The Korean government is enacting initiatives involving WHO to reduce smoking by addressing its portrayal in media.
Korean authorities are increasing their efforts to remove smoking scenes from OTT platforms, drawing attention to the sharp contrast between Korean television’s strict anti-smoking broadcast regulations and the unchecked representation of smoking on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
The upcoming 10th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is where Korean officials plan to propose stricter regulations on such portrayals.
Korea’s broader anti-smoking strategy has yielded significant results, with the adult smoking rate dropping from 35.1% in 1998 to 17.7% by 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the main concern of the Korean government regarding smoking scenes?
The Korean government is worried about smoking scenes in popular media on OTT platforms like Netflix and YouTube influencing public behaviors, which undermines their anti-smoking campaigns.
- Are there existing rules for smoking scenes in Korean television?
Yes, Korean television enforces a blur filter for any smoking scenes to lessen their impact. However, this rule does not currently apply to content on OTT platforms.
- What measures has South Korea taken against smoking?
South Korea’s anti-smoking measures include tax policies, public education, expanding non-smoking areas, and enacting media guidelines, among others.
- Why is South Korea focusing on smoking scenes in media at the FCTC session?
South Korea believes that media has a significant influence on public habits, and by sharing their success in anti-smoking measures, they aim to motivate international agreements on stricter representations of smoking in media.
- What is WHO FCTC?
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is an international treaty aimed at reducing global tobacco consumption and combating the public health impact of tobacco.
Conclusion
The concerted efforts by the Korean government to remove the glamorization of smoking in media forms part of a larger strategy to combat smoking rates nationally. With the support of international bodies like the WHO, South Korea aims to raise awareness and promote stricter guidelines worldwide. This move reflects the country’s staunch commitment to public health and showcases the governmement’s innovative and evolving approach to health promotion.