Young Koreans are increasingly avoiding company dinners and forced drinking, and the practice is fading in some workplaces and social groups. The shift is linked to a weaker drinking culture among people in their 20s and 30s, while older Koreans still drink heavily. The article says the change reflects growing concern about health, money, work and social relationships.
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The culture of pressuring people to drink alcohol at company gatherings and social events is gradually disappearing. Yet in some workplaces and social groups, the practice still persists. Younger Koreans are drinking less than previous generations, and the traditional pattern of moving from soju at a first-round dinner to draft beer at a second round is also becoming less common.
For some young workers, especially those grappling with a difficult job market, forced drinking at company dinners can be serious enough to make them consider leaving even after joining a small company. Korea's drinking culture is increasingly becoming a source of generational conflict.
