Jinro plans to raise its share of the South Korean soju market, according to local reports.

The spirits group said today (16 April) that it aims to command more than 55.3% of the nation's soju market by the end of the year.

Yoon Jong-woong, the CEO of Jinro, told reporters he will take "aggressive steps" to achieve the market share target in South Korea.

The South Korean liquor maker, acquired by Hite Brewery in mid-2005, plans to list the company's shares again by 9 January next year in an effort to raise the company's value.

Figures released by the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association in January show that, in 2006, Jinro accounted for 52.3% of soju sales. Doosan came in second with 9.7% of the market.