비싸도 내 가족이 쓸 건데…‘안심소비’ 뜬다

Many Koreans are becoming more concerned over the safety of consumer products, especially after several mattresses were found to have contained radioactive material.
This has lead them to go the extra mile for products that have been proven to be safe... even if they cost a bit more.
Our Kim Da-mi takes a closer look at the latest consumption trend.
Paying for peace of mind... meaning consumers are willing to spend more on products that are proven safe, especially in the era of distrust in production and manufacturing.
This local chicken franchise fries only 58 portions of chicken with each batch of oil... to reassure customers that their chicken is cooked with clean, fresh oil.
"This is the 45th portion of chicken that’s been fried using this oil. After 13 more portions, the old oil will be replaced."
Each portion of chicken is served with a sticker that indicates how many times the oil it was fried in has been used.
The sticker is more than just a number to the customers.
"I've heard some chicken places only replace their oil once every three or four days, but just knowing they use new oil after every 58 portions gives us peace of mind...especially when we are eating it."
Consumers are even more careful when shopping for what they spend one-third of their life on... mattresses.
After the radon-emitting mattresses scandal occurred in South Korea last year, safety concerns and complaints related to mattresses rocketed over 700 percent compared to the previous year.
Responding to the deep concerns and mistrust among consumers, a bedding company has publicized its mattress lab where people can actually see and experience how their mattresses are made... a chance for potential buyers to see that its ads are not misleading or false.
“I’m a newly-wed looking for a new bed for a new home. Because I can see how my bed is produced, I can tell that it’s safe. Mattresses are quite expensive but I’ve decided to invest in one after the tour today.”
Consumers have learned to spend their money more consciously and carefully,... but this consumption trend should also remind the marketing and manufacturing industries that it is their job to be transparent and earn consumers' trust.
KIM Da-mi, Arirang News.