Soldiers vexed by tobacco price hike
While many smokers are unhappy with the government’s plan to increase the price of cigarettes, but one group may be more vexed than others: soldiers.
Korean men participate in compulsory military service for 21 months and are only paid a small wage, meaning the price hike would make cigarettes less affordable. An Army private receives a monthly salary of around 112,500 won.
Last week, Health and Welfare Minister Moon Hyung-pyo announced a set of anti-smoking measures including an 80-percent price increase, which would push the average cost of a pack of cigarettes from 2,500 won to 4,500 won.
The smoking rate among soldiers stood at 42.9 percent last year, according to a report released by the Ministry of Defense.
In light of the plan, the Ministry of Defense is “encouraging soldiers to quit smoking,” according to one official.
“More soldiers will likely press their parents to raise their allowance to cover the increased tobacco price,” an army officer was quoted as saying. “The military is concerned about the soldiers’ frustration on this matter.”