The Danger of Synthetic Nicotine E-cigarettes in South Korea

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.09.2024
The Danger of Synthetic Nicotine E-cigarettes in South Korea
Korean media "NEWS 1" reported on May 9 that unscrupulous businesses in Korea are selling synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes freely.

According to South Korean media outlet "NEWS 1," on May 9th, many unscrupulous businesses in South Korea are taking advantage of lax market regulation to sell synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. These businesses are not only failing to implement age verification for customers, they are even hiring minors to purchase e-cigarettes using someone else's identity.

 

A 15-year-old South Korean student expressed curiosity every time passing by an e-cigarette store, stating: "I always feel that e-cigarettes are less dangerous than regular cigarettes. I can't help but take a look every time I pass by the store."

 

Due to the presence of synthetic nicotine in e-cigarettes, they are not currently classified as "tobacco products" under existing laws, allowing this type of e-cigarette to proliferate on unattended vending machines and online sales platforms. Research suggests that nine out of ten e-cigarettes sold on the market contain this chemical substance. According to a report from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), by the end of 2023, 52 out of 62 unattended tobacco vending stores nationwide (83.9%) lack a robust age verification system (such as ID checks or credit card verification) and do not display signs prohibiting entry for those under 19 years of age.

 

In addition, there is a prevalent and potentially dangerous business practice of adding pure nicotine liquid to synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes to increase their potency. Despite regulations stipulating that products with nicotine concentrations exceeding 2% require separate business permits, this has not stopped the widespread trend of nicotine augmentation.

 

The report states that a branch of a tobacco shop responded when asked if they could increase the nicotine content by saying, "Although most synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes have a nicotine concentration of less than 1%, we can increase it to 3%.

 

The issue of e-commerce is more serious, according to data from the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 92.2% of e-cigarettes sold online contain synthetic nicotine. On e-commerce platforms, teenagers can easily create accounts and purchase these products as long as they know an adult's ID number. Unlike traditional cigarettes which are not allowed to be sold in "buy one, get one free" deals or with coupons, e-cigarettes are heavily promoted in various marketing activities. Searching for "e-cigarette" on YouTube will bring up numerous videos recommending the products. On social media, it is also easy to find comments left by teenagers who have purchased and tried e-cigarettes through proxy shopping. It is clear that current regulations regarding synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes are still in a state of regulatory ambiguity.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

U.S. FDA Updates PMTA and SE Application Processes, Releases New Submission Forms and Validation Tools
U.S. FDA Updates PMTA and SE Application Processes, Releases New Submission Forms and Validation Tools
The U.S. FDA has released six new forms for submitting applications for new tobacco products, covering both the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Substantial Equivalence (SE) pathways. Starting July 6, 2025, all applicants will be required to use the updated forms, as previous versions will no longer be accepted.
Jun.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Utah E-Cigarette Ban Causes Consumers to Travel Across State Line to Wyoming for Purchases
Utah E-Cigarette Ban Causes Consumers to Travel Across State Line to Wyoming for Purchases
Utah e-cigarette ban leads consumers to cross state borders to Wyoming, impacting local retailers amid increasing sales.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From Glo Hyper Pro to Industry Realignment: A Defining Move by BAT’s Former Design Head——For Jonathon Lister, good design starts not with form or flair—but with trust, ethics, and regulatory clarity
From Glo Hyper Pro to Industry Realignment: A Defining Move by BAT’s Former Design Head——For Jonathon Lister, good design starts not with form or flair—but with trust, ethics, and regulatory clarity
In an exclusive interview with 2Firsts, former BAT Design Director Jonathon Lister offers an in-depth analysis of the design philosophy and strategic thinking behind glo Hyper Pro. He advocates for design that builds trust, responds to regulation, and conveys values—arguing that the future of novel tobacco products lies not in manufacturing capability, but in cultural judgment and ethical awareness. This is not just the story of a product, but an attempt to reshape the industry's way of thinking
Jun.11
Malaysia’s Kedah State to Ban All Vape Sales, Retailers Ordered to Shut Down by Year-End
Malaysia’s Kedah State to Ban All Vape Sales, Retailers Ordered to Shut Down by Year-End
Malaysian state of Kedah orders e-cigarette businesses to cease operations by December, citing public health and drug threats.
May.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korean Study: E-Cigarette Sales Double in Five Years as Smokers Shift to Novel Tobacco Products
South Korean Study: E-Cigarette Sales Double in Five Years as Smokers Shift to Novel Tobacco Products
In recent years, smokers in South Korea have increasingly turned to e-cigarettes. The use of nicotine alternatives has led to a younger demographic among smokers, with a rising smoking rate among female adolescents. The government needs to strengthen its regulatory measures.
Jun.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Media: After the Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes Takes Effect, Most Users Switch to Rechargeable Products
UK Media: After the Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes Takes Effect, Most Users Switch to Rechargeable Products
After the UK's ban on disposable e-cigarettes in June, vape shops report mixed impacts. Some owners see increased sales as customers switch to rechargeable products, while others note a decline in overall sales due to the ban.
Jun.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai