Will Blackpink’s “Rose” and Bruno Mars’ new song “Apt” revive Korean drinking games?

A college ritual

As in other countries, these drinking games inevitably lead to a lot of shots being knocked down as penalties.

According to 20-year-old Kim Min-soo, because of this aspect, they are not as popular as they used to be.

“We drink less and play games less,” he said. “The modern generation looks at alcohol as a taste, as a delicacy, and not just as a way to get drunk.”

Kim Gaeul, 24, added that drinking games are mostly a ritual among college freshmen to break the ice.

“I rarely play drinking games with close friends unless we’re really drunk and bored,” she said.

A survey conducted earlier this year by South Korean pharmaceutical company Handok, which makes hangover drugs, also reflects this trend, showing students’ disinclination to play drinking games.

The survey, which was conducted online for two weeks starting on February 26, involved 475 college students from across South Korea, from first to fourth year.

It was found that those who strongly encouraged drinking were the ones students would most like to avoid during meetings in the new semester – 29.9 percent. This type of person is followed by those who disappear when it’s time to pay (28.2 percent) and those who focus solely on drinking games (26.5 percent).

An advertising industry insider echoed this shift, noting that Gen Z drinkers, ages 27 and under, prefer variety and moderation in their drinking habits.

“When we offer alcohol advertising, we remember that Gen Z drink less and enjoy more choice,” said the insider. “This phenomenon happened gradually, but the Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings really accelerated the change.”

A local spirits industry insider added: “Drinking culture has changed dramatically due to the impact of COVID-19. It has moved away from the old pour-and-drink culture to one where you drink a little and savor it.”

For some, it’s a trip down memory lane

Those who lived through the heyday of Korean drinking games until the outbreak of the pandemic have mixed feelings about their impact.

Drinking games in Korea are often seen as an effective way to quickly bond between strangers.

“They bring everyone together; it really works,” said 30-year-old Kim Joo-in. “One of the games where people take turns trying to remember a growing list of names is a great way to not only break the ice, but also remember everyone’s names.”

Mr Kim Hyun Joong, now in his 30s and a former high school and university student in the United States, agreed. “I studied in the US and to be honest, I haven’t seen anything like Korean drinking games. It’s a fantastic way to break the ice.”

However, not everyone has fond memories of these games.

“Drinking games make you drink too fast,” said Ms. Park Kyu-jin, who was 30. “I don’t like alcohol, so I always feel guilty when my friends shoot my penalties.”

Ms. Min Jeong-ah, also in her 30s, noted, “In Korea, we seem to like the culture of drinking together more than the drinks themselves. It’s not so much about enjoying a drink or having a good conversation, but more about playing games and getting drunk quickly, which I don’t prefer.”

Kim Yu-jeong, 32, echoed this sentiment. “I definitely drink more when I play alcohol games, and I’ve seen a lot of friends quit while playing. I don’t think that’s healthy at all.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK