Nearly 90% of Koreans believe nation no longer drug-free

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A majority of Koreans no longer see their country as a “drug-free nation” and view drug abuse as an escalating public health crisis, according to a new nationwide survey.

In a poll released Friday by the research firm Southern Post, 88 percent of respondents said drug abuse is a serious problem, while 87 percent said Korea can no longer be considered free of drugs.

The survey, based on responses from 1,000 adults, reflects a shift in public perception: More Koreans now see drug addiction as a medical condition rather than solely a criminal issue. More than 92 percent of respondents said addiction requires medical treatment and 72 percent backed the use of public funds to support recovery programs.

When asked how they felt about rising drug use among youth, most said they felt sadness, anxiety or anger. Nearly 60 percent said it is easy to obtain drugs today, citing access through social media and the dark web. Over 43 percent called for stronger investigations into online drug sales, while others supported tighter control of medical narcotics and border security.

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office recently reported that people in their 20s and 30s made up over 60 percent of drug offenders in 2024, pointing to online-based, anonymous drug sales as a key driver.

More than 70 percent said the country needs more residential recovery communities, where addicts can live and receive treatment. Most of these facilities are currently operated by private groups and cannot meet rising demand.

Experts emphasize that the issue goes beyond legal concerns and constitutes a mental health crisis, highlighting the need for more public support for regional addiction centers and long-term rehabilitation programs to properly address the mental health problems often associated with addiction.