Opinion News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on opinion from Breeze in Busan.
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Paths to a Green and Smart Future for Korean Cities
As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, cities face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, efficient, and livable. Two concepts that have emerged in response to this challenge are smart cities and green cities. A smart city is a city that uses technology, data, and information to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability, and increase efficiency in various sectors. This includes areas such as transportation, waste management, energy use, an
9 min read
South Korea's Strategies for Sustainable Economic Success Amid Global Challenges.
South Korea's economic success story is widely attributed to its export-oriented development strategy, strong industrial base, and skilled workforce. According to a recent study by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, Korea's export-led growth model has been successful in driving economic growth and industrialization, with exports growing at an average annual rate of 9.5% since the 1960s. However, the overreliance on a few key industries has made Korea's economy vulnerable to e
3 min read
Building a Global Hub: The Need for an English-Friendly Environment in Busan
Busan, located in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula, has always been a crucial gateway to South Korea, with its extensive port and easy access to Southeast Asian countries. However, the language barrier remains a significant challenge for foreign visitors and residents, hindering the city's potential as a global hub. Although Busan has made efforts to promote itself as an international city, many of its residents still struggle with English, the universal language of business and com
5 min read
The Need for Philosophical Reflection in an Age of Extreme Opinions and AI Technology
In contemporary society, social media and online communities have transformed the way we express our opinions and viewpoints. Unfortunately, the proliferation of extreme opinions online has resulted in a troubling decline in the quality and reliability of public discourse and has even raised concerns about its potential impact on democratic institutions and social harmony. What is particularly worrisome is that these opinions may not necessarily be reflective of the true nature of the real world
4 min read
The Urgent Need for Quality Jobs in Busan: Challenges and Solutions
The Korean labor market has been a hot topic of discussion recently, with its severe polarization into large firms versus small and medium-sized companies. As previously discussed, regular employees of large companies account for only 12% of the workers in Korea, leaving small and mid-sized companies struggling with chronic labor shortages. This issue is also relevant to Busan, which is home to many small and medium-sized businesses that face similar challenges in attracting and retaining worker
5 min read
The Pitfalls of New town Construction in Busan
The rapid urbanization of Korea has led to the construction of numerous new towns in recent decades. However, the development of these new towns has come at a cost, with many facing high vacancy rates and a lack of community engagement. This is particularly evident in the case of Myeongji International New Town in Busan, which has become a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of new city construction. As part of an investigation into the state of urban planning in Busan, this reporter recently visit
5 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
The Medical School Black Hole: A Growing Concern in Korea
The "medical school black hole" phenomenon is causing concern in Korea as it is resulting in a shortage of talent in other fields. This trend refers to the increasing number of science and engineering students being drawn to medical schools. The recent college entrance exam results have shown that this trend is intensifying, with more students dropping out of their acceptance to attend medical school. This year, 29.5% (1,343) of successful applicants to top universities like Seoul National Univ
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
Busan as a Global Financial Center: its Competitiveness and Challenges
Asia has become an increasingly important player in the global economy, with a growing number of financial centers attracting international financial firms. For many years, Hong Kong and Singapore have been the primary financial hubs in the region, with a stable political environment, efficient regulatory systems, and a highly skilled workforce. However, recent political instability in Hong Kong has led some companies to consider relocating to other financial centers, while Singapore is rapidly
5 min read
Korea Faces Crucial Challenge in Pursuing Balanced National Development
South Korea's population has been increasingly concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area (SCA) over the past few decades, leading to overcrowding, high living costs, and a decline in quality of life. The SCA accounts for over half of the country's population and holds most of the nation's public institutions, leading to a significant concentration of wealth and resources in the region. The Government's Proposal for Public Institution Relocations To address this issue, the government has proposed
3 min read
Busan's Demographic Decline: A Looming Crisis
Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is currently facing a critical situation due to several factors, including a persistent outflow of residents, a low birth rate, and an aging population. The current total fertility rate in Busan is 0.8, resulting in a population decline that is cause for concern. The Busan region is particularly vulnerable to this demographic trend, and its future is uncertain. In light of this, the city has acquired a new nickname: "The Old Man and the Sea." This n
4 min read