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Condom sales and bookings at several of South Korea's pay-by-the-hour
"love motels" boomed after North Korea's nuclear test.South
Koreans are used to living in the shadow of war and life has continued
as normal across the country in the wake of the October 9 explosion.
But statistics on the number of condoms sold in recent weeks suggest
many may be seeking solace in sex.
A leading chain of convenience stores reported that their condom
sales rose to an average of 1,930 a day after the blast, compared to
1,508 a day before September 30.
The statistics were first reported by prominent newspaper, Chosun
Ilbo, which ran a full-color graphic of a condom-shrouded missile
bearing the North Korean flag.
The head of the Korea Institute for Sex Education, Seong Gyeong-won,
said it is not uncommon for people to seek comfort in the arms of a
lover during times of crisis.
"People tend to have urges to procreate in times of extreme
situations," she said.
"Stress is released through sex ... it's one of the top 10 reasons
why sex is good for the body." |