Seoul Metropolitan Council Addresses Regulatory Gaps in Vape Industry as Youth Usage Surges

Nov.13.2024
Seoul Metropolitan Council Addresses Regulatory Gaps in Vape Industry as Youth Usage Surges
Kim Kyung-hoon, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, raised the issue of vape regulation at an administrative audit meeting, pointing out that the product contains nicotine and is popular among teenagers, calling for stricter measures.

Kim Kyung-hoon, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, raised the issue of vape regulation at an administrative audit meeting, according to a report by n.news on November 13. 

 

Kim pointed out that the product, unlike regular cigarettes, has a fruit flavor and is difficult to distinguish from regular smoking, but it contains nicotine. A survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency shows that about 70% of teenage smokers start using vapes, highlighting the severity of the problem.

 

Kim emphasized that vapes are likely to be used as drugs and there are distribution channels among teenagers. He called on the Education Office to strengthen enforcement, investigate the situation, and take appropriate measures. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education responded that there is no separate data on the current situation, and vapes are not included under the current tobacco laws, which would require legal amendments.

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Announces Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Involving Counterfeit VELO, ZYN, and PABLO Products
China Announces Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Involving Counterfeit VELO, ZYN, and PABLO Products
The case is valued at approximately 400,000 yuan, and two suspects have been taken into custody.Video footage released by authorities shows that the counterfeit products involved well-known market brands such as VELO, ZYN, and PABLO.
Dec.01
Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach  US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports
Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports
Maldives Customs data shows that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659 million (about US$42.8 million) since the country banned the import and use of electronic cigarettes. Authorities said most seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. The largest single case involved 10,800 vapes, resulting in a fine of MVR 108 million (about US$7.02 million).
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
The High Court in Bangladesh has asked government bodies to explain why the approval granted to Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch factory should not be deemed illegal. Petitioners argue the decision contradicts existing policies and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling that restricts new tobacco-related enterprises. Authorities have ten days to respond.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a new flavor for its Ploom brand’s premium EVO smoke sticks: “EVO Honey Lemon Crystal.” The product will be rolled out in stages, beginning with an early release through official channels in December 2025, followed by a nationwide launch across convenience stores and tobacco retailers in January 2026, priced at JPY 550 (approximately USD 3.7).
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.
Jan.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives