Kim Myungsoo, Gwangju Gwangsangu Council Chair, Urges Social Responsibility from Tobacco Companies

Resolution Proposed to Strengthen Anti-Smoking Policies
and Urge Social Compensation

Kim Myungsoo, Chairperson of the Gwangsan-gu Council in Gwangju, officially acknowledged the defects in tobacco products and argued that tobacco companies should bear social responsibility for health damages caused by smoking.

On the 15th, at the '264th National Council of City, County, and District Council Chairpersons' Provincial Representative Meeting' held in Songdo, Incheon, Chairperson Kim proposed a resolution urging the recognition of defects in tobacco products and the implementation of social responsibility. Kim also serves as the Chairperson of the Gwangju City District Council Chairpersons' Association.

Myeongsoo Kim, chairman of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju, is presenting a proposal urging tobacco manufacturers to fulfill their social responsibilities at the provincial representatives' meeting held on the 15th in Songdo, Incheon. Provided by Gwangsan District Council

The resolution points out that tobacco companies could have reduced the content of nicotine and tar or excluded additives that cause addiction, but failed to do so. It particularly considers this as a 'design defect' and 'labeling defect' under the Product Liability Act.

It also argues, based on overseas precedents, that smoking is recognized as a major cause of diseases such as lung cancer, and therefore, tobacco companies should be held liable, including compensation for damages, for the health insurance medical expenses borne by public institutions such as the National Health Insurance Service.

Chairperson Kim emphasized, "There is significant responsibility for evading the duty to inform about the harmfulness of tobacco and neglecting the harm of smoking through designs that increased addictiveness," and added, "Corporate responsibility must be made clear, and the government should take further action to create a smoke-free environment."

The resolution will be delivered to relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, the councils of 17 cities and provinces, and the leaders of major political parties.