Korea Insights: Why Is The Korean Government Running A Major Anti-Drug Campaign?

Welcome to the Korea Insights series, where we answer readers’ questions about Korea. We are looking to give you the best insights and answers.

These questions come from readers with diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and while some of you are more knowledgeable about Korean culture, others may be less familiar. Questions are therefore very diverse.

Today, we are answering this question. A reader recently asked us:
"I’m traveling to Seoul again this year and was surprised by the number of government campaigns on drug use—on buses, in subways, they’re everywhere in public transportation. Posters say "Drugs are the beginning of the end" and similar messages. But in previous years, I didn’t notice this. Also, isn’t Korea a ‘drug-free’ country?”

We’ll break this down as simply as possible, as it’s a complex issue. We’ll also provide references for further reading.

 

1. Is Korea Still "Drug-Free"? Not anymore!

Korea lost its “drug-free” status in 2016. According to the United Nations, Korea surpassed the threshold of 20 drug offenders per 100,000 people, meaning it no longer qualifies as a “drug-free” country.