Yangsan City Council Member Jeong Seong-hoon Holds Legislative Meeting to Prevent Gym Eat-and-Run Incidents and Establish Price Display System

Seeking Measures to Prevent Consumer Damages at Gyms and Similar Facilities

Jeong Seong-hoon, a member of the Yangsan City Council in Gyeongnam, held a 'Legislative Meeting to Prevent Gym Eat-and-Run Incidents and Establish Price Display System' on the 27th at the City Council Special Committee Room.

Yangsan City Council held a legislative meeting on the 27th to prevent gym "meoktwi" incidents and establish a price display system. Photo by Yangsan City

The meeting sought preventive measures in collaboration with the Yangsan City Hall's Civil Economy Division and Sports Support Division.

The meeting focused on the recent nationwide surge in gym eat-and-run incidents and the issue of non-disclosure of price and refund standards.

The number of gym closures nationwide increased by 26.8% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 553 locations, while Yangsan recorded a total of 5 closures, an increase of 3 compared to 2023. This phenomenon is analyzed as being linked to reduced leisure spending due to economic downturn and cutthroat competition.

The government began active measures by amending the 'Act on the Installation and Use of Sports Facilities,' imposing an obligation on sports facility operators from April 23 this year to notify users at least 14 days before planned closure or suspension. Since 2022, it has also mandated the implementation of a 'price display system,' requiring gyms, swimming pools, and other sports facilities to clearly display their fee structures and refund policies on business premises and registration applications.

However, according to a recent Fair Trade Commission survey, many gyms still do not comply with the price display system, infringing on consumers' right to know and causing unfair trade practices.

Councilor Jeong Seong-hoon stated, “Considering that gym-related damages have occurred in nearby areas such as Changwon and Gimhae, there is a possibility of similar issues arising in our Yangsan City. To ensure citizens can use gyms with peace of mind, we held this meeting to devise effective preventive measures.” He emphasized, “It is important to respond through various methods such as active promotion and guidance of sports facilities and consumer education.”

This legislative meeting was an important discussion for protecting and strengthening consumer rights in Yangsan City and is expected to serve as a foundation for future related ordinance amendments.