After battery explosion injures soldier, charging of electronic cigarettes in living quarters is no longer allowed

By Brian Han

An electronic cigarette battery exploded while charging at a South Korean military barracks in Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province.

The incident left one soldier with minor burns on his face and forced 10 others to evacuate the area around midnight.

Those involved said the incident began with a loud bang followed by a small fire that was eventually contained.

Although electronic cigarettes are becoming more popular in South Korea amid the recent cigarette tax hike, it’s presenting some new problems.

For South Korean military privates who are paid 129,400 won (about $120) a month, they must look for cheaper smoking alternatives to stay within budget. As a result, these soldiers are buying cheaper alternatives that are manufactured in China with little to no safety regulations.

The South Korean military will no longer allow the charging of electronic cigarettes in living quarters.