Lonely hearts hire dates

Waiting for love to bloom: The favourite spring activity for young Koreans is viewing cherry blossoms as a couple. But those who are single feel pressured to hire a fake boyfriend or girlfriend for the day. — AFP

The practice of hiring dates is gaining popularity among young Koreans as coddled young people find personal interactions increasingly difficult.

BIRDS are chirping and flowers are beginning to bloom. Cherry blossom season has finally arrived in South Korea, marking the start of spring. As lovely as these cherry blossoms are, it is a bittersweet season for some singles who feel pressured by the many couples that can be spotted enjoying the flowers together.