Should young celebrities be banned from booze ads?

Young celebrities in South Korea could be banned from appearing in alcohol advertisements in bid to discourage alcohol consumption.

22-year-old ice skater Kim Yuna in an advertisement for Hite beer

A bill restricting people under the age of 25 from appearing in advertisements for alcoholic beverages has passed a key committee vote, and will become law if approved in the National Assembly, as reported by the BBC. The move was said to have been prompted by the appearance of 22-year-old ice skater Kim Yuna in an advertisement for Hite beer, prompting lawmakers to consider if young idols should be used to promote alcohol brands.

Government figures show drinking levels are at an all-time high in South Korea, with locals said to drink 13.7 shots of liquor per week, twice as much as the Russians, according to CNBC. 

Alcohol consumption is said to be particularly high among young women with 64.8% of women in their twenties saying they drink regularly, and one-in-ten admitting they are heavy drinkers, according to the Korea Times.