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Opinion

A Stratified Risk Society: How Inequality Fuels Environmental and Social Harm

A Stratified Risk Society: How Inequality Fuels Environmental and Social Harm

In Korea’s fast-paced society, the pursuit of convenience has made cheap, disposable products and ultra-processed foods a staple of daily life. From single-use plastics to calorie-dense packaged meals, these items offer affordability and practicality to time-pressed households. But hidden beneath their veneer of convenience is an uncomfortable reality: their

How South Korea is Confronting Its Population Challenges

How South Korea is Confronting Its Population Challenges

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented demographic crisis, marked by a record-low fertility rate and an aging population. The nation, once celebrated for its rapid economic growth and bustling cities, now faces the stark reality of a shrinking and graying populace. This trend not only threatens the sustainability of

Can South Korean Conservatism Reinvent Itself for a Democratic Future?

Can South Korean Conservatism Reinvent Itself for a Democratic Future?

South Korea's democracy, celebrated as one of Asia's most vibrant and resilient, faced a critical test with the recent martial law controversy. The attempt to invoke such an extreme measure during a period of political unrest shocked citizens and drew widespread condemnation, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in

The Decentralization Strategy to Bridge South Korea’s Divides

The Decentralization Strategy to Bridge South Korea’s Divides

South Korea’s remarkable economic growth over the past decades has been largely driven by centralized development centered around Seoul and its surrounding regions. As the capital city, Seoul has become a global hub for political, economic, and cultural activities, attracting resources, population, and investments at an unprecedented scale. However,

South Korea’s Regional Crisis: Why Decentralization is the Key

South Korea’s Regional Crisis: Why Decentralization is the Key

South Korea stands at a crossroads as it grapples with the long-term consequences of its centralized development model. For decades, the capital city of Seoul and its surrounding areas have absorbed a disproportionate share of the nation’s resources, population, and economic activity, leaving the rest of the country struggling

Chips, Challenges, and Choices: South Korea’s Fight for Semiconductor Dominance

Chips, Challenges, and Choices: South Korea’s Fight for Semiconductor Dominance

South Korea’s semiconductor industry, once heralded as the crown jewel of its economy, now faces a crossroads. The chips that power everything from smartphones to advanced AI systems have become more than a symbol of technological prowess—they are now the frontline of a global geopolitical showdown. As countries

Manipulated Minds: How AI Influences Our Decisions

Manipulated Minds: How AI Influences Our Decisions

In the era of artificial intelligence and big data, decisions once rooted in personal intuition and independent reasoning are increasingly swayed by unseen forces. Imagine a world where every click, search, and like contributes to an intricate web of algorithms shaping not just what you consume but how you think