Group 1 - The number of diabetes patients in South Korea has significantly increased over the past decade, with a rise of approximately 57% [7] - There is a growing trend towards low-sugar and sugar-free products in the South Korean food industry, with sales of sugar-free carbonated drinks increasing from 89 billion KRW in 2021 to 273 billion KRW in 2023, more than doubling [5] - The South Korean government is discussing the introduction of a "sugar tax" aimed at high-sugar beverages and processed foods to encourage the food industry to reduce added sugar usage, with 58.9% of respondents in a poll supporting this initiative [7] Group 2 - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health-conscious choices, as evidenced by individuals carefully selecting low-sugar or high-protein products while shopping [3] - The trend towards low-sugar products is extending beyond food to other sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, which has introduced sugar-free cold medicine [5] - There is a public concern regarding the potential impact of the "sugar tax" on business costs and food prices, despite the majority supporting the tax [7]