Sugar tax on cola? Debate heats up in Korea over introducing a levy on excessive sugar use

A proposal to introduce a so-called “sugar tax” on products with excessive sugar content is once again gaining traction in South Korea. Advocates argue that such a policy is needed to curb rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases linked to sugar overconsumption. The goal is to reduce the social and economic costs of these health risks and use the tax revenue to fund public health initiatives, particularly for low-income communities. At the forefront of the debate is Yun Young-ho, head of the Health Culture Project at Seoul National University and a professor of family medicine at the university’s College of Medicine. Yun hosted a “Sugar Overuse Tax Forum” at the National Assembly Sept. 24, where he highlighted the urgent need for a sugar tax. “One in three adolescents in Korea consumes more sugar than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit of 50 grams for adults,” Yun said. “Added sugars in soft drinks contribute to cavities, obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.” Because of these risks, WHO now recommendsWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times