Smoking Deaths in South Korea Top 70,000 as Economic Toll Rises (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, May 30 (Korea Bizwire) — Smoking-related deaths in South Korea exceeded 70,000 in 2022, with the associated socioeconomic costs reaching 13.6 trillion won (approximately $10 billion), according to new government data released Friday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the figures were derived from an analysis of cohort studies and national mortality statistics. The report highlights a troubling upward trend: direct smoking was linked to 61,360 deaths in 2020, 63,426 in 2021, and 72,689 in 2022.
Current smokers were found to be at significantly higher risk of premature death—1.7 times higher for men and 1.8 times for women—compared to non-smokers. Even former smokers faced elevated risks, with men 1.1 times and women 1.3 times more likely to die than those who never smoked.
The economic toll has also grown steadily. In 2022 alone, direct and indirect costs of smoking-related illnesses totaled 13.63 trillion won, up from 12.89 trillion won in 2020. These figures include both direct costs—such as medical expenses and transportation—and indirect costs like lost productivity due to premature death and time spent seeking treatment.
Users of electronic cigarettes exhibit weaker intentions to quit smoking compared to traditional cigarette users. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The largest share of the 2022 burden came from productivity losses due to early death, which accounted for over 7.15 trillion won, or 52.5% of the total. Medical costs followed at 4.79 trillion won (35.1%), with additional losses from treatment-related work absences, caregiving, and transportation.
“Smoking is one of the most serious threats to public health, contributing to various cancers and chronic diseases,” said KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee. “Quitting smoking is not only crucial for personal health, but essential for building a healthier society.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
