Celebrities to be banned from alcohol packaging in South Korea

The South Korean government is seeking to ban local distilleries from using images of celebrities on bottles and cans to promote their products.

Singer Irene from the girlband Red Velvet is the face of Chamisul soju

As reported by Korea Times,South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare is looking to enforce the ban in a bid to stop glamourising the consumption of alcohol.

The Korean government is seeking to ban images of celebrities on drinks packaging to prevent glamourising alcohol

The current law allows photos of celebrities to appear on bottles of soju, beer and other drinks packaging – a trend that has proved lucrative for local stars.

According to Korea Times, Irene from girl group Red Velvet and singer and actress Suzy are models for the nation’s top two soju brands.

“Popular celebrities such as actors or singers wield great influence over children and teenagers, so putting their photos on alcohol bottles and cans should be avoided,” Rep. Nam In-soon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea told theKorea Times.

The ban comes after the South Korea government faced criticism for its lax attitude towards drinking in comparison to smoking. Cigarette packets now come with health warnings but little has been done to prevent the glamourisation of drinking.

The health ministry has a dedicated department responsible for anti-smoking projects, but lacks one for deterring alcohol consumption.

Both cigarettes and alcohol are classified as class one carcinogens in South Korea.