According to the online shopping site ‘Auction’, sales of ‘self-defense batons’ rose 25 percent compared to the same period in 2013. Of note, expandable batons appeared to be popular among women, as they can be folded and carried around in purses. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 28 (Korea Bizwire) – The sales of items for self-protection are going through the roof due to concerns about personal safety.
As daily news is flooded with reports of murder, rape, stalking, hidden cameras and even hostage-taking situations, more women are purchasing products to help protect themselves.
According to the online shopping site ‘Auction’, sales of ‘self-defense batons’ rose 25 percent compared to the same period in 2013. Of note, expandable batons appeared to be popular among women, as they can be folded and carried around in purses.
Industry watchers say that the increased sales of underpants also seems to be related to the increased sales of self-defense items.
According to the women’s underwear brand ‘Vivian’, sales of women’s underpants and under skirts rose 54 percent compared to data from three years ago. (Image : Yonhap)
According to the women’s underwear brand ‘Vivian’, sales of women’s underpants and under skirts rose 54 percent compared to data from three years ago. Sales of ‘short shorts’, which are short underpants worn under miniskirts, recorded a dramatic 81 percent increase. Short shorts are a necessity for girl group members who wear short pants and skirts but have to dance dynamic choreography.
“Before, women bought underpants to create curves underneath their clothes. However, many young women are currently buying underpants to prevent from being victims of hidden cameras”, officials at Vivian say.
The number of hidden camera crimes increased to 7,623 cases in 2015. The hike is dramatic as only 337 cases were reported in 2005. The development of smartphones and silent camera applications were identified as the main contributing factors to the increase.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
