The Korean Medical Association as a guardian of national health declared the Tobacco Free Initiative on June 26, 2003 to raise awareness to the dangers of smoking and to determine the agenda of the campaign.

Dr. Jae Jung Kim, the President of Korean Medical Association, stated that Tobacco is also toxic to non-smokers and the KMA will do its best to encourage its members to reduce by half the number of those who smoke, which currently stands at 38% and the Declaration was declaimed by Dr. Tai Joon Moon, the Past President of World Medical Association, the Advisor of CMAAO and the Honorary President of Korean Medical Association.

This ceremony was supported by The World Health Organization, World Medical Association, Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania, Tobacco Control Resource Center, and Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea. Dr. Jong-Wook Lee, the Director-General Elect of WHO, gave his special address and about 100 physicians participated in this ceremony.