IU and Jennie Told to Remove 'Alcohol Signboards'... Liquor Industry 'Opposes' Outdoor Alcohol Ads Ban

Singer IU. Photo by HiteJinro

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] From the second half of this year, alcohol advertisements featuring famous celebrities will be legally banned. The government plans to prohibit signs and external promotional materials to foster a healthy drinking culture, but the alcohol industry is criticizing this as 'excessive regulation' and is opposing it.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a legislative notice for amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the National Health Promotion Act to strengthen regulations on outdoor alcohol advertisements. According to this bill, large outdoor multimedia advertisements will be banned starting June 30. Moreover, alcohol advertisements will be completely banned on signs of all general restaurants and entertainment bars nationwide.

In addition, alcohol advertisements will not be allowed on TV, data broadcasting, and internet multimedia broadcasting from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This amendment focuses on resolving blind spots in alcohol advertisement regulations caused by media diversification and protecting children and adolescents from alcohol advertisements.

Photo by Online Community Screenshot.

However, the alcohol industry has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government's policy. They argue that the difficulties faced by bars due to the recent COVID-19 impact were not taken into account.

Voices opposing the government’s policy also appeared in Korea’s largest self-employed online community, 'Apeunikka Sajangida' (Because It Hurts, I'm the Boss). Netizens criticized, saying, "Are you telling us to take down signs when we are already struggling?", "What era is this? This is just too much," and "Whose idea is this law? It's pathetic."

On the other hand, some responded positively to the government’s measure. One netizen said, "There is no country as lenient with alcohol as ours," adding, "Since incidents and accidents like drunk driving frequently occur due to alcohol, it is right to regulate alcohol advertisements using celebrities."

Another netizen pointed out, "Cigarette packs have warning images, but alcohol does not. Alcohol is as dangerous as cigarettes."