This South Korean Gym Bans Middle-Aged Women, Here’s Why

Joining the list of the most bizarre decisions in the world, a gym in South Korea’s Incheon city recently issued a notice the previous month, which bars middle-aged ladies called aunties from entering the premises.

In the notice it was written, ‘Only well-mannered and elegant ladies are allowed to enter.’ Further, the sign also announced, that the premises of the gym is ‘off limits to ajummas.’

The word ajumma usually refers to middle-aged women who are in late 30s or above in Korean.

As a result, this sign has triggered a lot of backlash and fury among people, with critics slamming it as discrimination against older women in South Korea.

But later, the gym owner defended his decision. Speaking to south korean TV channel, he asserted, that this notice serves as warning to ‘rogue customers’ to stay in their limits.

While, talking about this decision, he said, that these middle-aged women (aunties), tend to verbally create nuisance for young female customers.

Recounting an instance, the gym owner said, ‘You should be good at having children,” these aunties were heard saying to young women, taunting them’

He also emphasized, that these middle-aged women use washing machines in locker room for laundry. As a result, the water bills of the gym have doubled. And he also accused the women of the theft of soap and towels.

Hence, as a measure, he has turned the gym into a ‘no aunty zone’ to stop the loss of customers and soaring costs.

What’s weirdly notable is, that the owner also made a list of criteria which differentiates lady from ‘aunty.’

Reportedly, these criteria include people who take seats designated for pregnant women on public transport, regardless of their age, exploiting others etc.

‘Netizens Divided Over This Decision’

But the opinions regarding this decision have triggered a lot of debates and fury.

Commenting on this issue, one user said, ‘aunties’ is inappropriate because such behaviour can be found in any age group or gender.’

Another user said, ‘This is crazy! Isn’t the gym owner’s mother an aunty too? Just close down the gym.’

However, there were other who supported the decision, with one saying, ‘rude aunties’ is very ‘tiring’.