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

From Heating Blades to Heating Paper? CTHB Patent Points to Microwave Heated Tobacco Design
From Heating Blades to Heating Paper? CTHB Patent Points to Microwave Heated Tobacco Design
According to China’s patent office records, a patent owned by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Corporation (CTHB) for “cigarette paper and a cigarette for microwave heating” was granted on May 19, 2026. The patent describes cigarette paper with an outer wrapping layer, a heating layer, and an isolation heat-conducting layer, allowing it to absorb microwave energy, convert it to heat, and transfer that heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.
Jun.10
Argentina Updates Health Warning Rules to Include Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Updates Health Warning Rules to Include Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s Ministry of Health has updated its health warning rules for tobacco and nicotine products, adding e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, sticks and nicotine pouches to mandatory warning requirements.
Jul.08
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, known as the NVWA, seized more than 277,000 illegal vapes near Rotterdam and nearly 150,000 boxes of nicotine pouches in Utrecht and Rotterdam, calling them the largest batches of such products it has found to date. Video footage released by the NVWA shows some cartons in the warehouse bearing the “AL FAKHER / الفاخر” name, though the agency did not identify brands.
Jul.10
 BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
British American Tobacco’s London-listed shares rose 13.99% last week, as investors focused on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent authorization of flavored Glas e-cigarette products, the dismissal of a U.S. sanctions-related criminal case against BAT, and the company’s previously announced share buyback plan and newer nicotine business performance.
BAT
May.18
Oral Thin-Film Technology Firm CTT Pharma Eyes U.S. Nicotine Product Trials
Oral Thin-Film Technology Firm CTT Pharma Eyes U.S. Nicotine Product Trials
CTT Pharmaceutical Holdings said it has signed a letter of intent with a U.S. company to conduct clinical trials and testing for several potential nicotine products using its patented oral thin-film technology.
Jun.18