South Korean Government Advises Public to Stop Using E-cigarettes, Considers Sales Ban

South Korean Government Advises Public to Stop Using E-cigarettes, Considers Sales Ban
The South Korean government advised people on Wednesday to stop using e-cigarettes due to increasing health concerns. South Korea also vowed to expedite its investigation into whether to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, a move that could impact major manufacturers like Juul and KT&G.

Although the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are still unclear, they are considered a healthier alternative that can help users quit smoking. However, as e-cigarettes face increasing scrutiny, countries around the world have been withdrawing e-cigarette products from the market and restricting their advertising.

"The current situation is considered a serious threat to public health," said South Korean Health Minister Park Neung-hoo at a news conference, referencing cases of lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use in the United States.

So far, U.S. health officials have reported 33 deaths linked to a respiratory disease associated with e-cigarettes, along with 1,479 confirmed and suspected cases.

The South Korean health ministry reported a case this month of a 30-year-old e-cigarette user diagnosed with pneumonia.

"Children, teenagers, pregnant women, and individuals with lung diseases should never use e-cigarettes. Non-smokers should also refrain from using e-cigarettes from now on," Park Neung-hoo stated.

The South Korean government will accelerate research to determine whether there is scientific evidence to support a ban on the sale of liquid e-cigarettes.

The technology behind e-cigarettes—heating but not burning tobacco—has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has largely avoided recent global regulatory crackdowns.

Increased Regulation

The South Korean health ministry pledged to strengthen regulations on e-cigarette products, such as enhancing customs procedures for imported e-liquid.

Juul's South Korean office stated in a statement that their products do not contain harmful substances. Juul, which is 35% owned by Altria Group, began selling its e-cigarette products in South Korea in May.

KT&G, the South Korean tobacco manufacturer selling Lil vaping devices, stated that it will actively cooperate with the government once formal investigation results are released.

Since the ban on indoor smoking in places like restaurants and cafes in 2015, South Korea's tolerance for smokers has decreased. However, since 2017, e-cigarettes have gained popularity in this $16 billion tobacco market.

Government data shows that as of June, e-cigarettes accounted for 13% of tobacco market sales in South Korea.

According to Euromonitor, South Korea is the second-largest market for heated tobacco products globally, valued at $1.7 billion, although liquid e-cigarettes are not as popular.

The U.S. has announced plans to remove flavored e-cigarettes from stores due to a dramatic increase in youth usage of these products.

In September, India also halted the sale of e-cigarettes, warning that they are "very popular" among young people.