Urging Tobacco Manufacturers to Fulfill Legal and Social Responsibilities
Sejong City Council Adopts Resolution Calling for Corporate Accountability
Members of the Sejong City Council adopted a resolution. Photo by Public Relations Planning Team, Secretariat
On October 13, at the 1st plenary session of the 101st extraordinary session, the Sejong City Council adopted a resolution titled "Resolution Calling for Recognition of Defects in Tobacco Products and Urging Social Responsibility," which was sponsored by Chairman Lim Chaeseong. The council strongly urged tobacco manufacturers to fulfill their legal and social responsibilities.
Chairman Lim stated, "Tobacco is an addictive substance that threatens the lives and health of not only smokers but also those exposed to secondhand smoke. It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO), and its international risk has been proven as a major cause of fatal diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain disorders." He further criticized, "Tobacco companies have failed to adequately inform consumers about the harmfulness of their products by minimizing the disclosure of harmful ingredients other than tar and nicotine. This has resulted in a 'significant defect in product labeling,' infringing upon consumers' right to know and their right to health."
He emphasized, "From 2019 to 2023, health insurance medical expenses due to smoking (according to the National Health Insurance Service) amounted to 17.3758 trillion won, placing a tremendous burden on the national finances. Tobacco manufacturers must take corporate responsibility for social costs, including compensation for victims of smoking and covering losses to the health insurance fund."
He also explained, "The lawsuit for damages filed by the National Health Insurance Service against tobacco companies is of great significance, as it legally clarifies the harmfulness and defects of tobacco products, protects the lives of the people, and establishes corporate social responsibility."
He stated that the purpose of the resolution is to share and support these intentions.
By explaining the intent of the Act on the Management of the Harmfulness of Tobacco, the National Health Promotion Act, and the Product Liability Act enacted by the National Assembly, the council urged the government and relevant agencies to strengthen smoke-free environments and promptly implement effective measures to prevent smoking and reduce harm in order to protect the public's right to health. Through the resolution, the council plans to clearly indicate the defects of tobacco products and the responsibility of companies, thereby strengthening the institutional foundation to protect the lives and health of the people.
Meanwhile, in August last year, at the 1st plenary session of the 91st extraordinary session, the council adopted a "Resolution Calling for the Introduction of Special Judicial Police for the National Health Insurance Service," continuing its efforts to improve the public health safety net and ensure the stability of medical services.
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