Yoon Jae-gap: "Imported Rice Makgeolli Does Not Qualify for Traditional Liquor Benefits"

Urgent Need for Support Measures for Overproduced Rice Makgeolli Companies

[Jindo=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Nam-jung] Yoon Jae-gap, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo, pointed out on the 5th during the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' national audit, "Traditional liquor benefits should not be granted to Makgeolli made with imported rice."

In this regard, the current 'Traditional Liquor Industry Act' defines traditional liquor as folk liquor made by intangible cultural heritage holders and food masters, as well as regional specialty liquor made primarily from agricultural products produced locally. These producers receive a 50% reduction in liquor tax and benefits for online sales.

Regarding this, Representative Yoon explained, "In principle, alcohol cannot be sold online in our country," adding, "However, the reason for granting such benefits to traditional liquor is the intention to protect our agricultural products by expanding the consumption of local agricultural products and increasing farmers' income."

However, recently, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced its position to include major domestic Makgeolli brands such as Kooksoondang and Jangsu Makgeolli, which use imported rice, as traditional liquor, thereby allowing liquor tax reductions and online sales, sparking controversy.

If Makgeolli made from imported rice is classified as traditional liquor and granted traditional liquor benefits, the use of imported rice will increase, and the purpose of the law will inevitably be undermined.

Representative Yoon Jae-gap stated, "Granting traditional liquor benefits to Makgeolli made from imported rice forgets the purpose of the law," and added, "The government should actively promote measures to support Makgeolli companies with the currently overproduced rice to expand the consumption of domestic agricultural products and revitalize the traditional liquor industry."

Jindo=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Nam-jung gabrielw@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.