North Korea Makes Move to Preserve 'Hygienic Living'

Despite the fact that its own leader is known as a chain smoker, North Korea has banned smoking in some public places, the Guardian reports. Yonhap News reports the law was unanimously passed Wednesday at a "rare" meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly. Specifically, smoking will be prohibited in places like political and ideological education centers, theaters and cinemas, and facilities for medical and public health. Officials say the reason is to provide "hygienic living environments." As of 2013, the WHO reported 43.9% of the male population in the country smoked. (More North Korea stories.)