincingly converse with users on a wide range of topics in multiple languages. The Rise of ChatGPT and Other Large Language Models ChatGPT is just one of the latest LLMs released by OpenAI and other firms. It is free, easy to use, and con
3 min read
Experts Call for Ban on Lethal Autonomous Weapons
Despite Growing Concern, Governments Fail to Act on Development of Autonomous Weapons In a recent opinion piece published in Nature, leading AI experts have called for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, also known as "killer robots". The article highlights the lack of progress in negotiations around the development and deployment of these weapons, despite growing concern from human-rights and arms-control organizations, as well as the public. The Call for a Ban The Campaign to Stop Killer R
2 min read
The Threat of SLAPP Suits: South Korea and the Need for Stronger Anti-SLAPP Legislation
Free speech and the press have long been suppressed in South Korea by the government, particularly under the country's National Security Law. However, in recent years, the role of the country's Public Prosecutor's Office in limiting free speech has become a growing concern. The Public Prosecutor's Office has been accused of using its power to target journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who speak out against the government or powerful corporations. One tactic used by the Public Prosecuto
3 min read
Navigating Economic Challenges: What South Korea Can Learn from Brexit
As South Korea faces its own political and economic challenges, there are several key lessons that can be learned from the tumultuous and challenging process of Brexit. The first lesson is that the decision to leave the EU was driven by a desire for independence, but in reality, it has resulted in self-isolation, which has not been good for the British economy. South Korea, as a small country with an open economy, should avoid self-isolation and instead prioritize exchange with the wider world.
2 min read