[Iclickart]
Alcohol consumption probably intended to quell anger has surged in South Korea since an unimaginable political scandal involving President Park Geun-hye erupted last month, sending a shock wave through the country, data showed Wednesday.
Public sentiment boiled up as South Korea's media went into full swing to disclose dirty and shady deals and collusion involving Park's close associates and confidants, led by her long-time friend accused of exploiting her ties with the president to meddle in state affairs and wrest money from businessmen.
Anecdotal stories and rumors about Park, who took office in early 2013 as South Korea's first female president, have become a common topic at homes, pubs and workplaces.
According to data released by South Korea's largest convenience store company CU, sales of Soju, the popular Korean liquor, from October 29 to November 6 soared 25.4 percent from a year ago.
CU said the purchase of soju at convenience stores is rather impromptu and reflects the frank opinion of people.
Soju is South Korea's most popular alcoholic beverage because of its low price. A standard 360-milliliter bottle of soju is priced at an average of 1,100 won (0.97 US dollars). Consumption of soju used to increase during a period of economic recessions.
Aju News Park Sae-jin = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
