The sign at the gym reads “off limits to ajummas” and “only cultivated and elegant women allowed”. “Ajumma” is a term for women typically in their late 30s and older, but it also carries a negative connotation associated with rude or obnoxious behavior.
The unnamed gym owner defended the decision, stating that the company had faced issues with older women misbehaving, such as monopolizing the changing rooms, stealing items, and making offensive comments about other members’ bodies. The owner claimed that these behaviors had caused younger women to quit the gym.
This incident has struck a nerve in South Korea, where businesses have previously faced backlash for banning specific age groups, such as children or seniors, from certain public places. Critics argue that the gym’s policy unfairly stereotypes and discriminates against older women.
Comments on social media have highlighted that bad behavior is not exclusive to older women, with some calling the move a reflection of outdated attitudes. Others pointed out that older men also exhibit similar behaviors and should not be exempt from scrutiny.
The gym’s owner tried to clarify the policy by stating that the ban was not intended as a general hate comment against older women, but rather to address specific problematic behaviors. Despite this, the ban has found support among some who agree with the negative portrayal of ajummas, further fueling the debate on age and gender discrimination in South Korea.
Psychology professor Park Sang-hee emphasized that rude behaviors are not exclusive to older women and that older men also engage in similar conduct. This incident has highlighted the broader issue of societal intolerance and the need for a more inclusive approach in addressing behavioral problems across all age groups.