The Rebuilding Korea Party has entered the national debate over a proposed “sugar levy,” aiming to curb excessive sugar consumption and fund public health initiatives for children and adolescents, Chousun Biz reported.
The proposal, focused exclusively on sweetened beverages, comes after President Lee Jae-myung suggested using social media to reduce sugar consumption and reinvest the proceeds into health programs.
Lawmaker Kim Sun-min, a member of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, hosted a forum titled “The Need for and Issues Around Introducing a Sugar Levy” at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building on February 10. Kim emphasized that the measure is not a broad sugar tax but a targeted levy, with revenues earmarked for obesity prevention, chronic disease management, and strengthening local public health services. Kim introduced a related amendment to the National Health Promotion Act last month.
At the forum, Park Eun-cheol, a professor at Yonsei University’s Institute of Health Policy and Management, explained why sweetened beverages are the primary target. He noted that liquid sugars are absorbed rapidly, causing blood sugar spikes, which over time increase the risks of diabetes and obesity. Unlike solid foods, sweetened drinks do not create a sense of fullness, leading to overconsumption, particularly among adolescents.
Park highlighted that sweetened beverages account for the largest share of daily sugar intake among Korean adolescents, with obesity more prevalent in low-income groups. He warned that since over 75% of adolescent obesity continues into adulthood, the long-term health implications are significant.
The forum reflects growing momentum in Korea’s policy discussions on sugar consumption and public health interventions for youth.
