Asians Are Drinking Less. Why? | Explains

South Koreans drink more than any other country. In countries like South Korea, Japan and China, alcohol has been considered a “gift from the gods”. Historically, warriors drank before battles and after victories, and masculinity was tied to ability to drink copious amounts of alcohol. But what does drinking culture expose today? If you’re drinking a bottle of Soju, a can of sake, or a glass of Baijiu, you’re likely partaking in a drinking culture that is steeped in tradition and history. Alcohol can represent hospitality, vulnerability and openness–and it used to come with guidelines to ensure it was a healthy ritual. Today, excessive drinking can uphold workplace patriarchy, undue pressures on employees, and toxic masculinity. South Koreans, the most hardcore drinkers in the world, intake 13.7 shots of alcohol on average weekly. With the negative, life-threatening effects of excessive drinking, it’s time to reexamine our relationship with drinking.