Try GOLD - Free
Drug use in S. Korea up but addiction clinics underused
The Straits Times
|November 11, 2024
The estimated number of drug users in South Korea has surged to more than 400,000 in 2024, but several of the state-designated hospitals for drug addiction treatment have not treated a single patient this year.
-
According to the local DongA Ilbo newspaper, a Ministry of Health and Welfare report estimated that 400,530 people in South Korea are thought to have used illegal drugs this year.
This figure is derived from the ministry's formula of multiplying by 30 the actual number of those investigated for drug use, which is 13,351 so far this year.
The estimated number of drug users has been on the upward trend in recent years. For the whole year of 2019, it was 246,300. In 2023, the number jumped to 326,970.
However, this comes alongside a crackdown on drugs, which is likely to increase the number of people investigated for drug use - and therefore the estimated number of users - even without a corresponding rise in the actual number of users.
This story is from the November 11, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
RAMEN REVIVAL
Slurp up regional flavours from Japan and local hawker renditions
10 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MIDDLE EASTERN MELTING POT
New eateries are putting their own spin on the cuisine, while established players keep pace with updated menus
11 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
From a super-saver to embracing 'die with zero'
After a lifetime of saving for the future, I recently opened up to the idea that maybe one should use up one's wealth before one dies.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE TO RULE
RACE 1 (1,200M) 4 Run Run Timing made a strong first impression for the Ricky Yiu stable, finishing a close second on his Class 5 debut and showing he is ready to win again. He draws wider in barrier 9 this time, but that effort confirmed he was heading the right way.
6 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
KEEPING CALM THE 'BIGGEST LESSON'
Sabalenka aims to keep her emotions in check in bid for first WTA Finals crown
2 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
New work by late M'sian poet
Two young editors have worked to posthumously publish In The Mirror: New And Selected Poems Of Wong Phui Nam
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
WILL POGACAR BECOME CYCLING'S G.O.A.T?
In this series, The Straits Times takes a deep dive into the hottest sports topic or debate of the hour. From Lamine Yamal's status as the next big thing to pickleball's growth, we'll ask The Big Question to set you thinking, and talking.
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Sentosa Cove property prices buck mainland uptrend as loss-making deals rise
In July, a condominium unit at Marina Collection in Sentosa Cove was resold for $4.95 million, over 40 per cent below the price paid in 2008.
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
More HDB flat owners switching to bank loans as rates drop to 3-year low
Owners spoilt for choice as banks compete to offer attractive refinancing options
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Straits Times
Beauty products and fried chicken: Korean culture meets diplomacy at summit
World leaders and business titans gathered in South Korea this week to hash out issues from tariffs and AI to regional security.
2 mins
November 02, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size