Controversy over discriminatory policies at gyms in South Korea continues to grow, with recent incidents involving bans on “aunties” and elderlies sparking widespread debate.
Recently, an incident at a gym in Incheon, where a sign prohibiting “aunties” from entering was posted, sparked controversy. Now, a similar issue has arisen at a hotel gym in Daegu, where individuals aged 76 and older have been banned from registering and entering, leading to accusations of age discrimination.
According to officials from Daegu, a notice was recently posted at the entrance of a 4-star hotel gym in Beomeo-dong. The notice stated that “due to frequent accidents caused by members slipping or collapsing, customers aged 76 and older are not allowed to register or enter the gym.”
The gym explained that existing members aged 76 and older can continue to use the facilities until their membership expires if they submit a waiver of liability and a consent form from their families. However, these members will not be allowed to renew their memberships, and failure to submit the required documents will result in a refund and cancellation of their membership.
The gym stated that members should submit the mentioned documents to the team leader of the relevant activity. The company will review and decide on a case-by-case basis.
The notice further mentioned that if members under the age of 76 have medical conditions or mobility issues, similar restrictions may apply.
This new policy will take effect from July. 1, and the gym reportedly implemented these measures following a series of recent accidents.
This is not the first time a gym has restricted access to specific groups. Recently, a gym in Incheon faced backlash for posting a notice that banned “aunties” from entering, a controversy that even caught the attention of the BBC.
The BBC highlighted that while only one gym enforced such a ban, there have been multiple instances in recent years where businesses in S. Korea have prohibited children and elderly people from entering, causing widespread debate.
