Kim Wan-jun, also known as soju artist Funnyjun, sees soju as not just a liquor but a cultural conduit to promote Korean drinking culture to the world. Courtesy of Kim Wan-jun Artist teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju By Ko Dong-hwan A self-proclaimed upcycling artist, who uses discarded items to create artistic statements, released a book to promote an authentic guide to drinking soju, a clear and affordable alcohol that has been consumed by Koreans for decades. Kim Wan-jun, known by the artist name Funnyjun, wants to impart to global soju drinkers that drinking soju should not be equated with getting tipsy on any other liquor because it involves certain etiquette.
The set of 10 rules, according to Kim, makes soju a uniquely Korean culture. With the book, he wants to no longer leave soju as just a conversation piece. He wants to define subliminal messages behind drinking soju and translate them into multiple languages.
The book, titled "How to Drink Soju," breaks down each step of soju etiquette, from seating to opening a bottle, offering and receiving drinks, clinking glasses and drinking. It also includes dedicated chapters on games often played during soju-drinking sessions — such as "APT.," featured in the recent global hit song by Rose and Bruno Mars — and Korean dishes that pair well with soju.
What Kim especially wants to highlight, however, is not the instructions per se. Rather, he wants to explain the hidden messages behind each minute but "careful" g.
