Sounding graphic warnings in Korea

South   Korea’s Health and Welfare Minister, Chin Young, has promised to try to convince the country’s lawmakers to pass a bill that would enforce the printing of graphic warnings on cigarette packs, according to a story in The Korea Times.

His comment has been seen as an effort to break a stalemate over the issue.

Government agencies are divided over such health warnings. Last year, the health ministry proposed a bill that would have required tobacco companies to include warnings comprising graphic pictures and warning texts in large letters.

However, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance has questioned the effectiveness of such a campaign, while, at the same time, saying that it fears that tax income from tobacco consumption will fall if the measure is introduced.

The government earns about WON7 trillion from tobacco-related taxes.

Progress of the bill stalled last year, forcing the Prime Minister’s Office, which co-ordinates the passage of government bills, to recommend that relevant ministries reach a consensus on the issue.