"Warning to Some Troublesome Customers"
A so-called "No Ajumma Gym," which bans the entry of 'ajumma' (middle-aged women), has emerged in Incheon, sparking controversy. The gym owner has come forward to explain the reason, claiming that a large proportion of 'problematic customers' come from a specific age group of female clients.
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On the 12th, 'Yonhap News TV' reported that they met with the gym owner, Mr. A, who has been running a gym in Incheon for a year. On the 7th, he posted a notice stating that "ajumma are prohibited from entering, and only elegant women are allowed," which became a hot topic.
Mr. A appealed on the broadcast that it was an unavoidable choice. Some 'ajumma' customers reportedly do laundry in the changing room for 1 to 2 hours, steal supplies such as towels and hairdryers, and in severe cases, even relieve themselves there.
He also explained, "They evaluate other people's bodies, and young women feel very uncomfortable when ajumma say such things," adding, "Those customers openly told me and then left the gym."
Mr. A emphasized that the notice banning ajumma was meant as a warning to some 'problematic customers.' Previously, the gym had posted a notice listing the behaviors of problematic customers under the title "How to distinguish between ajumma and women."
Meanwhile, the gym's entry ban notice sparked controversy online. Some netizens sympathized with Mr. A's position, while others criticized it as discriminatory against certain customers.
Earlier, lawyer Park Ji-hoon, who appeared as a panelist on JTBC's 'Case Manager,' said that Mr. A's gym does not have any legal issues. Lawyer Park explained, "Legally speaking, it is similar to 'no kids zones' or 'no seniors zones,' where the business owner restricts certain customers," adding, "This is possible under the 'principle of freedom of contract.'"
He added, "The ban on ajumma entry seems problematic, but it appears the gym posted such content because there are many problematic customers." The principle of freedom of contract means that, unless restricted by law, individuals can freely form legal relationships with others. In the case of private businesses, owners can freely choose the customers they accept.
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