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<h1><span style="font-weight: bold;">Urgent:</span> Korean Youth Drinking & Smoking Less, But Habits Becoming More Dangerous</h1>
<p>Seoul, South Korea – New data released today reveals a complex picture of youth health in South Korea. While fewer young people are initiating smoking and drinking, those who do are exhibiting increasingly risky behaviors, raising concerns among public health officials. This <strong>breaking news</strong>, sourced from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s ‘Youth Health Behavior Survey,’ demands attention and a deeper look at the evolving landscape of adolescent health.</p>
<h2>Decline in Overall Use, Rise in Intensity</h2>
<p>The survey, published on June 6th, shows a continued decline in current tobacco use, with 5.4% of male students and 2.8% of female students reporting use in 2025, down slightly from 2024 (5.8% and 3.2% respectively). This downward trend has been consistent since 2019. Similarly, current drinking rates also decreased, registering at 9.8% for males and 6.1% for females – a positive sign in the ongoing effort to curb substance use among young Koreans.</p>
<p>However, the data takes a worrying turn when examining the behavior of those who *do* smoke or drink. The rate of repeated tobacco use among current users has jumped from 47.7% in 2019 to 61.4% in 2025. This indicates a stronger dependence and a greater likelihood of continued smoking among those who have already started. The survey also highlights a rise in “multiple use” – the consumption of various tobacco products like regular cigarettes, liquid electronic cigarettes, and cigarette-type electronic cigarettes – within the last 30 days.</p>
<h2>Risky Drinking on the Rise, Especially Among Young Women</h2>
<p>The trend mirrors itself with alcohol consumption. While overall drinking rates are down, the proportion of current drinkers engaging in “risky drinking” – defined as exceeding moderate alcohol consumption (5 glasses of soju for men, 3 for women) – is increasing. For male students, the risky drinking rate among current drinkers is 42.1%, up from 40.9% in 2024. But the most significant increase is seen among female students, climbing to 52.0% from 50.2% in 2024, with a particularly sharp rise (6.3% increase) among female middle school students, now at 44.8%.</p>
<p><strong>Why is this happening?</strong> Experts suggest a combination of factors, including increased stress levels, social pressures, and the accessibility of various alcohol products. The normalization of drinking in certain social contexts, coupled with targeted marketing, may also contribute to this trend. It’s a reminder that simply reducing overall rates isn’t enough; addressing the *intensity* of use is crucial.</p>
<h2>Beyond Substance Use: A Look at Overall Health Habits</h2>
<p>The survey wasn’t solely focused on smoking and drinking. It also revealed some shifts in other health-related behaviors. Interestingly, breakfast skipping rates have slightly increased to 41.9% for males and 45.3% for females, potentially impacting concentration and overall energy levels. However, there’s good news on the dietary front: consumption of sweet beverages (down 6.0% for males and 6.2% for females) and high-caffeine beverages (down 1.3% and 2.7% respectively) has decreased, suggesting a growing awareness of the health risks associated with these drinks.</p>
<p><strong>Evergreen Insight:</strong> These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive health education programs that go beyond simply warning against substance use. They need to address the underlying factors that drive risky behaviors, promote healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and encourage positive lifestyle choices. Furthermore, targeted interventions are needed to address the specific vulnerabilities of different demographic groups, such as female middle school students.</p>
<p>This data serves as a critical wake-up call. While South Korea is making progress in reducing the *initiation* of harmful habits among its youth, the increasing intensity of those habits demands a renewed and more nuanced approach to youth health. Staying informed about these trends – and understanding the broader context – is vital for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. For more in-depth coverage of health trends and breaking news, continue to visit archyde.com.</p>
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