Chamisul soju sales exceed 1 tln won mark for the first time in 2016
SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- Sales of Hite Jinro's distilled liquor "soju" exceeded the 1 trillion won (US$882 million) mark last year for the first time since its debut in 1998, the company said Tuesday.
Chamisul soju sales hit 1.009 trillion won last year with a total of 1.7 billion bottles sold.
The company attributes the rise to people consuming more soju amid the protracted economic slump and the alleged corruption scandal involving then-President Park Geun-hye, senior government officials and owners of big businesses.
Chamisul controls about 50 percent of the country's traditional distilled liquor market, industry sources said.
It is the first time any South Korean soju makers posted the 1 trillion won sales mark.
Soju sale have also grown steadily abroad affected by the popularity of Korean pop culture as K-pop music videos, cinemas and dramas often show people consuming soju together with "samgyeopsal" or grilled pork belly.
The combination of soju and samgyeopsal is one of the most popular foods in South Korea together with fried chicken and beer called "chimaek."
hdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
Hyundai Motor to invest US$5 bln in U.S. for robotics, autonomous driving development
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
Premier League Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min receives hero's welcome home
-
Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
Agencies remain silent as V of BTS, BLACKPINK's Jennie rumored to be dating
-
Military develops new helmet capable of stopping stronger pistol rounds