Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Revised Tobacco Business Act takes effect April 24, strengthens regulations on e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine will be subject to the same regulations as conventional combustible cigarettes starting April 24, under a revised Tobacco Business Act that expands the legal definition of tobacco.

2026-02-03

Big Tobacco beats Korea's national health insurer. Again.

Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) lost again on appeal in its roughly 50 billion won ($34 million) damages suit against tobacco companies, marking a second-instance conclusion nearly 12 years after it first filed the case.

2026-01-15

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

Man who fled police for littering in Busan ID'd as suspect in violent crimes

A man who fled from a Busan police foot patrol for littering with cigarette butts near Haeundae Beach was identified as a suspect in violent crimes upon his apprehension.

2025-09-08

Authorities investigate North Korean cigarettes, ammunition container found at empty home in South Chungcheong

South Korean police and military authorities are investigating the discovery of suspected North Korean military items in a vacant house in Taean County, South Chungcheong.

2025-08-20

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

KT&G profit up for third straight quarter on overseas tobacco sales

KT&G reports strong second quarter growth with increased tobacco sales and new premium products.

2025-08-07

Health minister advocates for stricter regulations on synthetic nicotine products

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Jeong Eun Kyung 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nicotine e-cigarettes, warning that the products are fueling a rise in teenage smoking and escaping oversight under outdated tobacco laws.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

Appellate court set to rule on Korea's 'big tobacco' case over cancer coverage

An appellate court will rule on a case pitting the National Health Insurance Service against KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea, with insurer seeking some $40 billion in compensation for insurance payouts for smoking-related cancer treatment.

2025-05-21