South Korea: Gov''t to Select Warning Pictures on Cigarette Packages in March

Source from:  KBS World Radio 03/02/2016

The government will likely finalize graphic warning labels on cigarette packages as early as the end of this month.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Tuesday that a committee in charge of selecting warning pictures on cigarette packages will hold a meeting late this month to make a decision on the images.

A committee member said that experts have exchanged opinions on the matter based on studies of warning images considered fitting for South Koreans.

Researchers concluded that providing scientific information and a sense of fear and repulsion are effective in causing awareness in smokers. It was agreed that it is suitable to introduce pictures that graphically depict the effects of lighting up.

A revision of the National Health Promotion Act stipulates that the size of warning pictures should take up more than 30 percent of the cigarette packaging.

Under the revision, every cigarette pack should be covered with a graphic warning label from December 23rd this year. The ministry, meanwhile, is expected to make an official notice on the final images by June 23rd. Enditem