"Ethanol is a Group 1 Carcinogen"... Song Eun-i explores the world of 'non-alcoholic' drinks with Orbit

Broadcaster Song Eun-i, after quitting alcohol, visited a non-alcoholic bottle shop in Yeonnam-dong to explore the world of non-alcoholic beverages. In this meeting with science communicator Orbit, various topics were discussed, ranging from the difference between non-alcoholic and alcohol-free to the scientific principles behind alcohol and food pairing.

"The difference between 0.5% and 0%"... The boundary between alcohol-free and non-alcoholic

Song Eun-i revealed that she completely quit drinking as of January 7, 2026. She became interested in non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative to enjoy social gatherings, and she was accompanied by Orbit to hear an accurate explanation. In the video, the cast visited a store called 'Artist Bottle Club' to check out various non-alcoholic products.

At this venue, the distinction between alcohol-free and non-alcoholic was addressed. According to the video description and the cast's conversation, 'alcohol-free' means a state where there is no alcohol at all, while 'non-alcoholic' refers to products with an alcohol content of less than 1% (usually around 0.5%). Orbit explained that the subtle control of ethanol below 1% is the key to bringing out the flavor for alcohol lovers. It was also mentioned that since there are no side effects from acetaldehyde, which occurs when consuming alcoholic drinks, one can enjoy pairing with a clear mind.

The cast tasted beers, sparkling teas, cocktails, and canned wines available at the store. In particular, while tasting a product collaborated with Hankook Tire, they checked the process of creating carbonation by adjusting pressure and the differences in taste between products. Through Meteor, a 0% product, and Renabre Lager, which has an alcohol content of 0.02%, the diverse spectrum of non-alcoholic product lines was shown. In this process, the sparkling tea, a product blending Earl Grey and white peach, showed characteristics of having many layers that could replace wine.

A scientific analysis of the culture of mixing drinks followed. When Song Eun-i asked why people shake soju to drink it and why bomb shots (mixed drinks) make you drunk quickly, Orbit explained using the concept of the total amount of ethanol. Orbit pointed out, "Rather than the act of mixing itself having an effect, the problem is that the total amount of ethanol consumed ultimately increases."

For example, compared to drinking soju alone, drinking it as a bomb shot leads to consuming a larger amount of alcohol, which consequently causes a surge in ethanol intake. Additionally, it was explained that when mixing drinks, mixing with regular sugary drinks rather than zero-sugar drinks can slow down intoxication. This is because mixing with zero-sugar drinks is similar to consuming it on an empty stomach, whereas sugary drinks play a role in delaying this.

There was also a scientific approach to the relationship between food and alcohol. It was explained that eating side dishes acts as a 'speed bump' that slows down the absorption rate of alcohol, making intoxication occur slowly. Regarding hangovers, it was mentioned that replenishing water, sugar, and protein can be helpful. In relation to the case of canned sardines in Northern Europe, it was added that high-protein foods with high calories can be helpful, but ultimately, true hangover recovery is solved by 'time.'

Finally, information about the manufacturing method of non-alcoholic wine was shared. The most popular method among ways to make non-alcoholic wine is 'vacuum distillation,' which removes alcohol in a vacuum state at a low temperature. Orbit mentioned that flavor can be lost during the process of removing alcohol and suggested that various technologies exist, such as using specific yeasts to prevent alcohol production.

Song Eun-i tasted a white wine product and mentioned the non-artificial fruit and floral scents. She then defined the nature of ethanol, stating, "When ethanol enters our body, it is a poison and a Group 1 carcinogen," emphasizing the reason to stay away from alcohol. Meanwhile, the video introduced the characteristics of various products, such as sparkling tea with a story and red wine that pairs well with meat.