Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Vapes to have same legal status as conventional tobacco products starting from April 24

People caught vaping in nonsmoking areas across Seoul will face an administrative fine of up to 100,000 won ($68) starting from April 24.

2026-04-09

E-cigarettes may face new taxation soon

A bill to revise the Tobacco Business Act to classify synthetic nicotine as tobacco has cleared its first hurdle at the National Assembly. If the bill passes the main session, liquid e-cigarettes will become subject to taxation.

2025-09-23

Police identify nine for distributing vape liquid laced with new drugs to Gangnam nightlife venues

Police have identified nine people involved in smuggling a new drug-laced e-cigarette liquid from Hong Kong and distributing it to nightlife venues in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

2025-08-13

Health minister advocates for stricter regulations on synthetic nicotine products

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Jeong Eun-Kyeong called for tougher regulations on synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes, warning that the products are fueling a rise in teenage smoking and escaping oversight under outdated tobacco laws.

2025-07-31

Incheon teacher warned after smoking e-cigarette during online class

A high school teacher in Incheon received a warning from the school principal after smoking during an online class session, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education revealed Sunday.

2025-06-22

Philip Morris claims heated tobacco will bring 'smoke-free future' to Korea

Philip Morris will launch its IQOS Iluma i series in Korea on Feb. 13, claiming it will promote a 'smoke-free future.'

2025-02-05

BAT Korea promotes e-cigarettes on its 30th

British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea released research results that showed smokers who used its tobacco heating products reduced their exposure to certain cigarette smoke toxicants, including nicotine.

2020-11-05

Philip Morris rallies against gov't treatment of e-cigarettes

Philip Morris Korea Managing Director Paik Young-jay stressed that the company’s electronic heat-not-burn device is fundamentally different from conventional cigarettes,

2020-09-09

Cigarette maker dreams of a smoke-free future

Philip Morris Korea Managing Director Paik Young-jay reaffirmed the cigarette maker's goal to achieve a smoke-free future, appealing for a more scientific approach towards heat-not-burn cigarettes.

2020-07-07

E-cigarette maker Juul to exit Korea

E-cigarette maker Juul Labs on Wednesday announced it will exit Korea, a year after it entered the market in May last year. A specific date on when it will halt operations has yet to be determined.

2020-05-07