Smoking in the subway despite passengers' objections... This is Korea

"Should I report?" Calmly replies "No"
Up to 1 million won fine for smoking in the cabin
Similar incident on Line 1 last November

A video showing a man smoking a cigarette with his mask pulled down to his chin, known as 'teokseukeu' (mask worn below the chin), inside Seoul Subway Line 1 has sparked public outrage online. Notably, the man continues to smoke despite other passengers' objections.

On the 16th, a post titled "A man is taking off his mask and smoking in the subway" along with a video was uploaded to an online community.

A passenger smoking with their mask pulled down to their chin was caught on Seoul Subway Line 1, sparking outrage among netizens.
[Photo by Online Community Capture]

The poster, Mr. A, wrote, "An elderly person told him not to smoke, but he kept smoking," and added, "He should be severely punished due to the fire hazard and indoor air quality issues in the subway."

The video was filmed on Seoul Subway Line 1, showing the man wearing black top and bottom clothing, sitting on a subway seat with his mask lowered to his chin while smoking a cigarette.

According to Article 47 of the Railroad Safety Act, a fine of up to 1 million won will be imposed for smoking inside the train. [Image source=Getty Images Bank]

Another man, unable to tolerate the scene, said, "How can you smoke here? Should I report you?" The smoker calmly replied, "No," and continued smoking. Netizens who saw this expressed criticism with comments such as "If a fire breaks out, it will be a major disaster," "Punishments should be strengthened," and "He is basically an arsonist."

Smoking, drinking, and public urination inside the subway are illegal acts under Article 47 (Prohibited Acts on Passenger Trains) of the Railroad Safety Act and Article 3 of the Minor Offenses Act. Anyone caught smoking inside the train cabin faces a fine of up to 1 million won.

Previously, in November last year, a man in his 50s, Mr. B, smoked and drank alcohol inside a Line 1 subway train bound for Incheon. He fled while the police were on their way but was eventually caught. The penalties imposed on him were a 300,000 won fine for violating the Railroad Safety Act and a 50,000 won fine for disorderly conduct due to intoxication under the Minor Offenses Act.