Jung Sye-kyun: "Tobacco Price Increase to 8,000 Won? Not True... No Plans to Promote"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Regarding reports that the government is pushing to raise cigarette prices to around 8,000 won and impose a health promotion levy on alcohol, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun dismissed the claims on the 28th, saying, "This is not true."

On the same day, through social media (SNS), Prime Minister Chung stated, "The government is currently not considering raising cigarette prices or imposing a health promotion levy on alcohol, nor does it have any plans to pursue such measures."

He continued, "Since cigarettes and alcohol are items consumed by many citizens, sufficient research and review are necessary from various perspectives, including pricing issues, and it is a matter that requires careful social discussion; therefore, it cannot be implemented in the short term," emphasizing this point repeatedly.

Prime Minister Chung added, "Despite the Ministry of Health and Welfare's official response, reports have continued to spread, causing confusion among the public, which is regrettable. I would like to clearly state the government's official position once again."