A fitness center (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
DAEGU, Jun. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – A hotel fitness center in Daegu, South Korea, has ignited a controversy after imposing restrictions on members aged 76 and older, citing safety concerns.
According to news reports on June 18, a notice posted at the entrance of a four-star hotel’s health club in Bango-dong stated that “due to frequent disputes caused by safety incidents such as falls or slips within the center, customers aged 76 and above will not be allowed to register as new members or purchase day passes.”
The notice further stated that existing members aged 76 and over must submit a family consent form acknowledging responsibility for any accidents. Their continued membership would be subject to review after the submission. Failure to provide the required documents would result in membership termination and refunds.
The policy, set to take effect on July 1, extends to individuals under 76 with underlying health conditions or mobility issues, subjecting them to similar restrictions.
The hotel claims the measures were prompted by a recent string of safety incidents involving elderly patrons at the fitness facility.
While some netizens condemned the move as blatant age discrimination, questioning the exclusion of a specific group and expressing disappointment, others understood the health club’s position, acknowledging the heightened risk of accidents involving older members.
This incident is not the first time a fitness center has imposed controversial entry restrictions. Recently, a gym in Incheon made headlines after displaying a “No Entry for Ajummas” (middle-aged women) sign, sparking backlash for its perceived sexism and discrimination.
The BBC even covered the Incheon controversy, noting the complex cultural connotations surrounding the term “ajumma” in Korean society.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
