Extremely Low Tar and Nicotine Cigarette to be Launched

The Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KTGC) announced on September 9 that it is to launch an 'extremely low tar and nicotine cigarette' early next year, which contains only a seventh of the tar and nicotine found in ordinary cigarettes.
This cigarette, of which the name and design is not yet fixed, contains 1 milligram of tar and 0.1 milligram of nicotine per cigarette, while ordinary cigarettes contain 6 to 7 milligrams of tar and 0.6 to 0.7 milligrams of nicotine. Among Korean makes, 'Expo' cigarettes have the lowest tar at 1.9 milligram each.
A source in the KTGC said, 'The problem is that low tar and nicotine cigarettes taste like air. We are concentrating on improving the taste.'
The source added, 'We are considering setting the pack price at 1,500 won, but it will be decided after we negotiate with the Ministry of Finance and Economy.'
Kang Joo-an : jooan@joongang.co.kr