[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

Published on 2017/06/11

Restaurants respond as more Koreans eat alone, Gong Yoo ("Train to Busan") speaks to CNN about being Korea's leading man, whisky sales take a dive as the country's drinking culture evolves, and Koreans encourage to become caring and responsible pet owners.

"Honbap: Eating Alone Is a New Norm"

Many will be aware of Korea's cute couple culture, but there is also a growing number of South Koreans who are living-and so eating and drinking-alone. 'Honbap' (a portmanteau derived from the Korean words for " alone " and "rice") is the local term used to describe those who choose to eat alone, for whatever reason. "There is a saying in Korean that food eaten alone doesn't taste good", writes Steven Borowiec. "At least when it comes to barbecue, perhaps company is like seasoning. Without it the experience lacks flavor".

...READ ON KOREA EXPOSE

"Gong Yoo on becoming South Korea's leading man"

Gong Yoo, 37, is riding a wave of popularity after starring in a number of successful projects, including last year's zombie blockbuster, "Train to Busan". Gong Yoo -"South Korea's most popular leading man"- recently had his first ever one-on-one western media interview with CNN, in which the superstar's charming personal side was revealed. "When I become a character in a movie or drama ... I can think about the character only and not the complicated matters of my own life", said Yoo.

...READ ON CNN

"Whiskey sales drop sharply amid change in drinking culture"

Korea's drinking culture is undergoing some changes; there are new regulations around business dinners/drinks, for example, and more business men and women are choosing to enjoy nights out with the family instead. As a result, the country's local liquor industry has taken a serious blow. According to The Korea Herald, "The domestic sales of the spirit hit 1.67 million boxes, or some 30 million bottles, in 2016, down 41 percent from 2.84 million boxes tallied in 2008, according to industry data".

...READ ON THE KOREA HERALD

"[Eye Plus] Party for the family"

Many will be delighted to hear that pets are becoming a more important part of Korea live. Recently, the D.Media & Company held a special event "to support pet care as well as the encourage adoption of abandoned pets". The event, called "Be My Family", is part of a larger movement to raise citizen's consciousness around pet ownership by helping to stimulate "a new, healthy pet ownership culture".

...READ ON THE KOREA HERALD