Minister Song Miryeong: "Revitalizing the Traditional Liquor Industry... Increasing Rice Consumption for Alcohol by 6 Times"

"Japan consumes 300,000 tons of rice annually for making sake. The amount of Korean rice used in traditional liquor is 5,600 tons. There is much we need to do. Within five years, we must secure a traditional liquor market where about 30,000 tons of our rice can be used. Once we reach a certain stage, we can also reach Japan's level."

On the 20th, Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, held a press briefing with reporters at a restaurant in Cheongju, Chungbuk, and made these remarks. Earlier, on the 12th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the 'Traditional Liquor Industry Revitalization Plan,' which includes adding distilled soju, brandy, and whiskey to small-scale liquor licenses and strengthening liquor tax reduction benefits. In this context, the minister presented specific targets.

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Minister Song said, "Expanding small-scale liquor manufacturing licenses to include branded whiskey can promote startups in related fields," adding, "The liquor tax reduction was 50% only for 500kg, but we plan to increase this to 1,000kg while simultaneously promoting consumption." She continued, "Promotion is important for boosting consumption," and added, "Domestic promotion is important, but I want to emphasize overseas promotion as well."

Regarding traditional liquor exports, she revealed plans to "pair traditional liquor with K-food export markets." Minister Song explained, "We plan to create brochures at overseas diplomatic missions and send traditional liquors featured in the brochures so that when foreign guests visit, they can be given as gifts along with the story. Large companies also give gifts when meeting overseas buyers, so we want to promote liquor as a good gift."

On opinions suggesting that the standards for traditional liquor should be further relaxed, Minister Song said, "There is room for debate." She stated, "People who value the identity of traditional liquor think it would collapse if standards are relaxed. Since we need to progress gradually, this year we will observe the situation and gradually expand so that the traditional market can grow."

When asked about plans amid the emerging outline of the Trump administration's U.S. trade policy, she said, "We are monitoring in real-time daily through attach?s and overseas media," adding, "We are also frequently communicating with government task forces including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance." She further stated, "The principle is to minimize impacts on our national interests," and added, "We are considering various scenarios."

Minister Song also previewed, "Next week, we will announce measures to address rural extinction." She explained, "There is a sense of crisis that rural areas are disappearing due to aging populations and outflow. What can overcome this is enhancing the utilization of rural resources and creating places where people can settle or visit, thereby revitalizing and preventing extinction."

Next week, the third comprehensive animal welfare plan will be announced, and an animal medical plan is expected in the first half of the year. Minister Song said, "We plan to establish higher-level animal hospitals and introduce a veterinary specialist system," adding, "We have also discussed at least starting pet insurance."

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