The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Wed, July 6, 2022 | 18:21
Alcoholics file damage suit against liquor firms
Posted : 2014-08-31 17:11
Updated : 2014-08-31 18:13
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
A group of people receiving treatment for alcoholism have filed a damage suit against liquor firms for the first time in Korea. / Yonhap
A group of people receiving treatment for alcoholism have filed a damage suit against liquor firms for the first time in Korea. / Yonhap

By Jung Min-ho


A group of people receiving treatment for alcoholism have filed a damage suit against liquor firms and government organizations, alleging they were not properly warned about the dangers of alcohol.

According to industry sources, 26 people presented a petition Tuesday to the Seoul Central District Court against Hite Jinro, Muhak, Korea Alcohol Industrial, the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the government.

The plaintiffs demand 2.1 billion won ($2 million) in compensation.

This is the first class-action lawsuit here filed by alcoholics against the liquor industry.

"We are the victims," the plaintiffs said. "We did not recognize the risk of the products."

They said the warning signs on alcohol cans and bottles are "tiny," while the advertisements for them are "huge."

They claim the companies failed to warn them that consuming alcohol can be habit-forming and addictive, demanding that the government launch a campaign to raise awareness about its dangers.

"The government has held only consumers accountable for their alcohol-related diseases," they said. "It is time to come up with solutions to regulate the companies properly."

An official from Hite Jinro said the company has not received a copy of the lawsuit.

"We will take necessary legal actions when we get it," the official said.

A NHIS official said he does not understand why the NHIS is named in the lawsuit as it has "little control over regulating the liquor companies."

In the similar vein, the NHIS is suing three tobacco firms, including local market leader KT&G Corp, in the first lawsuit where a national agency is seeking damages from the tobacco industry.

Some experts believe the two cases may result in different outcomes as cigarettes have proved to be more addictive than alcohol in many studies, which is an important factor in deciding who is responsible for any damages.

Emailmj6c2@ktimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
LG
  • Fashionista first lady draws polarized reactions
  • Price-conscious consumers flock to fresh food sales
  • Son Heung-min recalls experiencing racism in Germany, rejoicing at revenge in World Cup upset
  • Child porn website operator gets 2-yr prison term for concealing criminal proceeds
  • USFK member accused of alleged DUI on motorcycle
  • Korea's inflation soars to 24-year high, weighing on economy
  • June Huh becomes 1st scholar of Korean descent to win Fields Medal
  • Korea's inflation growth hits nearly 24-year high in June on fuel costs
  • US bill expresses concerns over proposed abolishment of Korean ministry of equality
  • Korea to expand nuclear power generation to 30% of total by 2030
  • Maroon 5's world tour image with Rising Sun design causes stir Maroon 5's world tour image with Rising Sun design causes stir
  • [INTERVIEW] How Frank Wildhorn became most popular musical composer in Korea [INTERVIEW] How Frank Wildhorn became most popular musical composer in Korea
  • [INTERVIEW] Yoon Doo-joon juggles music and acting for series 'Never Give Up' [INTERVIEW] Yoon Doo-joon juggles music and acting for series 'Never Give Up'
  • Enhypen returns with more intense music and performances Enhypen returns with more intense music and performances
  • Korea box office tops 15 mil. admissions in June Korea box office tops 15 mil. admissions in June
DARKROOM
  • Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

    Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

  • Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

    Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

  • Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

    Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

  • Poor hit harder by economic crisis

    Poor hit harder by economic crisis

  • Roland Garros 2022

    Roland Garros 2022

The Korea Times
CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Location
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Service
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • 고충처리인
  • Youth Protection Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group