Makgeoli - an alcoholic drink

We have been making the point that food is an important form of communication.  Here is an interesting tidbit from our food tour expert -Tasong about how the Korean drink Makgeoli is used as  a symbol of  the common man.  According to Tasong "Makgeolli has been used to make politicians seem more common, human, lazy and country-like. Makgeolli is believed by the public to be an easygoing, conservative, and folksy drink. That’s why authoritative politician utilize it for political propaganda. One of the presidents who knew how to use that strategy was president Park Jung Hee(Current President’s father). Even though he controlled his nation by power, he was shown to be drinking makgeolli with farmers during the farming season. It is similar like when commercials show the U.S.A president going to the beerhouse during an election campaign."