BANS ON SMOKING INTRODUCED AT PUBLIC FACILITIES

North Korea has introduced smoking bans in some public places to provide citizens with “hygienic living environments,” prompting questions about whether the nation's chain-smoking leader may kick the habit. The law will tighten the legal and social controls on the production and sale of cigarettes. Smoking is now banned in venues such as political and ideological education centres, theatres and cinemas, and medical and public health facilities. Kim Jong-un, the leader and the nation's most famous smoker, has been frequently seen on state media lighting up a cigarette. Earlier this year, Kim disappeared from view for weeks, sparking rumours that he was seriously ill or possibly recovering from surgery. The reports were never confirmed.