No Aunties Allowed? A South Korean Gym's Rule Sparks Ageism Debate

A gym in Incheon, South Korea, has sparked controversy with a sign that read, "Off limits to ajummas (aunties)" and "Only cultivated and elegant women allowed". Reportedly, the word ajumma, which typically means an older woman, has derived a negative connotation to suggest rude or obnoxious women. The gym's sign insinuating that older women are not 'elegant' has ignited a conversation about the long-prevalent ageism in South Korean society. According to reports, several businesses in the country have banned children or elderly persons from certain public places. 

Incheon Gym Sparks Ageism Debate

The gym's owner, who had not been named, justified the sign while speaking to the local media platform Yonhap. He said, "[Some older women customers] would spend an hour or two in the changing room to do their laundry, steal items including towels, soaps, or hair dryers. They would sit in a row and comment and judge other people’s bodies."

The gym owner alleged that the older women's uncomfortable comments have pushed some of their customers to quit the gym. "It’s not that I tried to make a hate comment against older women or women in general," he told Yonhap. "I think people who are enraged by [the notice] are, in fact, the ones with the problem." 

The gym also allegedly distinguished Ajummas and 'elegant' women, saying the former "like free stuff regardless of their age", and that they are "stingy with their own money but not with other people's money". A picture of the sign, which was posted to social media, invited flak as people brought attention to the ageist intent behind the gym owner's action. 

One person on the local social media website Instiz pointed out, "How did the term 'bad customer' become the same as 'ajumma'?" While another social media user said, "If you have worked in the service industry, you’d know that it’s not just older women who fall into those categories.” Another commenter called it "sentiments of the early 2000s”.

Do Some People Support The Ban?

Some social media users also believe that the gym owner's actions are justified. Many netizens agreed that the sign was meant to target women who behave poorly in public. One YouTube user commented, "The ladies are annoying... They take their kids to restaurants and cafes. They are oblivious and abusive."

Many netizens described that ajumma encompasses any women who are "territorial" or ill-mannered and not just older women. Some also pointed out how many women with children take up a lot of space or attention in public spaces. However, this did not seem to justify the sexist insinuation of the word.

Several netizens pointed out how the ban targets only women for allegedly being ill-mannered. A psychology professor, Park Sang-hee, told the television network JTBC, following the ban. "Older men behave the same. They also obsess over free stuff and repeat themselves over and over again. Rude behaviours are not exclusive to older women."