"E-cigarette Association Steps Up Over Lim Young-woong Indoor Smoking Controversy, Citing Policy Loopholes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] The Electronic Cigarette Association Federation criticized the government's policy irrationality following the controversy over Lim Young-woong's indoor smoking incident.

Previously, singer Lim Young-woong was caught smoking a liquid-type electronic cigarette in an indoor waiting room, sparking public debate. It was later reported that Lim Young-woong paid a fine of 100,000 KRW to the local district office.

Lim Young-woong's agency stated that the electronic cigarette in question was a nicotine-free product and said, "The indoor smoking fine imposition criteria specify that the subject must contain tobacco or nicotine. However, it seems the fine was imposed on the act of smoking itself, raising concerns about whether this aligns with the legal standards."

In fact, nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, like the one Lim Young-woong used, are classified under current law as 'tobacco-like products' and are regulated so that smoking them indoors does not incur fines. Consequently, some have argued that indoor smoking should be completely banned regardless of the product type.

Regarding this controversy, the Electronic Cigarette Association Federation issued a statement on the 21st saying, "(The so-called Lim Young-woong controversy) stems from the government's flawed and biased policies." The association acknowledged, "Regardless of the reason, indoor smoking is clearly wrong," but also noted, "This controversy revealed that current tobacco-related laws and tax systems are not properly organized."

The association further stated, "The government's perception of liquid-type electronic cigarettes is very biased and incorrect," adding, "The reason tobacco is heavily taxed compared to general industrial products is due to its nature as a 'sin tax.' Therefore, tobacco products that are less harmful and do not warrant fines for indoor smoking should have lower tax rates."

Additionally, the association said, "The government continues its contradictory actions by showing no interest in regulations suitable for liquid-type electronic cigarettes while maintaining exorbitant tax rates," and urged, "We strongly call for a revision of the law to adjust tax rates to reasonable levels and apply regulations appropriate to each product's characteristics."

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