Continuous 'Era of Hate'... "No Entry for 76 and Older" Senior-Free Zone Appears in Gym

Hotel Officials Say "Unavoidable Measures Due to Safety and Other Reasons"
Netizens Debate the Directive Intensely

Recently, a controversy arose when a gym in Incheon posted a notice stating "No entry for ajummas," and now it has been revealed that a hotel gym in Daegu has decided to restrict registration and use by elderly people. On the 18th, Yeongnam Ilbo reported that a 4-star hotel gym in Suseong-gu, Daegu, posted a notice stating, "Customers aged 76 and over are not allowed to register as members or enter on a daily basis."

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The center explained that this unavoidable measure was taken due to safety concerns such as falls or slips, adding, "Currently registered members aged 76 and over can submit a family consent form stating they will take responsibility in case of a safety accident, and a decision will be made after review." They also added, "Similar measures will be applied to those under 76 who have chronic illnesses or mobility difficulties."

When this guideline became known, online criticism arose, labeling it as "elderly discrimination." Netizens opposing the hotel’s policy commented, "What do you think is the reason elderly people exercise?", "Who can accept such an unreasonable discrimination?", and "Even as a young person, I find this measure really hard to accept." One netizen left a comment saying, "Please stop dividing people." On the other hand, some expressed understanding of the gym’s measures, saying, "It seems to be for the protection of the elderly," "Many gyms restrict elderly entry," and "Gyms have heavy equipment, which can be dangerous for seniors."

Ban on Specific Groups’ Entry: "Freedom of Business" vs. "Violation of Equality Rights"

This is not the first time that specific groups have been banned from entering places like gyms, cafes, or restaurants. On the 15th, a post appeared on a mom caf? in Chungbuk calling for banning elderly people from public swimming pools. Reasons cited included "urinating in the water" and "not showering properly before entering the water," but these claims sparked backlash as elderly hatred and discriminatory remarks.

There is a debate over the 'No Senior Zone,' which restricts access for elderly people at swimming pools, cafes, restaurants, and other places on social networking services (SNS). One cafe sparked controversy by posting a notice at the entrance stating, "Entry restricted for seniors aged 60 and above." A netizen, who identified themselves as a regular customer of the cafe, wrote on an online community, "The cafe owner took this measure after repeatedly being sexually harassed by an elderly man."
[Photo by Online Community]

On social media platforms (SNS), opinions are divided over the so-called "No Senior Zones" that restrict elderly entry in swimming pools, cafes, and restaurants. One caf? stirred controversy by posting a notice at the door stating "Entry restricted for seniors aged 60 and over." A netizen who claimed to be a regular customer of the caf? posted online that "the caf? owner took this measure after being repeatedly sexually harassed by an elderly male customer."

A YouTube video covering this issue received comments such as "But banning all elderly people from entering a caf? is elderly hatred." A Facebook user argued, "Elderly people experienced war when they were young and contributed to economic development," and "They should be respected." The National Human Rights Commission has stated that age-based entry restrictions violate equality rights. Conversely, one netizen defended the ban on specific groups’ entry as the "freedom" of business operators, saying, "Freedom should be protected as much as equality."