In recent discussions surrounding employment rates in Busan, a stark contrast has emerged between the celebrated statistics and the underlying realities of the labor market. While the city proudly announced record-high employment rates, local council member Ban Seon-ho has raised critical concerns about the quality of these jobs, emphasizing that the focus should shift from mere numbers to the structural issues affecting workers’ lives. Ban’s analysis highlights a troubling trend: the increase in employment figures is largely driven by low-wage, part-time jobs and a significant decline in self-employed individuals.