A gym in South Korea has ignited a nationwide controversy by displaying a sign banning “ajumma” (aunties) from using its facilities. The lack of anti-discrimination laws in the country permits organizations to implement such exclusionary policies.
On June 7, a gym in Incheon, near the capital Seoul, put up a sign that reads, “Only cultivated and elegant ladies allowed,” effectively banning middle-aged women, often referred to as “ajumma,” from its premises.
The term “ajumma,” which traditionally describes married women of the ages of around 45 to 55, has increasingly become a derogatory label in South Korea, imbued with sexist and ageist connotations.
Additionally, the sign lists eight criteria for distinguishing women from “ajumma.”
The gym’s management defended the ban by alleging that these women, stereotypically characterized by vibrant clothes and permed hair, and often perceived as loud and self-determined, have caused significant disturbances. Complaints included stealing items, doing laundry in the gym, gossiping, and making unsolicited comments on other people’s bodies. These behaviors, according to the gym, led to younger women quitting their memberships.
In an attempt to justify the ban, the gym distinguished between “ajumma” and other women, stating that ajumma “like free things regardless of their age” and are “stingy with their own money but not with other people’s money.”
The term “ajumma” is often used pejoratively to describe behavior deemed rude or obnoxious, indicating an intolerance for older women. Other businesses are also facing criticism for excluding children or seniors, as well as foreigners, from certain public spaces.
Although the Prohibition of Age Discrimination in Employment and Aged Employment Promotion Act (AEPA) prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of age without justifiable grounds, the practice of turning older people away from cafés, restaurants, and guest houses exists.
On the island of Jeju, for example, the owner of the “Jeombonei” guest house has banned visitors over the age of 39, choosing instead to cater to the younger generation. To circumvent the AEPA, employers and owners often argue that seniors are ill-mannered and noisy, thus providing justifiable grounds for discrimination.
The gender dynamics of ageism in South Korea
But the lack of anti-discrimination laws has impacts beyond access to public spaces.
The country has the largest gender pay gap among OECD nations and ranks lowest on The Economist’s glass ceiling index. Despite numerous proposals, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported that South Korea remains one of the only OECD countries without “comprehensive legislation” that protects against all forms of discrimination in a unified manner.
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration has been particularly controversial regarding gender issues.
By pledging to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and eliminating government gender quotas, Yoon has faced accusations of inciting “gender conflict.”
A self-proclaimed “anti-feminist,” he has blamed the country’s low birthrate on feminism and asserted that “systemic structural discrimination based on gender doesn’t exist in South Korea.” He has eliminated government gender quotas, and appointed only 3 women in his 19-member cabinet.
A fragmented society
South Korean society is traditionally Confucian and shows respect towards elders, but it is becoming increasingly fragmented with a division between younger, Western-oriented individuals and the traditionally popular older generation.
This societal fragmentation is compounded by pressing issues such as the world’s lowest birth rate, long working hours, rising living costs, and gender inequality.
Violence against individuals aged 65 and above is on a steady rise, with the number of elder abuse cases increasing from 5,188 in 2018 to 6,259 in 2020.
Human Rights Watch reports that anti-discrimination legislation has been proposed 11 times since 2007, but none have passed.
About 40% of South Koreans over 65 live below the OECD’s poverty line, the highest rate among OECD countries.
