Kim Jong-un Quitting Smoking...? North Korea Adopts Strict Anti-Smoking Law (Comprehensive)

Plenary Meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly Held, Strengthened Anti-Smoking Law Adopted
North Korean Male Smoking Rate 44%... Kim Jong-un Smoking in Public Appearance

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, who has often been seen smoking in public appearances

North Korea held a plenary meeting of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and adopted a strengthened anti-smoking law with harsher penalties and a revised enterprise law, according to the North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency on the 5th. Attention is focused on whether Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who has enjoyed smoking regardless of on-site visits or official occasions, will show a changed attitude.

At the plenary meeting held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on the 4th, a new anti-smoking law was adopted to strengthen control over tobacco production, sales, and smoking.

The anti-smoking law consists of 31 articles and designates no-smoking areas in public places such as theaters and cinemas, childcare institutions, educational institutions, medical and health facilities, commercial and financial service facilities, and public transportation, and includes penalties for violating smoking regulations.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un provided on-site guidance at the construction site of the Pyongyang General Hospital, according to a report by Korean Central TV on July 20. Known as a smoker, Chairman Kim is seen smoking with a cigarette held in his left hand.

North Korea has recently been making strenuous efforts to reduce smoking rates. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics as of December 2014, the adult male smoking rate in North Korea reached 43.9%, meaning about half of adult men smoke.

North Korea previously enacted the "Smoking Control Law" in 2005 to strengthen smoking bans in public places. Last year, it amended the tobacco control law to restrict the import of foreign cigarettes and banned electronic cigarettes and smoke-free tobacco.

In May, North Korea expanded no-smoking zones in public places and buildings and created a difficult atmosphere for smoking by attaching no-smoking stickers to enterprises and residential areas.

However, there are criticisms that the effectiveness of the anti-smoking campaign is reduced as Chairman Kim has been seen unable to put down cigarettes even in official settings.

On July 20, during an on-site guidance visit to the construction site of Pyongyang General Hospital, Kim smoked a cigarette, and this scene was broadcast on Korean Central TV, which is viewed by all residents.

During the first half of this year, when rumors about Kim's health were spreading, he appeared after 20 days to demonstrate his vitality, and even then, he was holding a cigarette in his hand.

Meanwhile, the revised enterprise law adopted that day stipulates converting enterprises into energy- and cost-saving types, matters to be observed when newly organizing or changing the affiliation of enterprises, and conducting production and management activities under the state's guidance in accordance with socialist principles.

Although the specific contents of the revised enterprise law have not been disclosed, based on the report, it is presumed that state control over enterprise activities, which have been increasingly autonomous and independent, has been strengthened.

The meeting was chaired by Choe Ryong-hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee, and attended by Tae Hyong-chol and Pak Yong-il, Vice Chairmen of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Ko Kil-son, Secretary of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.

The Supreme People's Assembly corresponds to the National Assembly in South Korea and is the highest sovereign body under the North Korean constitution, performing functions such as amending the constitution and laws, establishing basic principles of national policy, appointing major state officials, and approving budgets.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.