In South Korea, where academic success often comes at the cost of sleep and well-being, students like Ye-jin turn to high-caffeine drinks to fuel their grueling study routines.

Ye-jin, a high school student in the Seoul metropolitan area, began consuming energy drinks in middle school. Now, she drinks up to two cans a day, plus coffee, especially during exam periods.

“I rely on them because I get sleepy while studying, and I believe I shouldn’t fall asleep,” she said.

Her daily routine is demanding: “I wake up at 6:30 a.m. and go to school. Right after school, I go to