Expanding smoke-free zones in Korea is a very important issue. I hope the smoke-free zones will be expanded. I think there are several benefits to expanding smoke-free zones, especially for nonsmokers. It is true that lots of nonsmokers are easily damaged by smokers in places like restaurants that don’t have smoking areas. A cigarette has many harmful materials. Most of them are able to cause cancer. Not every smoker, but some of them don’t have good manners. There are some people who smoke out of appointed places. Not only is it important to expand smoke-free zones, but also to require smokers’ compliance with regulations. Finally, I think that smoke-free zones should be expanded to all public buildings, regardless of size.




Nowadays, many people are interested in health. It means that more and more people try to stop smoking. We can easily recognize it through our acquaintances and new university policies. For example, several universities are thinking about the expansion of non-smoking areas. What's your thinking about it? In my personal opinion, we have to perceive reality. There is no doubt that there are many more nonsmokers than smokers in this generation. So I want to say that nonsmokers’ rights should be respected. Even though non-smoking areas have increased, there are still plenty of smoking areas in Korea. As a result, I completely agree with the expansion of non-smoking areas.




Smoking is a choice like choosing the flavor of an ice cream. Whatever we choose, our society needs to respect it. If one is harmful to someone, we should put more attention on reasons rather than results. That is how to solve public problems from a fundamental perspective. Smokers are definitely a minority group. Societies are not successful if they neglect minorities. To ensure the majority’s welfare, first give a hand to minority groups and listen to them. Nowadays, there are lots of settled smoking areas in public places such as cafes or restaurants. However, is it really fair? People who can’t afford a cup of coffee will not be able to smoke. Therefore, policies with comprehensive alternatives should be considered like free-smoking zone in streets.




I don’t think that smoking is wrong. Smoking is someone’s own choice and right. But if this right could make non-smokers harmed, it is wrong. Most non-smokers have experiences with inhaling tobacco smoke when eating at restaurants or when walking down the street. Whenever I encountered those situations, it was really hard to bear. I think smokers have an irresponsible view of second-hand smoke. In this regard, expansion of non-smoking areas is welcome news. However, it is inappropriate that non-smoking areas are expanded without specific measures. Smokers’ rights have to be equally respected, too. Therefore, smoking areas must be prepared so as not to cause other problems that result from excessive restrictions.