South Korea's sugar crisis deepens as 1 in 5 exceeds safe limits in 2023

Sugar consumption in South Korea remains a growing concern, despite a slight overall decline in recent years. New data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) shows that nearly one in five Koreans consumed excessive amounts of sugar in 2023. The figures also reveal a sharp divide between age groups and genders, with children and women leading in high intake levels.

In 2023, 16.9 percent of Koreans exceeded recommended sugar limits, up from 15.2 percent in 2020. Women were more likely to consume too much sugar, with 21 percent affected compared to 12.9 percent of men. Children under nine had the highest rates, with 26.7 percent consuming excessive amounts.

The KDCA highlighted beverages and tea as the biggest sources of sugar for those with high intake. Fruit, dairy products, frozen desserts, and baked goods like bread and cookies also contributed significantly. While average daily sugar intake per person rose slightly from 58.7 grams in 2020 to 59.8 grams in 2023, the overall trend since 2016 shows a decrease—down from 67.9 grams.

Government efforts to reduce sugar consumption have included mandatory nutrition labels since 2016, sugar guidelines for school meals, and public health campaigns. Some manufacturers have voluntarily cut sugar in their products, leading to minor reductions in certain categories. However, no strict sugar taxes or portion limits have been enforced.

President Lee Jae Myung recently proposed introducing a sugar tax to discourage high consumption and fund healthcare. Official data on sugar intake from beverages and ice cream has not been updated since 2016, leaving gaps in tracking progress.

The latest figures suggest that while sugar intake has dropped over the past seven years, excessive consumption is still rising among certain groups. Without stricter regulations, public health campaigns and voluntary industry changes may not be enough to reverse the trend. The government's proposed sugar tax could mark a shift in policy if implemented.