1 of 5 Koreans suffers from alcoholism

Korea is reconfirmed as a society where people offer others alcohol. A recent survey showed that one out of five adults are suffering from alcoholism.

The Korea Drinking Culture and Alcohol Research (KODCAR) surveyed nearly 15,000 people around the country during the past six months and analyzed the answers of 3,029 respondents aged over 18 based on the measuring standard set by the World Health Organization. It showed that 19.5 percent were classified as having an ``obstacle`` in using alcohol. In particular, 35.2 percent of men were classified in this category.

Jegal Jung, research fellow of the center, said that the criteria to judge alcoholism differs from one nation to another, saying that the WHO is using the phrase obstacle in using alcohol. He noted that it is equivalent to alcoholism or the step prior to alcoholism in Korea.

These facts will be announced at the symposium on Korea`s status of alcoholism and treatment of alcoholics, which will be held at the Korea Press Center at 1 p.m. Apr. 27.

Lee Sung-Joo stein33@donga.com