KT&G has launched the world’s first ultra-slim, capsule-type cigarette, the country’s largest tobacco maker said Monday.

Dubbed “Esse Change,” the product is the follow-up to the company’s best-selling ultra-slim cigarette “Esse,” which has been popular among young smokers in particular, KT&G said.

One Esse Change comes with two different flavors, the company said. Its initial mild taste turns apple mint-fresh as the smoker pops the “capsule” inserted within the cigarette.

“Esse Change is distinctive in that it gives customers two taste options with one cigarette. Above all, it is the world’s first commercialized ultra-slim capsule-type cigarette,” KT&G said in a statement.

Esse Change contains 1 milligram of tar and 0.1 milligram of nicotine, and is priced at 2,500 ($2.20) a pack.

(joowonc@heraldcorp.com)