Health ministry launches No-Smoke Social Club 2.0 to recruit 400 youth

The health ministry said Thursday it is recruiting 400 teenagers and young adults for No-Smoke Social Club 2.0, a campaign designed to spread a tobacco-free culture through shared hobbies. The initiative begins July 31 and invites non-smokers aged 16 to 32 to join one of four interest-based clubs without the need for prior group affiliation.

This year's program moves away from the club-centered model of its predecessor to focus on connecting individuals with similar tastes in running, books, movies or science. Celebrity leaders will guide each sector, including singer Sean for the running club and science YouTuber Gwedo for the science club.

Recruitment will run through August 23 via the official website nodam.kr, with final selections announced on August 31. Chosen members will participate in their respective club activities for approximately three months, and outstanding participants will receive additional benefits. The ministry and the Korea Health Promotion Institute will simultaneously air advertisements featuring the club leaders inviting youth to join.

"No-Smoke Social Club 2.0 is a club activity where the younger generation takes the lead in creating a healthy lifestyle culture free of cigarettes," said Kim Han-suk, director general of the health policy bureau at the health ministry. He added that the government plans to expand opportunities for no-smoking activities by adopting methods preferred by young people.

Kim Heon-ju, head of the Korea Health Promotion Institute, emphasized that the importance of prevention activities based on peer culture is growing as new tobacco products persistently attract teenagers and young adults. He expressed hope that the second iteration of the social club would serve as a catalyst for spreading no-smoking habits as a standard part of daily life.