[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Valentine’s Day abuse

With Valentine’s Day near, I am disappointed at the market tricks played on young children.

Some Internet shopping malls have Valentine’s Day presents that cost tens of thousands of won, promoting a consumption mindset among teenagers. In a commercial district in southern Seoul, one store sells imported French chocolates costing more than 800,000 won ($685). I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that.

I believe that teenagers should cultivate a healthy, productive frame of mind instead of becoming strongly attached to a Valentine’s Day that has changed in meaning and deteriorated in the hands of those who abuse it as a commercial vehicle.

The media should also refrain from competing to report on the extravagant patterns of minority shoppers.

by Park Dong-hyun