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[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Expressions so-called 'drug marketing,' such as drug gimbap and drug corn, are expected to disappear in the future. This is because a movement to regulate them is gaining momentum, mainly in the political sphere.

According to the political circles on the 26th, Seo Jeongsuk, a member of the People Power Party, proposed a partial amendment to the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods on the 21st to prohibit the indication of drugs in food names. Regarding the purpose of the bill, Rep. Seo said, "The term 'drug' is indiscriminately used in food names, which may make the image of drugs appear friendly to children and adolescents, so it needs to be regulated."

Earlier, on August 23, Kwon Eunhee, also from the People Power Party, proposed a partial amendment to the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods to prohibit advertising harmful drugs and harmful goods by revealing their names. The bill is expected to rapidly advance in the Health and Welfare Committee, the relevant standing committee.

Not only the National Assembly but also local governments continue to take action. On the 17th, Lee Bongjun, a People Power Party member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, proposed the Seoul Metropolitan Ordinance on Improving the Culture of Using Drug Product Names, which allows the Seoul mayor to establish related plans and conduct surveys to prevent the use of drug product names. The ordinance is scheduled to be reviewed and finalized at the November regular session.

In fact, 'drug marketing' continues to thrive. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Local Administrative Licensing Data Open System, there are over 200 general restaurants with 'drug' in their business names. Recently, cafes selling 'hemp iced Americano' and 'hemp-shaped cookies' have appeared in bustling areas frequented by the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), becoming a hot topic on social networking services (SNS).

However, there is currently no unified regulatory measure because standards differ by ministry. The Korean Intellectual Property Office has been rejecting trademark registrations containing the word 'drug,' including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, since 2018, considering them likely to harm good morals or public order. However, ministries overseeing general restaurants or daily necessities advertising and marketing still lack legal grounds to restrict such usage.

An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, "We strongly agree with the basis and purpose of the proposed bill." However, they noted that various discussions must accompany the legislative process. They added, "Sufficient discussion is needed regarding the scope of harmful drugs and harmful goods defined in Rep. Kwon's bill."

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