**[Interview] Professor Heunghee Yoon of Namseoul University’s Department of Global Addiction Rehabilitation Counseling: “The method of drug distribution in Korea has changed significantly… ‘Sting operations’ should be allowed”**
“Last year, there were 23,403 arrests related to drug offenses in Korea. In 2024, 23,022 cases were detected, indicating that the era of ‘20,000 drug offenders’ is becoming a regular occurrence. Worryingly, more than 60% of those arrested are youth in their 10s to 30s, who are familiar with the online environment, indicating a marked spread among this group.”
In response, Sisa Journal met with Professor Heunghee Yoon of Namseoul University’s Graduate School of Global Addiction Rehabilitation Counseling to discuss the changing trends in domestic drug crime and the increase in drug offenses among young people.
**”Increase in maritime smuggling, not through airports… Investigation of online distribution remains challenging”**
**Compared to the past, what is the biggest change observed in recent drug crimes?**
“The distribution methods have changed significantly. Firstly, the routes through which drugs enter the country have shifted. In the past, drugs mainly entered through Incheon International Airport, but now there is an increase in smuggling via the sea. This is because stricter drug enforcement and investigations at airports by customs and related agencies have led suppliers to seek alternative distribution routes. Maritime smuggling is easier to distribute and is currently difficult to investigate. Moreover, ten years ago, drug transactions were mostly conducted face-to-face with cash, but now most transactions take place using the dark web or Telegram through a method called ‘throwing.'”
**What do you see as the root causes of the increase in drug offenses among young people?**
“There has been an increase in drug use among those from middle school grade 3 to university years 1-2, influenced by experiences in nightlife culture and alcohol consumption. Teenagers often turn to drugs like ecstasy or ketamine after initially accessing alcohol, which is easier to obtain. University students, when reaching adults, may encounter drugs naturally in clubs or entertainment venues. The so-called ‘narcotics crescent line’ encompassing Sinchon, Itaewon, and Gangnam is known for different types of drugs, and visiting these places has resulted in increased drug consumption and offenses.”
**There is a concentration of drug crimes in clubs and entertainment venues. What measures could prevent this?**
“Drug education should be provided to those working in clubs and venues. Additionally, there needs to be a method to hold these venues legally accountable as indirect facilitators of drug distribution. Recently developed drug testing devices should be made available in key areas like Sinchon, Itaewon, and Gangnam for easy access, which I believe could significantly curb drug distribution.”
**In light of the increase in non-face-to-face transactions through the dark web and Telegram, what practical difficulties do investigative agencies face?**
“To apprehend the main suppliers of non-face-to-face online transactions, sting operations are necessary, yet they are not often legally recognized in Korea. Although there are some cases where they are accepted, broader recognition is needed to halt the spread of drug distribution, but the current lack of legal acceptance poses investigative challenges. There are indeed cases where investigators have been wrongfully penalized.”
**”Korea is a ‘drug transit country’… Need for a dedicated drug agency”**
**The misuse of medical narcotics is also a severe issue. How do you assess the risks associated with the perception of ‘legal drugs’?**
“A variety of psychoactive substances are prescribed in hospitals and sold in pharmacies, often without proper explanation about their harmfulness. Even teenagers are exposed to medical drugs. For instance, there was a case where a teenager, after consuming over 20 cold medicines containing the core drug ingredient pseudoephedrine, was found foaming at the mouth and collapsed on the street. Teenagers are more susceptible to addiction and withdrawal due to their developing bodies, which is why there is a need for early education and explanation about the dangers.”
**What improvements are needed in the domestic drug investigation workforce and organizational structure?**
“There needs to be an establishment of an integrated agency similar to the DEA in the U.S. that handles not just drug investigation and arrests, but also rehabilitation. Currently, various domestic drug enforcement agencies, such as the National Intelligence Service, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, prosecution, police, and customs, do not collaborate well. Although the Joint Drug Crime Investigation Headquarters of the government is active, in the long term, a unified government agency like a drug [enforcement] agency should be established. More professionally trained drug investigation personnel and advanced scientific equipment are also needed.”
**How does the domestic drug rehabilitation and prevention education infrastructure compare to that of developed countries?**
“There are over 30 designated drug rehabilitation hospitals in Korea, but due to insufficient funding, many hospitals are reluctant to provide rehabilitation treatment. Therefore, there must be a dramatic increase in funding for addiction rehabilitation at the national level, and a large number of professional counselors should be trained. Korea currently lacks departments related to addiction rehabilitation counseling to train such professionals. In countries like the UK, preventive policies are given more importance than severe punishment or rehabilitation policies, and drug education is provided even in elementary school, whereas in Korea, drug education is not thoroughly integrated into the public education system. Offering free lectures at schools often receives a lackluster response, which is disappointing and concerning.”
**Do you believe Korea can regain its status as a ‘drug-free country’?**
“The critical reason for the spread of drug distribution in Korea is that the country has become a ‘drug transit nation’ due to its geographical location. Drugs from Southeast Asia, China, and North Korea are smuggled into Korea and then distributed to Japan and Europe. Now is the time to necessarily block the spread. Without the establishment of a drug agency, the expansion of professional manpower, and integrated prevention education targeting youth, Korea risks becoming the world’s largest drug crime country by the late 21st century.”