Opinion News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on opinion from Breeze in Busan.
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The Seoul Phenomenon and Shadow of Regional Diminishment
In the heart of the Korean Peninsula stands a city that truly never rests — Seoul. A metropolis where ancient traditions harmoniously blend with ultra-modern innovations, Seoul's allure draws individuals from every corner of the country. From the towering skyscrapers that house global corporate giants in Gangnam to the serene lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, whispering tales from centuries ago, Seoul presents a captivating mix of yesterday and today. But beyond its scenic beauty and vibrant puls
13 min read
The Workation and Local Creator Phenomenon: Promises, Realities, and the Role of Governance
A New Horizon in Modern Working and Living In the lexicon of modern working culture, two terms have recently emerged with delight: "workation" and "Local Creator". Both encapsulate our evolving relationship with work, travel, and community, and both promise a brighter, more flexible future. But what do they mean, and how are they changing the landscapes of countries worldwide, especially places like Korea? Workation is a portmanteau of 'work' and 'vacation'. At its heart, it's a concept that a
10 min read
Busan's Medical Tourism: Ambition, Reality, and The Path Forward
In the rapidly evolving arena of medical tourism, cities across the globe are vying for a spot under the limelight. Busan's stewardship of the International Medical Tourism Convention 2023 is more than a display of its medical prowess; it's emblematic of a city in metamorphosis, poised to stake its claim in the expansive medical tourism domain. While Seoul may frequently capture the international spotlight, Busan's initiatives mirror the ambitions of emerging global cities, each striving to etch
7 min read
From Shadows to Spotlight: The Regeneration of Jung-gu in Busan
Perched on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan stands as South Korea's second-largest city. But beyond its bustling ports and modern skyscrapers lies a historical tapestry that captures the heart and soul of the nation. At the epicenter of this rich history is the Jung-gu district. The Jung-gu district, translating to 'Central District', isn’t merely a geographical indication of its position in Busan; it's a testament to its pivotal role in shaping the city’s narrative. Over the
10 min read
South Korea's Jamboree Dilemma: Tackling the Heatwave and the Implications for Global Event Hosting
The Global Scouting Event Meets Unforeseen Heatwave In an unanticipated turn of events, the 25th World Scout Jamboree currently underway in South Korea is facing an escalating crisis. An extreme heatwave, with temperatures consistently surpassing 35 degrees Celsius, has rapidly turned the much-anticipated global youth event into a scene of distress and urgency. The Jamboree, intended as a showcase of camaraderie, cultural exchange, and outdoor activities, has seen the joyous spirits of partici
9 min read
Global Food Security at the Crossroads: Climate, Conflict, and Cooperation
In recent years, the world has been grappling with an escalating food crisis, exacerbated by a host of factors ranging from climate change and extreme weather events to geopolitical tensions and socio-economic disruptions. Amidst these challenges, Ukraine has emerged as a pivotal player on the global food stage. Boasting rich black soils known as 'chernozem', Ukraine has long been dubbed the 'breadbasket of Europe'. However, its significance extends beyond Europe as it is the world's leading exp
12 min read
Decoding the 'Selfish Ledger': A Journey through Data, Algorithms, and Ethics
In the fast-paced, increasingly interconnected digital age, we find ourselves faced with concepts that not only challenge our understanding of technology and data but also present us with profound ethical and societal questions. One such provocative concept comes from an unexpected source – Google’s X development division, the company's moonshot factory. It's a theoretical model known as the 'Selfish Ledger', a notion that has ignited extensive discussion and scrutiny since it was leaked to the
14 min read
The Paradox of Prosperity: Challenges and Innovations in South Korean Universities
South Korea's relentless pursuit of education is internationally renowned, underpinned by a strong societal belief that education is the key to personal advancement and national prosperity. Higher education in particular holds a significant place in this equation. Universities are not only seen as gateways to prestigious careers but also as breeding grounds for the nation's next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. In line with this ethos, South Korea has one of the highest universit
13 min read
Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight: Charting South Korea's Path Amidst Global Power Shifts
As the world enters a new phase of geopolitical realignment, South Korea finds itself in an increasingly complex and precarious position. Amid superpowers like Russia and China reshaping their regional strategies, South Korea's diplomatic maneuvering space is shrinking. This editorial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving dynamics among these three nations, focusing on the pivotal role of South Korea. South Korea, a vibrant democracy and the world's 12th largest economy, has
10 min read
Expanding the Definition of Family: A Call for Same-Sex Equality in South Korea
As we step into the month of May, a keyword that resonates across South Korea is "family". May, often referred to as the "Month of Family," is replete with commemorations celebrating family ties, including Children's Day, Parents' Day, and Couples' Day. Notably, May 15th is recognized globally as the International Day of Families. However, May also holds significant meaning for the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea and around the world. May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Tra
2 min read
Pedaling for Peace: A Couple's 48,000 km Cycling Journey for Sahrawi Self-Determination
A chance encounter with a Swedish couple cycling along the Nakdonggang River in the West of Busan caught my attention. The couple, Sanna Ghotbi and Benjamin Ladraa are dedicated human rights activists on an extraordinary mission. They embarked on a 48,000-kilometer cycling journey through 40 countries to raise awareness about the struggle of the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara, a territory largely under Moroccan occupation. In this interview, I delve into Sanna and Benjamin's experiences in Ko
9 min read
Redefining Busan's Skyline: The Future of Dongseo Elevated Highway
The Busan Dongseo Elevated Highway, a 14-kilometer-long, four-lane roadway, has been a source of longstanding issues for the city and its residents. Despite its initial purpose of easing traffic between the eastern and western parts of Busan, the elevated highway has instead contributed to traffic congestion, noise pollution, and air pollution. Moreover, its presence has negatively impacted the urban landscape and compromised the privacy of nearby apartment dwellers. As a result, the future of t
5 min read