Korea’s drug prevention efforts deserve greater recognition
As we approach June 26, the United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Korea is once again reassessing the nation’s drug problem. Almost daily, news headlines highlight how a rising number of drug offenses, new synthetic drugs, prescription drug misuse and organized trafficking networks pose serious threats to public health and safety. In addition to stoking public anxiety, this constant stream of alarming headlines reinforces the impression that little is being done to address the problem.
Kim Ji-woon
While it is undeniable that Korea can no longer consider itself a “drug-free country,” the nature of the problem has also changed substantially. Digital communication, anonymous online platforms, cryptocurrency and international trafficking networks have increased the accessibility and distribution of drugs. Prevention efforts must become more adaptive and multifaceted, too. In response to these changes, Korea has expanded its approach beyond legal sanctions to include prevention campaigns, rehabilitation services and cross-agency cooperation, which together constitute a more comprehensive national strategy. Recognizing these efforts is important because it demonstrates how Korean society is working to address drug problems through stronger institutional support and long-term prevention strategies.
One of the most significant institutions in this effort is the Korean Association Against Drug Abuse (KAADA). Founded in 1992 with support from the Korean government and aligned with international anti-drug initiatives, KAADA was established to promote social health through drug prevention, treatment support and rehabilitation services. Over time, it has evolved beyond a traditional anti-drug campaign organization into a nationwide prevention and recovery support network. Its services include counseling programs, individualized case management and a 24-hour drug hotline, 1342, for individuals and families seeking help. Headquartered in Seoul, the organization also operates 17 support centers across the country, spanning eight major cities and nine regional hubs.
Beyond rehabilitation and counseling services, Korea has also invested heavily in prevention education in recent years. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) employs certified drug prevention instructors who deliver educational programs to schools, community centers, military bases and local organizations. These instructors represent a range of professional disciplines, including healthcare, counseling, social work and education, and are trained in subject matter knowledge, communication and ethical practices. They not only provide evidence-based information about drugs and their effects, but also help audiences better understand risk factors, prevention strategies and available support resources.
The selection and placement of instructors are also guided by regional educational needs. Authorities consider local demand, population characteristics and the availability of prevention resources. This underscores a growing recognition that drug prevention cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all model but instead should be tailored to local conditions. Such an approach bolsters both the relevance and effectiveness of prevention education efforts.
These prevention efforts are strengthened through cooperation among multiple government agencies. The MFDS plays a central role in overseeing drug monitoring systems, implementing prevention education initiatives and identifying new psychoactive substances. Law enforcement and customs authorities combat trafficking networks and interdict smuggling routes. Educational institutions have expanded mandatory prevention programs, while the Ministry of Health and Welfare oversees treatment and rehabilitation support systems. Taken together, these efforts illustrate Korea’s gradual shift from a punitive approach toward a broader public health response that integrates prevention, education, treatment and recovery.
Despite these advancements, Korea’s transition toward comprehensive prevention strategies is still in progress. Historically, the country has favored moralistic or fear-based messaging in its campaigns. While there is growing recognition that punishment and deterrence alone cannot curb drug abuse, deep-seated social stigma persists. This cultural barrier frequently discourages individuals from seeking help early and stymies long-term rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Overcoming these attitudes is essential if the country is to improve its recovery infrastructure.
Public awareness of vital prevention initiatives is routinely overshadowed by media coverage focused primarily on drug-related crimes and high-profile cases. This lack of visibility often makes it harder to address escalating challenges, such as a drop in the age at which people initially begin drug use and acute shortages of long-term treatment facilities and specialized medical personnel. Behind the scenes, educators, counselors, law enforcement officers and public health advocates work diligently to safeguard community well-being. Although prevention work rarely commands the spotlight or receives widespread appreciation, it forms the true backbone of any sustainable response to substance use and addiction.
Integrating prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research marks a critical step forward. By strengthening evidence-based public health systems and fostering a deeper understanding of addiction, Korea can create a more inclusive safety net for affected individuals and families, while reinforcing continuity between prevention and treatment. Achieving these goals will require critically examining the multifaceted determinants of drug abuse and better recognizing and supporting the frontline professionals dedicated to improving public health and societal well-being.
Ma Kyung-hee is a Seoul-based editor and researcher specializing in psychological well-being and community care. Kim Ji-woon is a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University. His research focuses on brain disorders and neuropharmacology, with particular interests in psychedelics and ketamine.