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The Korea Times

By Ko Dong-hwan
An artist has released an authentic guide to drinking soju, a clear and affordable alcohol that has been consumed by Koreans for decades.
Kim Wan-jun, known by the artist name Funnyjun, wants to impart to global drinkers that drinking soju should not be equated with getting tipsy on any other liquor, because it involves certain etiquette.
The set of 10 rules, according to Kim, makes soju a uniquely Korean culture. With the book, he wants to define the subliminal messages behind drinking soju and translate them into multiple languages.

The book, titled How to Drink Soju and published in Korean in 2021, breaks down each step of soju etiquette, from seating to opening a bottle, offering and receiving drinks, clinking glasses and drinking.
It also includes dedicated chapters on games often played during soju-drinking sessions – such as APT, featured in the recent global hit song of the same name by Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars – and Korean dishes that pair well with soju.
What Kim especially wants to highlight, however, is not the instructions per se. Rather, he wants to explain the hidden messages behind each minute but “careful” gesture.
For example, the person holding a bottle must cover its label with their hand to prevent the receiver noticing the label so that the ensuing conversation does not get influenced by the soju’s brand or quality.
When pouring and receiving, using one arm or hand implies disrespect to the drinking partner. When clinking, the rim of a younger drinker’s glass must be lower than that of the older partner as another expression of respect for seniority.

“I will make the book’s English edition and coming versions in different languages available on Amazon,” said Kim, 52, at the office of Proudcomm, a public relations company he runs in Seoul, in South Korea, to finance his artistic profession. The English version’s publication is scheduled for January 1.
“It will also be translated into Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Thai and Vietnamese. I have met people from different countries while exhibiting my art overseas. They have volunteered to help me with publishing it in each language,” he said.
Soju has an effect like a polygraph, according to Kim. It reveals the true character of drinkers by indulging them to keep having it without self-restraint. Whether being able to control drinking while keeping to the listed etiquette without embarrassing oneself reveals a lot about that person, Kim said.
“Some foreigners in front of convenience stores in Itaewon or Hongdae gulp down soju without using a glass. Of course, however they drink it is up to their choice. But to Koreans who mostly know the etiquette, such scenes can be disturbing to watch,” Kim said.
“What if we Koreans grabbed a whisky or wine bottle and took a swig without a glass? Westerners will see us as alcoholics. The book helps non-Koreans learn about soju etiquette. It will allow them to drink soju more responsibly and have more fun.”

Kim uses his Funnyjun identity to promote his 10 soju rules to the world through offline exhibitions. He exhibits illustrations from his book – all drawn by himself – that demonstrate the correct etiquette. It overcomes language barriers no matter in which countries he hosts an exhibition.
Soju is never a protagonist, according to Kim. The drink rather enlivens those around it. This is where Kim draws a line between soju and wine or whisky.
“Soju pairs well with Korean foods which are mostly strong in savoury flavours, like spicy ones. It contributes umami to one’s mouth. Such pairing works better than wines or whiskies,” Kim said. “And soju is also the cheapest liquor out there in Korea. It attracts no prejudice.”
Soju’s cultural significance in Korea is that it brings people together regardless of setting and social class, according to Kim. Not only do people drink it, it completes songs, films, books and games as an element of content.

“‘A Glass of Soju’ [by singer Im Chang-jung] was the main song on the soundtrack of [Oscar-winning film] Parasite. In [Netflix series] Squid Game, there was a scene where Gi-hun drinks soju and emotionally disarms himself. Over 70 Korean songs have used ‘soju’ in their titles and over 2,000 Korean songs’ lyrics mention the drink at least once,” Kim said. “Soju has inspired so much Korean cultural content.
“At the same time, it is very egalitarian. It is why the ubiquitous cliché ‘let’s have a glass of soju’ among Koreans actually means ‘let us bury the hatchet and talk it all out’.”
Read the full story at The Korea Times.


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How do you drink soju? 10 etiquette rules, and why having Korean spirit is like a polygraph

Artist Funnyjun teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju in his book How to Drink Soju. He equates a soju drinking session to a polygraph test, because how a person handles it reveals much about their character. Photo: Shutterstock

Kim Wan-jun, known by the artist name Funnyjun, has released an authentic guide to drinking soju. Photo: Instagram/@funnyjun_ 

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Two person toasting soju drinks during dinner in Korean barbecue restaurant while enjoying grilled meats. Photo: Shutterstock 

Soju’s cultural significance in Korea is that it brings people together regardless of setting and social class, according to Kim. Photo: Shutterstock 

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Lifestyle

Food & Drink

Artist Funnyjun teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju. He says how people drink the moreish spirit reveals much about their character


Artist Funnyjun teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju. He says how people drink the moreish spirit reveals much about their character.


Wine and Spirits

South Korea