S.Koreans smoke, drink more in slump
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Growing stress from the economic slump led South Koreans to smoke and drink more last year, a news report said Monday, quoting a health ministry survey.
The survey found 47.7 percent of male adults and 7.4 percent of female adults smoking last year, up from 45 and 5.3 percent respectively a year earlier.
Some 74.6 percent of males and 44.9 percent of females drank twice or more a month last year, up from 73.5 and 41.5 percent a year earlier.
Yonhap news agency attributed the rise to worsening economic conditions which placed people under heavier stress as jobs and incomes dwindled.
Ministry officials said the survey did not elaborate on possible causes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments